One thing that Tressel has always figured out how to have is good QB play. In 2001 he came into a tough situation as far as the QB position was concerned, but it all led to Krenzel getting the job late in 2001 and in 2002 and 2003, and that worked out great. Then in 2004 Zwick wasn't working out, and it quickly became the Troy Smith story late in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Then in 2007 Boeckman really did have a great year, one of the best if not they best season for any QB in the Big Ten in 2007. Unfortunate he was only remembered for how he played at the very end, but that's the breaks. Boeckman wasn't quite working out at the start of 2008, so in comes TP and adds some fire and life to the Buckeyes, and even though Pryor ended up losing two big games, he also won some big ones, MSU and esp the come back win against Wisky to name a few, and so I feel like that worked out very well.
That's the one thing I've liked about Jim Tressel most. The QB play. Obviously I'm not surprised since it's Tress' position. But we really haven't had to worry much about our QB play since Tressel has been around, so I think we hit the panic button a little more quickly than we maybe should, just because we are used to such great QB play. Tressel doesn't mess around when it comes to QBs. If he had enough faith in Pryor to put him in there as a true freshman, that speaks VOLUMES. Here is a look to see just how blessed we have been with QB play since Tressel arrived.
2001
148/286, 51.7% comp., 2290 yards, 12 TD, 11 INT, 125.16 Eff. Rating, 308 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD, 2598 total yards, 15 total TD
2002
173/280, 61.8% comp., 2425 yards, 14 TD, 7 INT, 146.04 Eff. Rating, 554 rushing yards, 4 rushing TD, 2979 total yards, 18 total TD
2003
208/366, 56.8% comp., 2679 yards, 20 TD, 13 INT, 129.24 Eff. Rating, 461 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD, 3140 total yards, 23 total TD
2004
166/310, 53.5% comp., 2105 yards, 14 TD, 9 INT, 119.68 Eff. rating, 526 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD, 2631 total yards, 16 total TD
2005
196/302, 64.9% comp., 2708 yards, 18 TD, 5 INT, 156.58 Eff. rating, 768 rushing yards, 11 rushing TD, 3476 total yards, 29 total TD
2006
221/340, 65.0% comp., 2791 yards, 31 TD, 6 INT, 160.51 Eff. rating, 347 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD, 3138 total yards, 34 total TD
2007
211/330, 63.9% comp., 2565 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT, 146.75 Eff. rating, 301 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 2866 total yards, 27 total TD
2008
160/267, 59.9% comp., 1953 yards, 17 TD, 6 INT, 137.88 Eff. rating, 927 rushing yards, 6 rushing TD, 2880 total yards, 23 total TD
As you can see, Tessel's first year was the worst year for our QBs, with lows in total yards, TDs, comp %, QB rating, and TD/INT ratio.
Since then Ohio State QBs have thrown for 140 TD while only throwing 60 INT. A 14 to 6 TD/INT ratio isn't bad at all.
And this past season, the TD/INT was better than that. And while the passing yards were at a low, the rushing yards brought the total yards up to an average level of production for an Ohio State QB. Which has been pretty damn good imo. I'm just not too worried about the QB position. People compare 2004 to 2008, as far as the QB situation. If that is the case, and the next two years are like 2005 and 2006 were, then we are golden. But to expect that is a bit much. Looking at Tressel's history though, I know we are going to have solid QB play next year. I think it's the reason we've had a top 10 team 6 out of the past 7 years. And this year's team was the only one not in the top 5.
I'm excited to have Pryor as our QB for the next few years. More excited than I think i've ever been after a QBs first year. But one way or another, Pryor's days will be gone, and i'm positive that the next QB that will step in will be great as well. As long as Tressel is around that is.