Kneejerk: Week 8, Purdue
October 24, 2010
That was just what the Dr. ordered! I know I wasn’t alone in just wanting to see the Buckeyes put on a solid performance and bounce back with a solid win, and we got that and then some!
TP got a little sloppy, as he tends to do when his team has a commanding lead, but for the most part, I thought he played very well. And once more, his legs weren’t needed. I liked the return to the offensive game plan that led this team through the 2009 November gauntlet and to the Rose Bowl. This needs to be their identity and stay that way. No more trying to get cute and do too much. Focus on this offense over the next few weeks and the execution will continue to gel.
Ohio State got its long overdue shutout, exacting revenge on Purdue with a 49-0 win. TP finished 16/22 for 270 yds w/ 3 TDs, 2INTs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
- Thankful for the shutout, even though I was expecting it!
- What a statement game! Exactly what I wanted to see from this team. They’re not done, Buckeye fans!
- TP’s short passes looked really great this week. That’s the biggest improvement I’ve seen in his passing game.
- JB Shugarts’ injury sounds serious. I hope the staff just sits him and lets him rest until the Penn State game. It’s a liability in pass-blocking and he really shouldn’t be needed next week at Minny.
- The defensive secondary continues to take hits on the injury front. Maybe it’s just me, but the injury bug seems to be hitting college football a lot more this season than it has in the past.
- Loved seeing the ball get spread around the way it was in the passing game. Lot of receivers involved. Looks like Corey “Philly” Brown may have locked down the 3rd WR spot.
- Boom continues to produce for this team. For all the crap he’s gotten about not being an “explosive” or “game-changing” back, he continues to do well and will continue to do so as the season continues.
- Noticed that TP ditched the high-top fade. I don’t care what anyone else says, I was kinda diggin’ it!
Seriously. Didn’t expect the team to destroy Purdue the way they did. As I pointed out, the past few years, Purdue has given them fits and culminated with the big upset game of 2009 in West Lafayette. But gone is the offense that caused all that mayhem; the dink-dunk down the field versus the infamous OSU soft zone, which I loathe. Having a freshman forced into the starting position, whose strengths are not that of Robert Marve, played a large role in OSU’s domination today, as did not having RB Dan Dierking available.
On to the next one…
PICTURES:
Pregame Postage: Week 8, Purdue
October 23, 2010
So let’s try this again!
I forgot to write this post earlier, so this is gonna be short.
It basically boils down to this: which Buckeye squad will take the field against Purdue? A re-focused one, or a group that still has a hangover from the trip to Madison. Hopefully it’s the former, and not the latter.
After the Purdue debacle of last year, the team came back w/ a vengeance, building its way toward an impressive November. I hope the 2010 Bucks follow the same script! There is a lot for them to play for, including avenging last year’s upset at Purdue, so I hope they just put it all out there!
WHAT I WANT TO SEE:
1. How the defense regroups from arguably their worst performance since January 2008. The task will be harder since they are down 2 more starters in Ross Homan and Christian Bryant.
2. A nice bounce-back game from TP. He doesn’t need to do it all, and at times, you can tell he still thinks he does.
3. I’ll also be looking for how he runs. He didn’t look 100% last week…
4. On that note, I hope there are fewer called runs. TP is devastating running when a pass play breaks down. The called runs don’t usually work that well.
5. PLEASE, NO MORE OPTION PLAYS! Just kill that thing, Tress.
6. Purdue has given this team fits the past few years. Kerrigan is a beast and will be coming off the edge all game. If that means put an extra TE on him, then so be it. The Oline cannot allow him to wreak the same kind of havoc he did last year.
7. The run game needs to be better. For some reason, there were only a handful of hand-offs to the RB last year. I think that’s where this game was lost. The Bucks need to establish the run early, and it will open up the passing game.
8. Hoping Posey wakes up and has a productive day. He’s been not-so-dependable on the road, and solid at home.
9. Also hoping Stoneburner gets back into the rotation as a receiving threat. This team really missed him these past few weeks.
10. A win.
I just want the team to bounce back with a win, and not look so slopping doing so. The bar is set really low this week. Just win, baby!
Kneejerk: Week 6, Indiana
October 9, 2010
At the end of 60 minutes of play, the Buckeyes dismissed the Hoosiers with a dominating 38-10 win in the ‘Shoe. And the lone TD? Yea, that was against the backups. Just sayin’.
Sometimes I’m just too good with these predictions. This was almost a repeat of how last year’s IU game played out. I laugh at all the talking heads that said that the Buckeyes would “have their hands full” with the Hoosiers. Really? Because Michigan did? Well, after seeing today’s Top 25 games, pundits should no longer look to how Michigan fares to determine how scared/cautious other Big Ten teams should be. This is a lesson that should have been learned last year, but sports fans & media have a very short media. Defense wins championships.
TP had a career day, crossing the 300 yd passing threshold for the first time. It is also the first time a Buckeye QB has thrown for 300+ since Troy Smith did so against Michigan in the epic #1 vs. #2 game back in 2006. TP sat back in the pocket because he didn’t want to push it with his quad.
OSU Terrelle Pryor says his quad was 80-90% today and he just didn’t want to take a chance by running.
Lori Schmidt
LoriSchmidt
Bucks didn’t need him to run, so he didn’t. Held on the ball (took sacks) a few times, when he should have thrown in away, but you can’t really complain with his overall performance, can you?
FINAL STATS: 24/30 for 334 yards, 3 TD, No INTs
IN A NUTSHELL:
- Well, well, well…what a difference a week makes. TP right back in the thick of the Heisman conversation.
- As if the Wisky game wasn’t already big enough, now ESPN’s GameDay is headed to Madison too. It’s good for the Big Ten. First GameDay trip this season. My money’s on the OSU/Iowa game being another visit.
- It’s so weird. The 1st team Oline is excellent at pass blocking, but they look less than stellar with run blocking. Meanwhile, the 2nd team Oline is fantastic at pass blocking. W.T.F.
- Hope the issue w/ RT Shugarts isn’t serious. Gonna need him next week…
- Speaking of injuries, did Jordan Hall get dinged too? Didn’t see him out there as much as I thought we would with Saine being primarily a receiver today.
- This Silver Bullet defense is special. The real deal. I think that will be the difference in Madison next week.
- I still don’t think IU got that ball into the endzone.
- What was up with all those bogus penalties towards the end of the game? I completely agree w/ Spielman and his rant. This ain’t intramurals, brotha!
- Very glad that Stoney will be back next week. He’s a much needed weapon and mismatch
- Is Illinois that good or is Penn State that bad?
- I figured Sparty would win. Solid Defense > Video Game Offense (See: Oregon Ducks in Rose Bowl)
- #1 team in the country? Didn’t want them to hit that spot until mid-November, but they’ll take it!
Seriously, though. Bring on the Badgers. If the Buckeyes could roll in there with a true freshman QB, who was winging it, and still win, I’m not overly concerned with a 3 year starting freak of a QB leading his team onto the field. Wisky will be fired up for that game, but being fired up only gets you so far. Being the better team is what the Buckeyes will be, and they will win.
Will continue to watch the health of TP’s quad, but I think he’ll be ok next week.
Pregame Postage: Week 6, Indiana
October 8, 2010
Deja Vu time!
Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Coming off a high-flying passing performance that put up a ton of points against Michigan, the Buckeyes need to look out for the Indiana Hoosiers!
No, it’s not 2009 again. This is what we’re hearing once more, but this time, in 2010.
Allow me to excerpt a bit of my words from last year’s pregame post:
I don’t think they are all world because of their game against Michigan last week. Michigan has still yet to play a team with a strong defense, so scoring a lot of points against them doesn’t seem to be the exception, but rather the norm this season. There’s no way IU will be anywhere near the 33 points that they put up last week. No. Freaking. Way. I’ll give them 17 max, but only if there is a busted play or 2, or we put the bench in late and they score a garbage TD.
Same deal, different year. I think this is pretty much how it plays out again this year. I might give them 20-23 points because I think they’re a tad better than last year, but at the same time, OSU is better as well. But when it comes down to it, defense reigns supreme; something the Hoosiers didn’t see or do last week. My point is that this will not be all that close.
Concerns:
- Special teams (of course) because IU has very good return men and always do
- Secondary: hasn’t really been tested this season. I don’t think Chappell will have enough time to go deep, but make no mistake, he wants to and will throw the ball. I’m thinking more of the Purdue dink/dunk down the field game plan.
- TP’s health: I know he was pronounced 100%, but I think we learn more about the health of his quad based on the play calls. A lot of hand offs to the RB’s means it’s still a little tender. Thankfully, with a team like IU, TP really shouldn’t have to do that much. Now next week in Madison…
WHAT I WANT TO SEE:
- Lots of Jordan Hall. Seeing the breakdown of all of Saine’s missed reads last week was enough to make me sick to my stomach. JHall needs to see the field early and often.
- No. More. Injuries. Please. Gotta get everyone into Madison as healthy as possible.
- Being without Stoney for yet another week, I want to see a 3rd receiving option step up. If that has to be Saine, then fine. But it’s gotta be somebody!
- Solid play from the secondary. They’re going to get beat a couple of times. It’s inevitable if Chappell is gonna sling the ball 40+ times. I just hope it’s not for a long TD or completion. In a case like this, I’m ok with a PI penalty. ‘Nawmean?
- A flustered and frustrated Ben Chappell because of all the pressure he’s getting from the Ohio State Dline. Analysts always like to point to this defense’s lack of sacks, but that stat doesn’t really tell the story. I just want to see pressure. Broken plays, collapsed pockets, rushed and ill-advised passes. That’s the mark of a great defensive line & exactly what I want to see vs. the Hoosiers.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
Buckeyes win by double digits again. It should look a lot like last year’s score, IMO, and be enough to shut up the talking heads for at least 1 week. It’ll never be enough for Buckeye fans. They’ll always find something to complain about!
Kneejerk: Week 5, Illinois
October 2, 2010
When TP went down, and didn’t immediately get back up, this is the first thing I thought of:
But eventually I calmed down.
Then I watched a couple of series with Bauserman/Saine, and the horrid play calling after he returned. Then, I looked more like this:
But there is always a method to Tressel’s madness, and he wins the surest way he knows; Tresselball, and we got a hefty dose! This looked a lot like Purdue 2009, except the team handled the challenge a lot better. They were able to stare down adversity and grind out a win. That is a great step!
IN A NUTSHELL:
- I’m reading the wind was really an issue. Was it? I mean, looking at the punts (from both teams) and you kind of could see how it drastically affected the kicking game. Why not the passing game too, right?
For whatever it is worth, weather.gov says the winds were gusting at 29 miles per hour today during the OSU game in Champaign, Illinois.
Lori Schmidt
LoriSchmidt - If the rumors are true, my heart goes out to Tyler Moeller. Hearing that he’s out for the season. He was such a great comeback story. Hope he gets that 6th year…
- Was the Oline that bad, or are the RB’s that bad? Or… *gulp*… both?
- Kenny Guiton should be the backup QB.
- Saine should be in for pass downs only. Sorry.
- Too many drops/miscommunications between TP and Posey. Needs to be fixed yesterday.
- Sanzenbacher is MONEY, and he doesn’t even know it.
- Interesting day in the Big Ten! Sparty taking down Wisky? Dayum!
- Really, really, really, really hope Jordan Hall gets a shot next week. It’s been time.
Terrelle’s ok, folks. Well, that’s what he said to the Twitterverse:
Thanks. It was ugly but got that W. Quad strain. We will be back. Go Bucks
Terrelle Pryor
TPeezy2
Here’s what he said to the media:
“The worst thing was when I came back and the guys thought I was all right and they were saying, ‘Come on Terrelle, lead us’. There was no way I could do anything but hand the ball off and maybe get a couple passes. I was in full stride and all of a sudden I felt and heard something pop and I was like ‘What’s going on?’. It was probably the worst pain I had in a while.”
Yikes… but explains the sudden switch to Tresselball, does it not? Tress made the right call. 1-0 in Big Ten play. Time to move on to Indiana.
Pregame Postage: Week 5, Illinois
October 1, 2010
It’s a new day for the Illini. The fight for the Illibuck Trophy used to be the conference matchup I circled on my calendar. Back in the day when the “Juice was loose” and Mendenhall terrorized the Silver Bullet defense. Those days are long gone, as are a lot of the assistant coaches who led those competitive Illini teams.
Not entirely sure what to expect from this Illini team who have yet to really be tested. I’m not counting their loss to Missouri because, well, Missouri isn’t good. Sorry. They had a bye last week, which should help them prepare for Ohio State and install a wrinkle or two. Or, a completely new defensive scheme. Hey, it’s happened before! Zook brought in some good assistants, so looking forward to what they bring to the table tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn’t lead to getting Zookered!
Another reason I’m not sweating this game as much as in years past is when it’s being played. November Illinois squads are dangerous! Starting with last year’s masterful & rainy shutout, OSU has gotten them as the Big Ten opener. Factor in that bye week, and they haven’t really had time to figure out their identity. And with a new QB this year, things could get mighty interesting, especially if they take a page out of the Purdue 2009 playbook & dink/dunk down the field. Heacock’s damn soft zone could lead to some long, frustrating drives.
Everyone always talks about Memorial Stadium’s set-up and the “wind factor”. Still not worried. So, maybe TP won’t throw as many deep bombs. He’ll still have the short/intermediate game. And since teams still don’t respect the Buckeye passing game, it should be open all day. TP making good decisions is the key to a good performance from the offense. And when TP decides to take off, he’s a major threat. The 2008 game, at Illinois, was TP’s 1st 100 yd rushing game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he does it again.
I’ve noticed there’s a lot of hand wringing over the OSU running game. Consider me not-so-worried…yet. Not until the team is forced to turn it up, and can’t. That hasn’t happened yet because the passing game is working so well. The team has shifted to a pass-first attack. So, if the wind becomes a factor tomorrow, and they need to turn up the run game, then — and, only then — will I start to critique the productivity of the running game. And I mean, the RB’s. I am aware that TP is also a part of the running game, but the concerns are with the hierarchy within the stable of running backs; not TP.
Defense? Well, no one’s going to confuse the Illini D with Iowa’s or Miami’s. Martez Wilson is the real deal (glad he’s back healthy), but there won’t be 11 of him on the field. After a few series, the Bucks will figure out what’s going on, make adjustments, and play on to a win. Not expecting a blowout or another shutout, but it’ll be double digits.
Ohio State will not be overlooking any team this year. I’ll tell you that. After the disaster that was last year’s Purdue game, it won’t happen again. They’ll take Illinois very seriously, as they tend to get the Illini’s best shot each year.
WHAT I WANT TO SEE:
- A focused, disciplined team.
- The team took a break from Special Teams meltdowns last week. I’d like to see that continue
- No game-changing turnovers. I’m ok with a last second, before halftime INT if TP’s trying to the endzone, but no pick 6′s or sloppy plays that dramatically shift the momentum or field position.
- I want Tyler Moeller to have a field day. Lots of tackles from disrupting the Illini offense.
- No. More. Injuries. This team needs to get healthy.
- A 3rd WR step up in the absence of Stoney, who is injured.
- Just want the team to get in and get out of Champaign with a win.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
The Buckeyes will win. As I’ve said numerous times, I don’t care if it’s 1 point or 30. It’s going to happen. Obviously, the bigger and more convincing the win, the better. Last time the Bucks were in Champaign, the final score read 30-20. But that included a garbage TD by the Illini in the final 60 seconds of the game. So, it really wasn’t even that close. Also, I know Mikel Leshoure has been a beast so far, but teams don’t run wild on the Silver Bullets. Ask John Clay, Evan Royster, Adam Robinson, LaMichael James, & just about every feature back the Bucks have faced in the past 2 seasons. The last 100 yd rusher against this defense, came in 2008, courtesy of USC’s Joe McKnight (105 yds). That was a long time ago…
Memories from the last trip to Champaign…
'I just love taunting. And I like to be taunted.'
Kneejerk: Week 4, Eastern Michigan
September 26, 2010
Buckeyes win 73-20 in the highest scoring affair of the Jim Tressel era & most since 1950.
TP’s final stats: 20/26 for 224 yds, 4 TDs. 7 carries for 104 yds, 1 TD. 1 20 yd TD reception. 0 INT
IN A NUTSHELL:
- I pretty got everything I wanted except the shutout. I’m not sure what was wrong with the defense today (I’m aware several starters were out/dinged), but still. That was a pretty poor performance by their standards.
- TP was the man today! Couldn’t have been more pleased with his day. Rushing TD, receiving TD, 4 passing TDs, no INTs. Yes, please!
- Very happy to see Jordan Hall make a big impact on the game. He’s getting reps with the 1st team Oline now. Gonna make it very hard to keep him on the sidelines. Just sayin’.
- How clutch was Dane Sanzenbacher? 4 TDs? Go ‘head, boy! He runs perfect routes & catches everything! This team will miss him next season.
- There were no Special Teams breakdowns today. Very happy to see that, but I do realize that Eastern Michigan was the opponent du jour.
- Just 1 punt? Don’t get to see that very often!
- I was in the stadium today and I must give a big shoutout to the North endzone Block-O section. They were awesome! I thought they out-did the South squad in a big way, especially in the 4th quarter when they started freelancing a little. Loved them starting up the “We Don’t Give A Damn For The Whole State Of Michigan” everytime EMU scored, and the special teams penalty. Also, the back-and-forth with Freshman long snapper Nick Piening (#58), who was charged with getting the tee after each kickoff, was classic. Good stuff!
- Jaamal Berry is fast.
- I couldn’t believe my eyes looking at that scoreboard. What did EMU/Ron English do to make “Evil Tressel” come out today? Don’t know what it was, but I like the results! And I took a picture to commemorate the occasion.
- Bring on the fight for the Illibuck Trophy!
More pictures, but ones I did not take, after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »
Pregame Postage: Week 4, Eastern Michigan
September 24, 2010
No disrespect to Eastern Michigan, but I’m not sweating this game whatsoever. I’m not a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, so whether or not I dismiss an opponent (pregame) has no bearing on the game. We’re talking about a team that is on a 15 game losing streak. If this team struggles to beat a team this bad, then clearly there are a whole lotta problems that need to be solved in the coming weeks.
Having said that, I’ll just get right to WHAT I WANT TO SEE:
- No Buckeye turnovers. TP got a little greedy last week, knowing his team had a commanding lead. Would like him to be INT free. No fumbles or blocked punts either.
- For the love of Buckeye leaves, NO SPECIAL TEAMS MELTDOWN! Last year we had to hold our breath whenever Ray Small was back returning kicks/punts. Now that we’ve fixed the return game issue, the coverage teams have eroded. What a headache!
- Lots and lots of carries for Jordan Hall & Jaamal Berry. I’d like to see J. Hall get some reps with the starters…
- No more injuries. We need the defense to be healthy for the start of Big Ten play next week at Illinois.
- I want to see some sacks. Usually I don’t care, as long as the line is getting pressure, but for this game, they will amuse me.
- It would be cool to see the team get in the 50s in terms of points scored.
- This team has yet to post a shutout this year. I wanted one last week, but the backups messed that up (love you guys!). It needs to happen tomorrow.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
The Buckeyes win, and win big. TP has another solid day and stays in the Heisman conversation, where he will undoubtedly remain until he’s in New York in December. Just sayin’.
In closing…
Kneejerk: Week 3, Ohio University
September 19, 2010
 |
| LOL TP |
Well, that was easy. I figured it would be. This isn’t 2008 when we OU gave Ohio State a scare and foreshadowed a less than impressive appearance in L.A. against the host Trojans. That was a big trainwreck. This was not; well, maybe for OU, but not for the Buckeyes.
In past years, these out of conference games might be a little bit of a struggle, but the Bucks are handling their business this year. Yes, they still have a lot to work on, but while there is room for improvement, they are still dominating teams. Imagine when they get firing on all cylinders. Look out, everyone else!
The Bucks steamrolled the Bobcats 43-7 w/ TP’s final stats were as follows: 22/29 for 235 yds, 2TDs, 2INTs. TP only had 8 carries (35 yds, 1TD) this week, and I’m very happy with that. No need for designed runs in a week like this. Keep Terrelle healthy!
Here are my thoughts, IN A NUTSHELL:
- Oh-so close to a shutout. I know it’s a vanity thing, but I want that for this defense. They deserve it.
- Aside from those 2 forced throws, that led to his 2 INTs, TP looked good. If you really want to see how much he’s improved. Look for some 2008 highlights or film. Major. And the best thing about TP, is he knows what he did wrong without having to be told. He has grown.
- Did y’all see Dane’s 1-handed reception? Beastly. Dude catches just about everything thrown his way.
- It was hot as hell in the ‘Shoe. I thought I was going to die several times.
- Special Teams did not give up a return for TD (although it looked like it had before we saw the flag). Is that an improvement? Or did they just get lucky this week?
- The rest of the Big Ten’s special teams play leave much to be desired too, so Ohio State is not alone. But that’s not a good thing.
- I’m sure I’m not the only one, but I really, really, really want to see what Berry and Hall can do with 1st team Oline protection. I know that’s not Tressel’s way, but if there were any 2-game stretch where this could happen, it would be now… The OSU run game isn’t impressive right now. It needs to be.
- I didn’t pay much attention to the Posey Bowl II. I remember the one play, towards the beginning of the game, where DPo was giving his bro a stiff-arm, but I didn’t really notice much. Will have to watch DVR.
- I still see TP in the Top 5 Heisman contenders. Others will fall as their teams lose. Trust me.
- Watching some of the other Big Ten match-ups today and I’m not as concerned about this team running the table, as I once was. I think conference losses would have to mean OSU really made a lot of errors.
Pregame Postage: Week 3, Ohio University
September 18, 2010
At least they didn’t roll up in the ‘Shoe wearing ‘OS-who?’ T-shirts for their team walk through this year. That’s something, right?
Opponent #3 for the 2010 Buckeyes are in-state foe Ohio University. I won’t call the Bobcats rivals because, well, they’re not. They’re not the “elite” headlining OOC opponent, so pretty much just like any other team the the Buckeyes face in their non-conference schedule. I am very proud that this team is not playing a FCS school this season. I understand why it’s happened in the past, but enough already.
And before anyone points out the game vs. Ohio 2 seasons ago, let me just stop you for a second: that is not going to happen today.
Sure, you would think there’s a natural letdown after an emotional and physical win over Miami, but I don’t think a hangover is going to be that much of an issue with this Buckeye squad. They are very focused and “together” this year. So, while the Bobcats will relish the opportunity to take it to the big state school in their house, we fans won’t be biting our nails in the ‘Shoe this time around.
Let us not forget that the Marshall team that Ohio State destroyed in Week 1 defeated OU in their bowl game at the end of last season. Yes, it’s a new season, but the Bobcats are without quite possibly their biggest playmaker, WR Taylor Price who was drafted in April. Their focus isn’t going to be on the passing game. They apparently use 2 QBs and make frequent use of an option attack.
WHAT I WANT TO SEE:
- IMPROVED SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY!
- No injuries
- No turnovers
- Diverse and balanced offense
- The defense should have had a shutout in Week 1. I want them to have one this season, and if it’s not OU, then Eastern Michigan next week. Both would be great, but Special Teams could mess that up lol
- Lots of carries for Jaamal Berry and Jordan Hall.
- Speaking of Berry, I want to see his first name spelled correctly on the scoreboard animations…
- Great friendly competition in Posey Bowl II. I’m sure the postgame interviews w/ DeVier Posey & his brother Julian (who is a corner for OU) are going to be downright entertaining!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
The Bucks will win comfortably. That shutout I said I wanted it probably wishful thinking as I don’t think the backups could hold it, even if it gets late in the game and the Bobcats haven’t scored. But that’s just a style points type of thing. It’s really not important. The Buckeyes couldn’t be in a better position right now, so as long as the win isn’t close, I’m cool.
One of the things I liked most about the last time OU came to town was that all the fans got along so well together. That’s probably because so many OU fans are also Buckeye fans. They may have attended OU undergrad or grad, but grown up rooting for the Buckeyes. So a lot of OU and OSU fans are one in the same. Everyone got along well. The OU fans around me wanted OU to do well, but for OSU to win. I suspect that will be the overwhelming sentiment in the ‘Shoe tomorrow with a few exceptions. And when the O-H-I-O cheer goes around the stadium, there will be a hearty “UUUUUUUU” added onto the end. And that will be just fine.
