Pregame Postage: Week 9, NMSU
Ahhh, the 2009 “bye week”. I really shouldn’t call it that, because this team needs all the reps it can get before the brutal PSU/Iowa/Michigan stretch to finish the season. The last time they overlooked a team they should have beaten, it resulted in a loss.
I still can’t get a real feel for this team. You really just don’t know which team is going to show up week-to-week. I hoped that we were onto something after the Toledo-Illinois-Indiana games, but things seemed to break down.
I think a lot of it (but not all) had to do with the line. It’s been an accelerated round of musical chairs all season. They can’t get into a rhythm because someone’s always getting hurt or sick. That’s still an issue today as Justin Boren is out for tomorrow’s game and Mike Adams is out a couple of weeks as well. Andy Miller is working his way back into the rotation, but an Olineman losing 18 lbs with the flu is going to take some time to get back up-to-speed.
Some of the other woes had to do with playcalling (shotgun or I-formation wars) as well as Terrelle’s decision-making and mechanics. It all culminated in the Purdue game, which was the worst I’ve seen this team play in a long time. The team took a collective step in the right direction last weekend against a Minnesota team that handily beat Purdue. I’d like to see it continue tomorrow against New Mexico State.
I constantly joke about the team always going 3-and-out on its first possession of the game. It’s less frustrating if you just accept that it’s going to happen. However, I don’t want to see that tomorrow. NMSU has the #120 ranked offense (out of 120) in the country. We betta had get a first down on the first possession!
I’d like to see TP put up some more impressive stats, but that’s secondary to building his confidence. I want to see him make the correct reads, plant his feet, and not lock onto only DeVier. I know he’s our next All-American WR and all, but we need to spread the ball around and not be so predictable. Best believe that Penn State and Iowa will make it hard for TP to get that ball to #8. Dane Sanzenbacher was the first go-to guy. I’d like to see him get some more looks as well as the TE. Don’t laugh.
Another 100+ yd rushing performance isn’t really necessary as long as TP’s decisive about getting north-south and taking what the defense gives him. 5 yards here and there is ok. He doesn’t always need to break the big one although those long runs are so impressive. Wouldn’t mind seeing him put his shoulder down and hitting someone either. Seeing that, and his stiff-arm, never gets old.
It’s already been announced that Brandon Saine will start. Glad his concussion wasn’t serious because RB depth is getting a little scary. Still, it would have been cool to see Jordan Hall get the start. I still expect to see a lot of him. Love what he brings to the table! Would like to see Boom get a few carries, too, just to shake the dust off. He’s been out a while.
Because this is an offense trying to find its identity still, there will be field goal attempts that should be TDs. I want Mr. Pettrey to nail these tomorrow; and not just from 40+ yards. ALL OF THEM! Actually, I wouldn’t be mad if we got Ben Buchanon some attempts. He or Devin Barclay are going to be get the job next year, isn’t he? And if someone’s going to miss FG’s, may as well be done while getting our future guy some reps.
On the defensive side of the ball, I’m greedy. I want another shutout. Last week should have been one, but it’s an ok trade-off to get the young’uns some reps. We’ll need them ready next year. I want to see our terror ends, Thad and Nathan Williams, pad their stats. I know the NMSU QB is from Southern Ohio and is looking forward to playing in his home state. But if I were him, I’d be shaking in my boots right now.
Kurt Coleman tends to have a pick or huge play in every game. I want TWO tomorrow. That’s right. I said two! He earns himself more and more NFL money with each and every Saturday performance.
On Special Teams, Ray Small could have a big day. Go get ‘em, Ray-Ray, but hold on to the ball!
All in all, I predict a Buckeye beat down. The spread is about 44 points, and I’m not sure we cover, but only because after things get out hand (and it’s past halftime) Tress will start clearing the bench. Yes, he’s said he won’t, but he will. Just watch.
If you’re going to the game, like I am, enjoy it! Next time we all congregate in the ‘Shoe, we’ll probably be all stressed out and nervous. The Hawkeyes will be coming to town in 2 weeks.
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