Jason Long
Guest
Wednesday Night Rumble: Exit Sandman
Jason Long via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Monday Night Football college style was a rousing success if you’re a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes came out like a house on fire, then took a step back in the second quarter but regrouped at halftime and finished up by walloping the Virginia Tech Hokies in Lane Stadium 42-24.
I’ve been challenged! Mr Malibuckeye himself has asked that I do a Rumble with all Metallica related song titles and connotations. Well, sir, challenge accepted! Let’s crank it up to one hundred plus through black and white, it’s Wednesday and time to rumble! (Let’s pray this doesn’t get too corny)
Exit light, enter night
We heard all week leading in to the showdown with the Hokies how this was easily the biggest non-conference home game in Va Tech history. And you have to admit, now that you’ve seen it (television or not) it’s an electric atmosphere, to say the very least.
And to be fair, the crowd at Lane Stadium didn’t disappoint. They had the joint rocking. It was the Buckeyes who took the wind out of their sales early.
On the field the Hokies got into a quick 14-0 hole but rallied their way out to take a 17-14 lead at halftime. I thought this showed incredible resiliency on their part and what I hope isn’t a problem in the future for Ohio State. Let me explain…
Yesterday seems as though it never existed
Sure, Tech was at home and didn’t want to be embarrassed. Yes, they caught the Buckeye defense sleeping with some throw backs and misdirection. But the bottom line for me is that up 14-0 our guys seemed to want to rest a bit. Or, and even worse, they felt they had the game in full control and could ease off the throttle and cruise the remaining three quarters.
Whatever side of the fence you stand on, it’s unacceptable. Clearly, Urban Meyer and his staff got things under control. But to see a team with all the potential and hoopla as Ohio State has coming in to 2015, coming off a remarkable championship run, is a touch unsettling.
That moment when you realize you let someone be in a game they shouldn’t have been in
Ok, here’s my flashback/concern from recent memory: They had this problem in 2013 and it came back and hurt them in the Big Ten Championship Game loss to Michigan State. That entire season was essentially played without fire, without any adrenaline, or as Meyer would say “juice”. I railed on and on about it in this column for weeks. It drove me insane to see a team with so much to play for, after going 12-0 and not being allowed to play for the title, just seem so entitled and flat.
Thankfully 2014 was a different story. I felt like the infusion of youth and finally having all “Urban recruits” in the program made the difference. Last season was kids with their hair on fire out there having a blast and letting it fly.
We’re going to see this year that they (and this is typically true every year but much more so now after winning The College Football Playoff last year) are going to get everyone’s best shot. Hawaii is playing their Super Bowl this Saturday in The Horseshoe. The same will be said for Northern Illinois next week. And Indiana and Penn State and so on and so on.
Ohio State needs a constant attitude of a steamroller in action crushing all. The mantra that ‘victim’ is the name of that weeks opponent and they shall fall. Especially on the road!
If you think they’re too good to be beat, need I remind you of “Black Saturday” in 1998. The pedal must stay to the floor at all times.
A choice is made
You read here last week my prediction that JT Barrett would be the starting quarterback. As we saw, that was clearly a flawed suggestion as when the day that never comes finally arrived for Barrett and Cardale Jones it was the latter that went out with the number one offense.
In my defense, I always make sure and tell you how I can’t speak on what is happening at practices for the simple reason that I am not at practices. And apparently at practice, Cardale Jones was making quite the impression. You’ll certainly hear no complaints from me. In Urban I trust.
Cardale is the starter
As for his game on Monday night, I thought Jones played well. I read a lot of you attacking him on Twitter at halftime, saying that he should be benched for Barrett. And while I get where you’re coming from if you were of that opinion, it simply couldn’t happen.
Here’s how this thing has to go for the remainder of the season: Cardale is the guy and unless he is horrifically bad they ride him until the wheels fall off. For those on “Team Barrett” that reality is sad but true.
They can bring JT in for spots and certainly to mop up, but you can’t shake team chemistry and continuity by having a short hook on Jones and yanking him out at the first sign of trouble, be it one series, a compilation of series or even a quarter like the second in Blacksburg.
It’s Cardale’s show. Advantages are taken, not handed out. Jones took his and seized the day. He is our quarterback for 2015 and he won’t be on a short leash. If he’s struggling a bit, they’re going to give him the time to work through it.
Quick Hitters (or for tonight “Rapid Fire”)
How can you not love everything that is Braxton Miller? That spin move was absolutely filthy. Since urban Meyer’s arrival we’ve clamored for the next Percy Harvin in an Urban Meyer offense and folks he may just be wearing number 1 and have been here all along. Additionally, how can you not be excited for a guy who made a commitment to Ohio State and through a bad situation has stuck it out and is making the best of it? Not to mention, he may have kick-started his own Heisman campaign on Monday night.
I thought Sam Hubbard was stout and played well filling in for Joey Bosa. For that matter, as did Jalyn Holmes. I know there was a point where Kirk Herbstreit was complaining about Hubbard setting the edge and his experience being a factor and that was fair criticism. But looking at the bigger picture, Hubbard and Holmes did just fine.
What. A. Move.
Speaking of Bosa… he, Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson will be back on the field Saturday against Hawaii in Ohio Stadium. Anyone else overjoyed at the fact that Marshall will be back returning punts and Ezekiel Elliott can hand those responsibilities off to him? Forget the fumble, it was the possibility of him having his knee wrecked by a gunner that scared the daylights out of me. All it takes is one hit and we suddenly have a problem at running back. That was a risky move, one I’m surprised happened.
And speaking of Zeke, he certainly made the most of the touches he was given. I, like most of you, didn’t understand why he was being given the ball on counters and isolations off tackle and attacking the edges of Bud Foster’s “bear” front. Clearly something about that alignment has spooked Meyer and his staff in to believing it is impenetrable even when attacked consistently with a great back like Elliott. I know, I know, in Urban we trust. Obey our master, right? (you better have known where that last link was taking you)
I really liked the play of the linebackers. Joshua Perry was his usual solid self. Darron Lee was kind of quiet for a while but finished with a bone jarring hit. Raekwon McMillan was literally everywhere. I loved seeing sophomores Dante Booker and Chris Worley on the field and active as well. Booker was especially hard to miss as it seemed like 33 was in the frame on a pretty constant basis.
Wrap it up
It’s hard to argue with much other than the slow second quarter. Thanks to Mali for the Metallica idea, I hope it didn’t turn out too silly. I also hope that you didn’t click one of those links and decide “this is way better than this guy” and didn’t come back. If so, then you’re not reading this anyway and you’re a terrible person with a bad moral compass who probably kicks puppies.
Saturday the Hawaii whatever they’re called’s (Rainbows? Warriors? Gladiators? Lizards?) come to Ohio Stadium. The tarp will be removed on the facade showing the “2014” among the national championship seasons. It should be awesome! Until next week, Go Bucks!
Metallica track of the week
Well of course there’s still going to be a Metallica track of the week! What do you think I am, some sort of savage? This one’s for Hawaii, let’s go back to Nimes, France, summer of 09 for Creeping Death!!
The post Wednesday Night Rumble: Exit Sandman appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
Continue reading...
Jason Long via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Monday Night Football college style was a rousing success if you’re a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes came out like a house on fire, then took a step back in the second quarter but regrouped at halftime and finished up by walloping the Virginia Tech Hokies in Lane Stadium 42-24.
I’ve been challenged! Mr Malibuckeye himself has asked that I do a Rumble with all Metallica related song titles and connotations. Well, sir, challenge accepted! Let’s crank it up to one hundred plus through black and white, it’s Wednesday and time to rumble! (Let’s pray this doesn’t get too corny)
Exit light, enter nightWe heard all week leading in to the showdown with the Hokies how this was easily the biggest non-conference home game in Va Tech history. And you have to admit, now that you’ve seen it (television or not) it’s an electric atmosphere, to say the very least.
And to be fair, the crowd at Lane Stadium didn’t disappoint. They had the joint rocking. It was the Buckeyes who took the wind out of their sales early.
On the field the Hokies got into a quick 14-0 hole but rallied their way out to take a 17-14 lead at halftime. I thought this showed incredible resiliency on their part and what I hope isn’t a problem in the future for Ohio State. Let me explain…
Yesterday seems as though it never existed
Sure, Tech was at home and didn’t want to be embarrassed. Yes, they caught the Buckeye defense sleeping with some throw backs and misdirection. But the bottom line for me is that up 14-0 our guys seemed to want to rest a bit. Or, and even worse, they felt they had the game in full control and could ease off the throttle and cruise the remaining three quarters.
Whatever side of the fence you stand on, it’s unacceptable. Clearly, Urban Meyer and his staff got things under control. But to see a team with all the potential and hoopla as Ohio State has coming in to 2015, coming off a remarkable championship run, is a touch unsettling.
That moment when you realize you let someone be in a game they shouldn’t have been in
Ok, here’s my flashback/concern from recent memory: They had this problem in 2013 and it came back and hurt them in the Big Ten Championship Game loss to Michigan State. That entire season was essentially played without fire, without any adrenaline, or as Meyer would say “juice”. I railed on and on about it in this column for weeks. It drove me insane to see a team with so much to play for, after going 12-0 and not being allowed to play for the title, just seem so entitled and flat.
Thankfully 2014 was a different story. I felt like the infusion of youth and finally having all “Urban recruits” in the program made the difference. Last season was kids with their hair on fire out there having a blast and letting it fly.
We’re going to see this year that they (and this is typically true every year but much more so now after winning The College Football Playoff last year) are going to get everyone’s best shot. Hawaii is playing their Super Bowl this Saturday in The Horseshoe. The same will be said for Northern Illinois next week. And Indiana and Penn State and so on and so on.
Ohio State needs a constant attitude of a steamroller in action crushing all. The mantra that ‘victim’ is the name of that weeks opponent and they shall fall. Especially on the road!
If you think they’re too good to be beat, need I remind you of “Black Saturday” in 1998. The pedal must stay to the floor at all times.
A choice is made
You read here last week my prediction that JT Barrett would be the starting quarterback. As we saw, that was clearly a flawed suggestion as when the day that never comes finally arrived for Barrett and Cardale Jones it was the latter that went out with the number one offense.
In my defense, I always make sure and tell you how I can’t speak on what is happening at practices for the simple reason that I am not at practices. And apparently at practice, Cardale Jones was making quite the impression. You’ll certainly hear no complaints from me. In Urban I trust.
Cardale is the starter
As for his game on Monday night, I thought Jones played well. I read a lot of you attacking him on Twitter at halftime, saying that he should be benched for Barrett. And while I get where you’re coming from if you were of that opinion, it simply couldn’t happen.
Here’s how this thing has to go for the remainder of the season: Cardale is the guy and unless he is horrifically bad they ride him until the wheels fall off. For those on “Team Barrett” that reality is sad but true.
They can bring JT in for spots and certainly to mop up, but you can’t shake team chemistry and continuity by having a short hook on Jones and yanking him out at the first sign of trouble, be it one series, a compilation of series or even a quarter like the second in Blacksburg.
It’s Cardale’s show. Advantages are taken, not handed out. Jones took his and seized the day. He is our quarterback for 2015 and he won’t be on a short leash. If he’s struggling a bit, they’re going to give him the time to work through it.
Quick Hitters (or for tonight “Rapid Fire”)
How can you not love everything that is Braxton Miller? That spin move was absolutely filthy. Since urban Meyer’s arrival we’ve clamored for the next Percy Harvin in an Urban Meyer offense and folks he may just be wearing number 1 and have been here all along. Additionally, how can you not be excited for a guy who made a commitment to Ohio State and through a bad situation has stuck it out and is making the best of it? Not to mention, he may have kick-started his own Heisman campaign on Monday night.
I thought Sam Hubbard was stout and played well filling in for Joey Bosa. For that matter, as did Jalyn Holmes. I know there was a point where Kirk Herbstreit was complaining about Hubbard setting the edge and his experience being a factor and that was fair criticism. But looking at the bigger picture, Hubbard and Holmes did just fine.
What. A. Move.
Speaking of Bosa… he, Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson will be back on the field Saturday against Hawaii in Ohio Stadium. Anyone else overjoyed at the fact that Marshall will be back returning punts and Ezekiel Elliott can hand those responsibilities off to him? Forget the fumble, it was the possibility of him having his knee wrecked by a gunner that scared the daylights out of me. All it takes is one hit and we suddenly have a problem at running back. That was a risky move, one I’m surprised happened.
And speaking of Zeke, he certainly made the most of the touches he was given. I, like most of you, didn’t understand why he was being given the ball on counters and isolations off tackle and attacking the edges of Bud Foster’s “bear” front. Clearly something about that alignment has spooked Meyer and his staff in to believing it is impenetrable even when attacked consistently with a great back like Elliott. I know, I know, in Urban we trust. Obey our master, right? (you better have known where that last link was taking you)
I really liked the play of the linebackers. Joshua Perry was his usual solid self. Darron Lee was kind of quiet for a while but finished with a bone jarring hit. Raekwon McMillan was literally everywhere. I loved seeing sophomores Dante Booker and Chris Worley on the field and active as well. Booker was especially hard to miss as it seemed like 33 was in the frame on a pretty constant basis.
Wrap it up
It’s hard to argue with much other than the slow second quarter. Thanks to Mali for the Metallica idea, I hope it didn’t turn out too silly. I also hope that you didn’t click one of those links and decide “this is way better than this guy” and didn’t come back. If so, then you’re not reading this anyway and you’re a terrible person with a bad moral compass who probably kicks puppies.
Saturday the Hawaii whatever they’re called’s (Rainbows? Warriors? Gladiators? Lizards?) come to Ohio Stadium. The tarp will be removed on the facade showing the “2014” among the national championship seasons. It should be awesome! Until next week, Go Bucks!
Metallica track of the week
Well of course there’s still going to be a Metallica track of the week! What do you think I am, some sort of savage? This one’s for Hawaii, let’s go back to Nimes, France, summer of 09 for Creeping Death!!
The post Wednesday Night Rumble: Exit Sandman appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
Continue reading...