Terrelle Who?
Controversy, you say? (Jim Davidson Photo)We knew there would be some rumblings about the backup quarterback heading into this fall, we just didn’t think it would be this backup.
22 year-old redshirt freshman Joe Bauserman stole the show in the 2008 Buckeye spring game, connecting with fellow soph Taurian Washington on two long scoring strikes (true, one was called back on a penalty, but you can’t take anything away from the throw and catch). Bauserman looked so good on the afternoon that the large contingent of fans that see Boeckman as nothing more than a big-game disaster-in-waiting have already begun placing orders for their #14 bobble-heads.
Despite the clamor for the former pitcher, Boeckman had a decent game, connecting on 12 of 17 passes and showing good touch and zip on the short stuff. It was his two interceptions, including an underthrown bomb on the 3rd play of the game, however, that is providing the fuel to the debate over which quarterback is best-suited to lead the Buckeyes deep into the 2008 season.
Boeckman proponents will argue that he lead the team to the MNC in his first year under center, but the detractors will be quick to point out that he turned up limp against the stiffest competition last season and you’d be hard-pressed to find any Buckeye fan that wasn’t at least a little bit concerned with the senior’s knack for turning a promising drive into “let’s pray for a three-and-out” with the flick of a wrist.
Maybe the short game skills that Todd flashed today will be enough to get the team back for yet another crack at it all — especially when you consider that he’ll be facing 12 defenses hell-bent on stacking the line and taking Beanie out of the game. And spring games of the past are littered with star performances that didn’t translate onto the field the following fall, but it’s at least comforting to know that should something happen to Boeckman, the team has another slinger ready to step up.
Other random thoughts and observations after watching the replay in a 320×180 window.
QBs Not Named Boeckman or Bauserman
Henton didn’t have the best numbers (1/5) but his ability to avoid sacks was impressive. He had been getting reps with the third team in practice last week and the coaches are obviously seeing the same thing the fans got saw out of Bauserman Saturday. His outlook is a little grim and LiC hasn’t even laced them up yet.
RB
Saine was all but invisible on the day. He had a couple of runs early and then was part of a fake pass play to tight end Jake Ballard late in the game, but other than that, he was relatively quiet. Herron got a few more carries and impressed with his speed to the hole and his ability to make guys miss, leading the team with 30 yards on 10 attempts. Mo Wells got a couple of touches and really stood out in the return game, but nothing to write home about.
Backup or walk-on running backs were a large part of the meek Buckeye rushing attack on the day. Hilliard product Bo Delande saw a decent amount of action, while Marcus Williams lead the Gray with three carries for 20 yards. When you consider Beanie didn’t sniff the field and hasn’t really all spring, it’s almost as if the staff has made it a goal to get into fall with a stable of healthy backs.
WR
The aforementioned Washington was the beneficiary of Bauserman’s good throwing afternoon, turning in four catches for 71 yards and the touchdown bomb. Hartline was the leading receiver for the Scarlet squad, snagging six for 82, including a nice bomb over Andre Amos. Hartline was the intended receiver on Boeckman’s first pick, but the ball was clearly underthrown.
The Ghost turned in a solid performance with five receptions for 74 yards. His name was in the paper earlier in the week and evidently he decided that he didn’t like that too much and was going to start to work his way back into the good graces of the staff. I was disappointed that we didn’t hear much in the way of Stoneburner, but the opening kickoff is still a ways off.
The big story out of this spot is whether or not Washington is ready to step up and assume the #3 receiver spot or whether Small wants to fight to retain it.
OL/TE
With two starters out and a pretty seasoned group of defenders on the other side of the ball, the offensive line did a decent job, all things considered. Bryant Browning struck an early claim to the open right tackle spot with the outstanding work he did containing Cameron Heyward for most of the afternoon (Heyward finished with just three assists).
The tight ends got a little action, but the Vest certainly wasn’t going to show anything unique or exotic out of them this early. Ballard had a shot at catching Saine’s throw on the fake punt, but the ball sailed over his back shoulder.
DL
There’s good reason to believe that the Buckeyes may have one of the stronger defensive end units in the nation heading into this season. Wilson, Heyward and Gibson are going to wreak absolute havoc on opposing tackles. Wilson got through several times on the afternoon including a bump-sack on the black-shirted Boeckman. Gibson only recorded one assist on the afternoon, but his presence was felt.
The much maligned interior of the defensive line had a coming out party of sorts, with Larimore recording two sacks and Denlinger notching 2 TFLs and a sack. There was constant disruption out of both interior units on the afternoon.
LB
The linebacker group was stung with the day’s only injury when Jermale Hines went down in the 2nd quarter with an aparrent knee injury. Hines was able to walk off the field, but was later carted into the locker room for an examination of his right knee. The ACL bogeyman man have snuck and got Hines, but if any unit was stocked well enough to absorb an injury like this, it’s the linebackers.
Marcus Freeman was 2nd on the day with two solo tackles and five assists, continuing to prove, in my eyes at least, that he’s the best linebacker on this team. Etienne Sabino had a decent day as well. Sometimes you see a kid and know they can just play. Sabino is one of those kids.
Curtis Terry saw his action on the offensive side of the ball at fullback and turned in a worthy performance including bone-jarring block on Boom’s touchdown run.
DB
Andre Amos took advantage of Donald Washington’s “issue” by leading all Buckeye tacklers on the afternoon with five solos and 3 assists. He seemed to be everywhere and provides the team with either a solid nickel or season opening starter, depending on Washington’s outcome in the Court of Tressel. Oliver was the victim of Washington’s first bomb, while Chekwa was the victim of his second bomb that was called back.
Special Teams
Pettrey’s 48-yard field goal at the end of the first half was money and further proof that despite the return of Pretorius, the job is wide open.
The kick return game didn’t show anything special, but Mo Wells could be an answer on kickoffs. He’s solid, runs hard, and has been in the system for what seems like 23 years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him turn in a Dee Miller type season returning kicks.
Other
- While the rain prevented the University from setting any type of attendance records (the lacrosse game fell short as well), 76,000 showed up to witness at least a half of the action.
- Some of the sloppy play can be attributed to the conditions, but the field held up pretty well.
- Chris was in the corner of the stadium that Pryor entered from and his quote is worth repeating: “The whole fucking place went bonkers.”
- If you’re a fan and you’re crying about J.B. Shugarts’ two offsides penalties, you need to chill.
- Several recruits were on hand for the game and the Buckeyes picked up a verbal from a stud defensive back. Maryland’s Darrell Givens has decided to become the second top 10 corner for the 2009 class to sign with Ohio State.
18 Responses
I was surprised to see Shugarts playing in the game. I thought he’d be held out, but it seemed like he held his own, all things considered.
Heyward took a vacation during this game, which was troubling to see - he looked good in practice, I’m told - but Gibson continued to impress, and Wilson had his best scrimmage of the spring, hands down. That’s the best he’s looked, and good to see.
Does Henton not have the worst footwork since Kirk Herbstreit? I’m amazed he gets any throws off. I imagine Baseball Boy took a step toward locking up the backup position - until Pryor comes in, of course. I expect Henton to transfer, unless he’s satisfied just being here, which I can’t imagine.
Where is the imaginative use of the tight end in this offense? I know it’s a spring game, but I get tired of seeing the same old schemes and packages. Gawd, hit something over the middle, will you? Boeckman’s got that 10-15 yard pass down pat - use it. They’ll have to keep the tight end in to help Browning get his feet under him - especially against USC, who will have a field day with this offensive line - but in the Big T(elev)en season, it’d be a pity to waste two athletic tight ends who can catch - especially Ballard.
Joe - April 20th, 2008 at 9:19 am - #
If only Bauserman wasn’t a sack machine…
I can’t see Henton running the offense. That’s what you need in a backup QB. Bauserman showed good presence, mobility, and accurate passes. I came away impressed.
And Henton, ehhh. What do you want me to say? RS sophomore isn’t quite ready yet for any action besides mop up. Staring down receivers, bad throws, etc. He didn’t bail out of the pocket early, but maybe he should have. He did show good escapability…however the key to that is making something happen afterward. He didn’t.
I still expect Pryor to come in and run certain packages because I’m sure that’s what Tressel said he would do. The kid can move.
Poe McKnoe - April 20th, 2008 at 10:41 am - #
Hey Poe, wouldn’t you rather take the sack than cough it up like the Boecker? Joe Bauserman obviously has a much stronger arm than Boeckman, he had some Troy Smith magic on his deep passes. Todd’s a turnover machine and it looks like JB can duck and run to save his bacon, something Tressel’s crappy offensive schemes practically need.
Question is ,with his coaching staff in disarray, does Tressel have the savvy to bench his senior and give the attention to a deserving Bauserman? If he thinks he can waltz into the coliseum before making that decision he’ll look as goofy as Cooper did pulling his team off the field against the Trojans last time they met.
andy G. - April 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm - #
Taken on the one scrimmage I’ve seen (yesterday’s spring game):
Boeckman does not seem to be progressing.
Bauserman looks more like a startering quarterback than Boeckman.
Taurian Washington needs to be on the field in the fall, Mo Wells not so much.
Henton is not Troy Smith, and maybe we should stop asking him to be.
The defense can and will be better this year (which doesn’t seem possible), but only if the defensive schemes match to what each opponent is doing.
Tressel let some hints slip out yesterday about some new offensive schemes,
but I have a feeling that some very clever and impressive things will be shown
in the fall on the offensive side of the ball.
ToledoBen - April 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm - #
Bah, I’m leaving for Air Force basic training in the fall for six weeks. I don’t think I can live without Buckeye football. This post is making me misty-eyed.
somnambulist - April 20th, 2008 at 2:15 pm - #
Hey Andy G,
Can I choose C? Not a sack machine nor turnover machine?
I’ll take that one.
Poe McKnoe - April 20th, 2008 at 2:55 pm - #
Bauserman’s a redshirt frosh
poguemahone - April 20th, 2008 at 5:09 pm - #
Good catch, poguemahone. Updated.
Jason - April 20th, 2008 at 5:42 pm - #
You have the crack team of football experts and wonderful brains at the Columbus Disgrace to thank for me knowing that. The Spring game is the only game whose coverage in the Dispatch I actually read.
As far as Bauserman’s shot at the starting job goes, Tressel will never bench a senior starter. Add on that that he has the misfortune of being technically the same year as LiC and he might be screwed and an eventual transfer may be in order unless he prefers to wait three years.
poguemahone - April 20th, 2008 at 6:50 pm - #
this is ridiculous. we have a senior quarterback who led us to the national championship last year and he throws two picks in a practice game. and i would like to point out that no matter how good a throw the first one was, that was a hell of a play by coleman to jump and come up with that. Also, most of the gray team was packed with talent in the secondary which was probably a move by tressel to make it a little harder on todd. the first pick he threw was a great defensive play, while raining and lawerence wilson in his face. the second pick was with someone pushing boeckman back and hartline falling away from the football and another diving interception by an experienced linebacker. our fans kill me with this jump on jump off mentality. michael jordan probably missed buzzer beaters in practice too but what counts is in the real games and i think i’ll be a lot more comfortable with todd under center than bauserman who was throwing against second and third stringers.
millbuck22 - April 20th, 2008 at 7:30 pm - #
Oh, I’m with you, Mill. I think Todd’s got great things in store and the spring game was basically pointless. He’s fine. Troy looked awful in some of his spring games, and Todd looked mediocre last year before nearly breaking Troy’s TD record. He’ll be fine.
poguemahone - April 20th, 2008 at 7:46 pm - #
pointless = meaningless
poguemahone - April 20th, 2008 at 7:46 pm - #
There’s no way that Todd is losing his starting job. Still makes for something fun to talk about heading into summer.
Boeckman Fett - April 20th, 2008 at 10:40 pm - #
MILLBUCK the DUMB**** “who led us where?” wasn’t it Beanie who bulled his way to 39 carries against Michigan (3 times the passing attempts as the Boucher)? Didn’t Beanie run more or equal to TB’s passes in the Mich State and Penn State games? Didn’t Beanie bail out the Boucher in the pass-first attack against Wisconsin with a monster 2nd half? Wasn’t it Beanie blistering LSU until Tressel’s crappy Pop Warner playcalling turned Beanie into a virtual nonfactor…first because of JT’s unwillingness to commit to him then because he couldn’t afford to? Tressel’s goof forced us to ride on Boeckman’s arm to get back in the game and Bo Pellini closed his corners and blitzed heavy. Todd’s arm again led us nowhere when dared. Ridiculous you say..I say in over his head.
andy G. - April 21st, 2008 at 1:18 am - #
Boeckman has three main problems, as I see it:
1. He refuses to check down in favor of the long toss, no matter how underthrown and late it is (his first interception, for example);
2. On hot reads, he stares down the first option, and doesn’t look off (this was his second interception, as an example);
3. His underthrown balls are primarily due to bad footwork, or not getting set. To be effective, his footwork has to be perfect. He’s not a Favre-like gunslinger whose arm strength overcomes bad footwork. That’s why pressure seems to rattle him, and make him less effective (see the Illinois and LSU games, for example).
I don’t think he’s a train wreck at quarterback, but Tressel might be well-served to treat him as a caretaker, and not a gamewinner. Boeckman won’t engineer the game-winning drive, and probably won’t make any miraculous plays in a close game. But if his running game is productive, and his defense sound, he can manage a game effectively enough to win, and make some solid throws. You know who he reminds me of? Chad Henne.
Those craving a Troy Smith-type game-changer will have to wait for summer, I’m afraid, and even Pryor has mechanical work to do to improve his passing game.
Joe Fox - April 21st, 2008 at 9:34 am - #
Boeckman will start all year (assuming he is injury free). However, after watching the spring game several times, I DO feel more comfortable knowing there is a capable back (Bauserman) up who can make big throws if something does happen.
Pryor will most likely get some playing time in specific situations, however I do not see him being the guy that becomes the starter if Boeckman does get hurt.
As for Henton……..he might want to think about a position switch or a transfer, because he has been here longer than Bauserman but has clearly been passed on the depth chart. He scrambles well, but that is useless because he can’t keep his eyes down field while he is scrambling. There were several times that he would break a tackle and/or escape the pocket and lose sight of his receivers who would break wide open.
Depth Char prediction (for the WHOLE year)
Starter = Boeckman
Backup = Bauserman
3rd String = Pryor (and Redzone/Short yardage duties)
Practice Squad = Henton
Wil - April 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm - #
Hey Rick (If you’re out there),
Maybe now Bauserman can quit carrying this photo around as proof that he is on the team. hehe
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2008/01/delusional-schoenhoft-eyes-transfer.html#comments
Just goes to show you how quickly Buckeye fans change their mind on a QB, in January most people probably didn’t know who he was, now after the spring game some radical OSU fans are sreaming to give him a shot at the starting job.
Wil - April 21st, 2008 at 5:11 pm - #
ive been hearing about this guy bauserman for a few years now. The only reason he didn’t come here sooner was because of troy taking off like he did. If you want a player at qb to make a difference its not boeckman. This coaching staff needs to send a message to him “No more underthrows”. He makes good choices with the ball he just doesn’t release the deep pass early enough. Bauserman looked like the real deal to me arm wise. You give Boeckman his arm and we got payton manning.
All this years team needs is a qb to take care of the ball and not to put it on the ground or up for grabs in the air. Taking a sack is a good play sometimes.
tampa buckeye - April 22nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm - #
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