So, where does the team go from here?
1) First it has to recover from last nights devasting loss. More easily said than done. But somehow, the coaches and players are going to have to regroup and re-focus. If not, it could turn out to be a very dismal year.
The players and coaches did re-group and re-focus. Part of that regrouping involved changes in personel and philosophy. Good for Tress and the team to respond in a positive way. The team could have perhaps played with more passion, but they did play with more confidence and chemistry than the prior three weeks.
2) What's up with Beanie? Though much talk has centered around Beanie's
injury, if it continues to linger, Beanie, and the coaches are going to have to make a decision as to if they are going to use him and risk further injury, or redshirting him for the year. Beanies health and future must take precedence in this decision, no matter how bad all of us want to see him play.
We still do not know what's up with Beanie. However, BOOM Herron has proved to be a solid replacement nearly rushing for 100 yds today. He showed patience, vision and toughness, which is going to be needed starting next week and Big Ten play.
3) Quarterback. There are suggestions that we bench TB and start TP. That is certainly an option but I think we must remember that there is still a conference to win and hopefully a BCS bowl to play in. I like last nights strategy and personally think we should continue with it throughout the next five games. If TP excels in the passing game over that duration, then start him in the meat of the Big Ten schedule. But not before.
The QB question has been answered once and for all. The Todd Boeckman era is over and a NEW ERA has begun. Forget my nonsense about sharing time over the next five games. TP is the man. 4 TD passes - NUFF SAID!! Plus his only INT came as a result of a hail mary pass at the end of the first half. TP played with poise and confidence, showing great playmaking ability.
4) Offensive and Defensive Line problems - It is apparent that something is very wrong along both side of the trenches. I'm not sure what needs to be done, but it is a glaring weakness. Whether it's change in coaching philosophy, blocking schemes, new personel, or a combination of things, these two areas needs much attention.
Starting Brewster at Center was a great move. He played very solid today and the OL overall played very very well, opening holes for the RB and giving TP time to throw the ball.
On Defense, we saw two true freshman play in the game. Kieth Wells and Nathan Williams. The dink and dunk game made it hard for the DL to get pressure, but overall, the DL was much improved and did get greater push today. The jury is still out though on the DL.
5) Playmakers - Perhaps it's time we start using guys like Flash and Posey on Offense to include a couple difference makers when we have the ball. Granted, if we cannot get the ball to them because our OL is collasping, it's a mute point. But we really need a spark on Offense.
On Offense TP and B. Hartline proved to be playmakers today. BOOM did a fine job at RB, helping move the chains. Add with a healthy Beanie, along with TP, our Offense can become very good.
On Defense, Kurt Coleman came up with two INT's and J. Hines is a star in the making. We've needed some guys to step up on D and though we gave up too many yards, it was encouraging seeing a couple guys being difference makers. Credit the D for completely shutting down Troy's Offense in the 4th Quarter.
6) Fanbase - As fans we are very fortunate to root for a team like Ohio State (800 victories). However, with some of the best fans on the planet, we also have some of the worse fans on the planet. We must remember that we are all Buckeyes and that even though we may have our differing opinions, the team needs our support. Let's rally around the team and root them on to another Big Ten conference title and victory in a BCS bowl game.
Disappointed that the stadium was not completely full. Shows that this team, like all teams, has it's bandwagon, cry babies. I'm glad that they did not have the opportunity to see a future Heisman trophy winner start his first game and throw 4 TD's. But like all bandwagoners, they will be back next week with their #2 jersey's on.
:osu:GO BUCKS!!
