Carter is just like daddy.As Chris mentioned in the previous post, the defense ruled in the jersey scrimmage on Saturday, taking home the 52-44 victory.
The score was closer than it seemed and the regular offense managed only 1 touchdown in the 120+ play practice. One other TD was scored on the day, when Rocco Pentello broke one loose for a 33 yard scamper when he lead an imitation of Navy's offense.
Leaving the scrimmage, there is no doubt some questions still linger regarding this offense, especially on the line, but there are a few bright spots that emerged Saturday morning.
Formations Of course the offense used vaious formations througout, but Tressel started the day with a lot of I-formation and 3-wides. I was interested to see the shotgun look with a RB and FB flanking Terrelle, especially since TP looked and hit a few passes to them in the flats. I only saw a 5-wide fromation about 3 or 4 times and I never saw the Pistol formation. Saine and Herron never lined up together in the backfield, as Tressel decided to get Adam Homan, Zack Boren and James Georgiades some reps at FB.
Starters
- QB: LiC
- RB: Boom (Saine rotated with the ones all day)
- WR: Posey, Sanzenbacher (Washington was 3rd receiver)
- TE: Ballard
- FB: Georgiades
- OL: Miller, Moses, Brewster, Browning, Cordle
Quarterbacks Terrelle played with a black no contact jersey the entire day, which limited his rushing attack. There were more than a few times he was touched and considered down, but if it was real live action, the defense probably wouldn't have tackled him. By my rough estimation, Pryor was 17 of 27 for around 126 yards and a touchdown. To me, he still looked hesitant at times and threw off his back foot when pressure was bearing down, causing him to under throw a couple. He did make nice use of the RB's in the flat, but only attempted 2 down field (one was under thrown into double coverage, with the wind) and it took him roughly 4 series before he completed a ball over 15 yards. While he has made strides in his passing mechanics, there is still a ways to go, but the level of excitement and competitiveness he brings is unmatched.
Bauserman has been dinged up lately and therefore didn't play that well. He had a nice throw to Duron Carter for about 17 yards in the second series, but didn't do much beyond that. Kenny Guiton struggled out there, but that is expected from a freshman and Justin Siems also got in for a few series.
Running Backs Boom looked good running the ball, carrying it 10 times for around 50 yards. He hits the hole with authority and doesn't dance around, which is why he has the lead at the position right now. There were a few time he made a nice cutback after the original hole was plugged and he was in the best collision of the day, when he and Devon Torrence knocked helmets. Both players were slow to get up and needed some time off after the hit. Saine has improved, but he still dances a little too much when he touches the ball. He only got about 5 touches on the day, but did have a couple of nice carries mixed in.
For me, the surpise of the morning was Jordan Hall. He got a lot of work with the 3rd team, breaking loose for close 42 yards on 5 carries and making a nice one handed snag out of the back field. He had the longest run of the day, with a 27 yard scamper as he cut back across the field and showed flashes of the Jeannette Stiff Arm that we grew to love last year. Berry didn't get much work and wasn't that impressive, but he too has been dinged up lately. Marcus Williams got some work with the 2nd group and I wouldn't be surprised if he's not the 3rd back to start the season.
Wide Receivers There weren't any members from this group that left me giddy from their performance, but one observation did strike me, Duron Carter is lanky and will be a great receiver here at Ohio State. T. Washington got plenty of reps as the #3 guy and lead the group with 6 catches. He seemed to be more in sync with TP than any other receiver, but none of his catches were longer than 11 yards. Posey caught 4 balls and had the longest reception of the day, when he hauled in a 22 yarder from TP on a crossing route. For what ever reason, Posey and Pryor seemed a little off in their timing and communication of routes. Dane had a couple of nice grabs and he is still the guy TP will look for when a tough first down is needed.
Carter made his debut on the 3rd team, but moved his way up the charts as the day went on. He only had 2 catches, but has the look of a great receiver with good routes, great hands and deceptive speed. There is no doubt he is going to see the field this year. Ray Small ran exclusively with the 3rd team, but played hard and hopefully will get out of the doghouse soon. Even though Ballard caught the touchdown, the TE's accounted for only 4 catches all day, with Reid Fragel playing in passing situations and Todd Denlinger getting more reps than I expected at TE. Stoneburner sat out with an injury.
Offensive Line It seems every year, this group is going to be the key to the season and there is still reason for concern heading into Navy. I know they are trying different groups in there and Boren missing really hurts, but pass protection was still an issue. As Chris mentioned, the defense was in the back field quickly and easily on passing plays, but the run blocking looked pretty solid. Left tackle is still a concern and according to Tressel in his post practice session, if the season were to start today "it would be Miller, Shugarts and Adams in the order." I recall only seeing Adams out there for a couple of series with the 3rd team, while Miller and Shugarts rotated equally. It looks like Jack Mehwort is going to be a good player, while Corey Linsey got some run with the first team, but was abused by Gibson and Heyward.
It has been fashionable to pile on the O-Line over the last few season and rightfully so, they haven't lived up to their expectations. I'm going to reserve judgement until I see Justin Boren back in there, he seems to be the glue for this unit. Boren did participate in warmups and was putting pressure on his knee, so he looks like he will be back for the opener, but either Miller or Shugarts needs to step up over the next two weeks to solidify that left tackle position.
All in all it was a struggle to watch this offense on Saturday. They did get 4 FG's, all over 40 yards, but 1 touchdown in 120 something plays is a little frightening. It could be a case of the defense being that much more ahead at this point and the no contact jersey on TP handcuffed him, but the same underlying problems still exist and I'm just warning you now, don't expect an offensive juggernaut to start the season. They are still progressing and trying to figure out the right combos.
Comments
Kind of bummed to hear Berry didn't do well, and I wish Saine would take notes from Boom on how to attack a hole. One broken tackle is all it takes and hitting the hole like a pansy isnt how you break it. We're going to need him vs. USC.
I think if the offense can consistently move the ball, we can beat USC. I now that sounds obvious, but we cant get into a field position battle with an elite team. The defense should be able to get enough stops, but again, we have to get 6's and not 3's.
Kinda bummed to hear LiC is still struggling.
Here's hoping it was because he's going up against one of the top-5 pass rushes in the nation.
From this and what I could gather from the Dispatch, it appears that the scout team (running a triple option) was as effective as our 1st team offense (!). Any implications for the Navy game?
Does anyone know if we'll be able to see the offense in practice again before Navy? The lack of the pistol formation and limited use of the 5-wide is a little disconcerting (as much as the O-line's performance to me).
We are gonna struggle to throw on USC and other good backfields, it is then up to playmakers at QB and RB to put up Tds when they have the chance - TP needs to think run all the time ... I agree, we cannot settle for 3's and compete at the BCS level. I am at the point where I don't care how we score Tds, just put them up with what you have. If that means a way unbalanced attack, so be it. screw 250-250, with TP and a line that ostensibly runs blocks well, just become a 85% ground team for all I care.
If the Oline continues to be mediocre, then lets not sit back there and take it, just run an offense that minimizes the need for extended pass blocking at all costs.
Not being able to run was a huge factor.
I agree, its too early to expect Pryor to turn into Peyton Manning overnight, the kid relys on his legs, and its pretty damn effective.
I have no doubt Navy will move the ball in the first half, problem for them is the triple option is not as effective in goaline. I see a couple field goals for them early.
I do want to add, that the "conservative approach" I suggest is not something I normally advocate, but with TP, we can run a whole bunch and have chances to hit home runs all the time. In other words, with boeckman back there, this heavy run approach would not work. But if it is what gets us down the field right now, then run TP all the time
I have just seen this line stink to high heaven for years now (by OSU standards), and long offensive droughts have accompanied the line play the last few years ... lets minimize what we know to be weakness
What you saw a practice session, one of many.
I know this was a "game scenario" scrimmage, and can provide some insight on who's struggling or doing well, but for the most part we're nitpicking because before an actual game is played we really don't know how good any player or team really is.
No one will be talking about practices when the season starts, we'll measure and evaluate teams and players by their performance in games- where all the decisions by coaches and players will be focused on beating the opponent- not evaluating talent or addressing weaknesses with particular units and players.
For example, Pryor might challenge himself to stay in the pocket in practice and make a pass, while in a game he'd know to use his strength and run. (The Black jersey may be just as much about challenging the QB as it is for preventing an injury). The coaches are also going to take these opportunities to throw players in that they know will struggle so that they can learn and adapt.
Very true that this was practice, after all. And the return of Boren should help. But, I do think it is fair to say that the Oline play was disappointing. When improvement is needed at a position, and you just don't see it, then concern is warranted. I would not worry if the LBs seemed to struggle in the practice as that is a position we all know to be talented and deep. But the Oline is something of a mystery for me (and rest of us, I'm sure) and without any noticeable improvement, I would tend to believe it is going to be more like the past.
We all know the oline never gave us a chance in the big games recently, and if that is fixed, I have no doubt this team can start winning BCS games again. But while it is still poor, let's realize this and use passing downs to go five wide and create running lanes for TP - of course, this is from the guy on the coach
Well let's roll out the scout team then!
The only problem is Joe Bauserman is banged up and Kenny Guiton is our 3rd string. That's not a lot of depth.
I really think that with Pryor's build and running style it is extremely difficult to get a clean hit on the kid. He also seems to know how to duck out of bounds to avoid collisions. Of course, that doesn't rule out turning a knee or an ankle, heaven forbid.
Personally, I think TP has a better chance of getting hurt while being blind-sided by a pass rush from the left side, rather than out in open space. Of course he could get hurt, but so could have Vince Young and Texas quit rightly, said "our best chance of winning it letting vince do his thing" and that should be what we do with TP. He is our most dangerous playmaker and he should get the ball in space a bunch because of that fact - just the same as we all screamed to get the ball to teddy ginn more and then finally from Mich state game on that year, it was that way.
Just because TP plays QB instead of WR or running back doesn't mean we should not try to get him in space every time we can, IMO
If the offense line plays anything like it has the previous few years, the most dangerous place on the field is in the pocket
I guess it's turning into a "All our hopes and dreams are in the hands of one Terrelle Pryor" situation. If the guys around him aren't impressing, then he's going to have to be the one to make them all look better.
I was watching the '81 OSU vs. Minnesota game on BTN and had a revelation before heading into this season - sometimes you can play a hell of a game and still lose. So, a team this green? Let's hope for the best and expect the worst.
Oh yeah, and beer helps.
Hey guys,
If you have been to ESPN.com college football today then you will see the Gator's are plastered on the home page. They talk about how the trophy should just get handed to them and how thw Gator's don't need to play these games against huge under dogs. Blah, blah, blah. Doesn't this sound familiar? Hmm, say 2006? More like the 2006 Buckeyes where they went undefeated (which we all seem to have forgotten because of the NT debacle).
All I gotta say is if Florida is the champion of the SEC east and they go undefeated and go to the NT game then...
US or some other team SHOULD lay the loss on em'!
Then they will see how it feels. : )
Hope it's us or some upstart team. Either would be awesome.
I think people are just looking into this a little bit too much. Like someone said this was a practice. One where a really good O-line man was out, where a tight end who promises to see a lot of action was out, and one where if the D-line gets through they are not going to hit the QB. I'm not saying people don't practice like they play, but the there's no need to panic. At least in my mind. Maybe they didn't run a lot of different looks on offense, but I'm not going to fall into the here we go again mentality with regards to the O-Line.
Also, the D-line and line backers as a group, I believe are much stronger than last year. Yes, the DB's are green, but I think the pressure this defense is going to provide is going to lead to many more turnovers than we've seen the last couple of years. I love this team this year. I think they'll put up a better fight this year, and I really think the line is going to be better. Not to mention we won't have 2 receivers who weren't playing their best last year. I think both Brian's half assed it most of the years.
You make a great point. It was just one practice. I still think any realistic fan should have concerns about the offensive line no matter what the practice session looked like and I'm sure we'll all be evaluating that particular group after each game. I'm not worried about beating the mediocre to good teams, I'm worried about having the horses to win the games where the whole country is watching.
To me, the hardest thing about trying to evaluate what I saw, besides keeping in mind it was just one two-hour session, is that I have no past experience that gives me a feel for just how much improvement a team shows in the two weeks leading up to the first real game.
Wow, Trapasso gets another Youtube highlight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Apparently no one considered that punters kicked the ball high or anything.
With the practice being open to the media and having a pretty good understanding of how Tress acts around the media (Though I don't know if he acts different when the media isn't around)
What was the vibe like during practice? Did they seem concerned or upset about the way things played out? Did the coaching staff show any type of fire or intensity when a sack or bad play was made?
Again, I would think the staff would be a little more reserved with the practice being open to the media than they are normally...and I know you guys were focusing on the actual play, but maybe we could get a better understanding of where the coaches believe this team is by their actions on the sideline...???
Who all is going to the open practice tommorow?
Ross Homan got time at fullback, or did you mean Adam Homan?
Thanks Wil, should be fixed now.