The Internetz Are Funny
Serious question: How do other big time programs run their fall camp & spring practice scrimmages? Are they mostly simulations where the 1s battle it out just like they would in a game? That’s the impression I get from the media, but I’m not sure because I don’t feel the need to spend my free time dissecting what other teams are doing.
“Experts” and other CFB analysts report QB stats and that’s it. From there, the public is left to judge whether or not a team is ready and/or whether or not said QB sucks.
If a National talking head simply rattles off TP’s stats from yesterday, and no other details, then a reader (not familiar w/ OSU’s jersey scrimmage practices) is left to compare his numbers to say that of a Greg McElroy & simply write off Terrelle Pryor and Ohio State. That’s their right, but that would be foolish. And let me tell you why.
Ohio State doesn’t really do game simulation scrimmages. Heck, even the Spring Game isn’t “real”. For example, Tressel could have the offense start a series from the 1 yardline, just to see how they react. And in said series, he could tell them that they can only run the ball; no passes. It’s not out of the question. And at the same time, the staff will inform the defense that they can only show certain looks & run certain coverages. I call this process, though misleadingly referred to as a scrimmage, “Tressel’s Lab”. He sets up specific game situations to see what the team needs to work on. Lots of weird scoring rules ensue.
Then, on the next series, Tress may decide that his QBs need to work on passing. He’ll place the ball on the 20 yardline (we don’t need no stinking kickoffs or punts!) and give a mandate that this series must be pass plays only. Then, just for sh*ts n’ giggles, he’ll sub in a completely new Oline. Fun, right? But he’s not done. He’ll inform the defense that there shall be no blitzes. It’s all a part of Tressel’s Lab, I tell ya!
And let’s not forget that biggest storyline here: TP had the black no-contact jersey on. That’s pretty much the opposite of a real scrimmage or game action, isn’t it? You’re taking the most dangerous part of TP’s game out of the equation. Put that together with all the other lab research conducted during this “scrimmage” and you end up with stats like this: 10 of 24, for 151 yards and 1 TD.
It’s been interesting to see the overreaction and judgement of the 2010 Buckeyes, based on a simple stat line. From the media members who attended, TP is miles ahead of where he was last year and probably even this Spring. Turnovers have cost the offense the coveted scarlet practice jerseys for several seasons now. That they had just 1 in their close win, speaks volumes to TP’s improved decision making. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m encouraged.
Bottom line is we won’t see the real improvement and progress in TP’s game until the Marshall Thundering Herd comes to town. After that, judge away!
In the meantime, prepare for a condemnation as more of the national media get back to work Monday. Just let it go, Buckeye fans. You’re due for a laugh. Yuck it up. After all, the internetz are funny!
P.S. No, I haven’t forgotten about the iPhone project. In fact, I’ve actually been working a lot more on them, including a full Winterboard theme, that I must admit looks pretty sweet! Individually, there’s lockscreen, battery, SMS, Signal bars, icons, ringtones, and more! I think y’all will love it!
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