I'm sorry, but Ted Ginn's English grade has nothing to do with how much he gets the ball, and a conservative gameplan does not graduate more players.
My theory is that Tressel manages the team based on the idea that each year is composed of four seasons - the non-conference schedule, the rest of the Big Ten schedule, the m*ch*g*n game, and the bowl game. While he tries to win every game, he's also macromanaging with an eye on the final two seasons. Because of that, he's always holding a little something back for those two.
Also, don't discount the Cooper effect. I'm sure Jim Tressel realizes that Ohio State will almost always be able to survive the first two seasons on prudent gameplanning and talent. He's a very wise risk-taker. Tressel will play it closer to the vest (pun fully intended:tongue2: ) during the first two seasons, then manage more aggressively during the second two. This is the exact opposite of what his predecessor did. Mistakes (or failure to seize opportunities) during the second two seasons are intensely magnified, and therefore it's in Jim Tressel's interest to save his best for then.
Think back to the winning drive in the scUM game in 2002. Two of the most crucial plays came on looks that LLLoyd hadn't seen on film from any game previous (the wheel pass to Clarett and the option to Mo Hall). If I remember correctly, that option play was the only option play the Bucks ran all that season, and that's precisely why it was effective. That risk he took was set up by the style he showed during the first two seasons that year. Jim Tressel is very good at playing possum.
Also, keep in mind that John Cooper didn't get fired because he lost to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Miami, Penn State, or Illinois. He got fired because he couldn't beat South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida St., Alabama, Georgia, Syracuse, Air Force, and most importantly, m*ch*g*n.