The sun. It still rises.The offensive line, who deserve considerable praise for one of the most inspired performances from an Ohio State o-line in the last 3 years, are back in the same configuration we saw the first two weeks. Conspicuously Mike Adams remains unlisted on the two deep leaving his indefinite suspension still very much, well, indefinite. Given the hype surrounding Adams as potentially the next Orlando Pace, it'll be interesting to see if he can bounce back from his self imposed trip to the doghouse and provide what would be a luxury of depth at the tackle position. JB Shugarts' listing as the backup left tackle would seem to indicate his rehabiliation from injuries that kept him sidelined from last Saturday's contest appears to be progressing nicely. Should the Buckeyes manage to avoid playing down to Toledo, it's a very real possibility we'll see the Linsley's and Mewhort's of the world towards the 4th quarter.
The two Jake's look to pick it back up from a disapointingly quiet showing last weekend after nearly halving the entire production from the tight end position from the previous season in the Navy game alone. With Terrelle Pryor all but certain to be facing less pressure from the Rockets' front four, he should be able to take better advantage of each of these weapons. Boom Herron and Brandon Saine return as the only listed tailbacks, only further raising the question of whether or not we'll get to Jordan Hall or Jamaal Berry anytime soon.
After seeing extended action both at wide receiver and punt returner, Ray Small's playing time with the Buckeyes should continue to grow. After seemingly only being on the field at the end of one of the most discombobulated, ineffective 2-minute drills you'll ever see, hopefully Duron Carter's growth at wide receiver can pick back up where it left off against the Naval Academy. Great Dane and DeVier should continue to be the top two options at receiver for the Bucks.
Speaking of the previously mentioned special teams, Sanzenbacher is still curiously listed at the top spot for punt returns, though reality dictated more action for #82. Posey being listed at the third spot is no joke as we saw what the man could bring to the table in a post-safety free kick return situation.
The most freakishly talented defensive line corp this side of Gainesville, FL look to continue to get better with the same principle players reprising their roles from the last 2 games. With Johnny Simon already serving as a spiritual leader of sorts for the group, the possibility for some minutes to help him become the kind of player to match could present itself should things proceed as planned. A quick tip of the hat to the linebackers as well, who aside from a few difficult out-of-position mistakes really managed to leave it all out on the field.
Devon Torrence's award winning breakout performance in the nickel position could put some real stress on both Chimdi Chewka and Andre Amos. If nothing else, the increased heat should motivate all three to continue to up their games. The venerable senior leader Kurt Coleman returns to continue handling his business in center field.
In what's sure to be a hot button issue to some, ESPN's principle Big Ten observer Adam Rittenberg seems unconvinced a return to a BCS Bowl would be the best thing for Ohio State and the Big Ten as a whole. Despite making the point that Pryor's progression and growth would be the absolute key to the season, he appears unwilling to connect the dots that in that scenario, this team could very easily possess the tools necessary to at long last be able to seal the deal. While the possibility of exercising some pent up frustration on the 3rd best team in the SEC is certainly appealing on one level, should Pryor take the proverbial next step, squaring off with the champions of the Pac 10 or another BCS conference could prove even more conducive to generating the most national title momentum for the 2010 season.
Comments
I would love to run the table and get a UGA/ S. Carolina game in the Bowl Season.
If we run the table we're in the Rose Bowl. Probably rematching a one loss USC.
nice article... not in the mood to post today. Still bummed out about the fact that we went out of our way to give this game away on too many levels. Lets move forward saturday and kick the crap out of Toledo.
Am I the only one or is anyone else excited for the next 3-4 years in Columbus?
Please think before you respond!!!!
It's all on TP, but I did like seeing the D get their "swagga" back! Like I posted last night, new necklaces on the way.
Well put and way to hang in there. I was there with you Saturday night. Section 9c row 10 seat two. I was spent, still drained and still don't have my voice back yet. That being said, wow what an experience. Aside from the final score, I was proud to be a Buckeye fan. I like the fact that you are optimistic. It will get better and all the non believers that post here will be at a loss when we close the deal sooner than later(Think 2002 season after 2001 season:)
Yeah you're right. That's what I get for posting before coffee.
As far as TP goes, I feel as if we have all been bamboozled into what we were actually getting. As a hailed recruit we waited on pins and needles for his decision, highlights strewn about in the local media, etc. Some voices on afternoon talk yesterday now define TP as a "work in progress".
Work in Progress?!?! Work in Progress?!?!
Take the reigns off Tress. Try and draw up some plays that exemplify his tremendous athletic talent. Let the boy run free. Square Peg- Round Hole, no?
And please, be a tad more efficient getting the play calls in. Its like your running on dial up.
One more thing...did it seem that there were a whole lot of "booth review" calls Sat. night? 3-4 in the 1st half alone. Talk about a momentum killer.
Was there as well. 24B row 14 seat 8...couldn't have been a better crowd/atmosphere...shed a tear at skull session just because I was happy enough to be a part of that game. Unreal....GO BUCKS!! Smack the hell out of Toledo
Dear Eleven Warriors,
Until Terrelle Pryor wins a big game and puts up huge (I hate to say it), Tim Tebow-like stats, I ask/recommend/move/petition that you refrain from ever using the "Lebron-in-cleats" ("LiC") nickname when talking about TP.
He has failed to do anything that resembles LBJ on the collegiate football stage.
Until then, please just call him by his name, "TP" or #2.
Thanks.
e-roc
p.s. - Brian Rolle wears #36 very well. Spielman should be proud.
As I eluded to back when I went to the open practice, Torrence should be starting at the other corner spot, nothing against Amos, but Torrence just has great closing speed on the ball.
Totally agree. I've said the same thing since spring. Torrence plays both the run and the pass. I like Amos, especially as a person, but Torrence is the more well rounded player, IMO.
You guys doing Buckeye NFLer of the week this year? If so i think the lil Animal should gets some notice. He had 14 tackles (10) solo and 1 TFL in a loss.
i thought they usually don't give it to a player on a team that loses that week
Anyone wondering what Brian Kelly at Cincinnati would do with the offensive talent OSU has??
Anyone wondering what any man with more than half a brain would do with the offensive talent OSU has??
My vote is from Santonio "MVP" Holmes.
"For" not "From"
There were 3 plays from the game that really stood out to me.
1. Boom and Mays collision. ( i think Boom won that one)
2. Rolle's tackle on the goalline on USC's first possesion.
3. Torrence's sack on their winning drive.
I really liked what I saw from Rolle and Torrence. Rolle filled the gap in a hurry on his td saving tackle and Torrence was just nasty on his sack. This team is sooo young...I love it.
I was wondering that when someone mentioned that there's no one out there who is a viable option to replace a fired Tressel. He was the first name that popped into my head.
I hope not, because that really sucks for the lil Animal because he had no choice in being drafted by that garbage team.
well said e-roc
Who would like to just beat the living crap out of Toledo? Like 70-3?
Let's see how TP responds, he feels he can throw and Tressel must think so too. He took the blame for the loss, let him make up for it the rest of the season.
The worst thing that couldve happened to Toledo is us losing. They're in for a whoopin. Anyone know why the game is in Cleveland?
Cal is gonna win the pac10 this year. Finally get over the hump at home against USC. I'm not sure I'd want to play Cal at this point in the season, we have a lot to fix and they look like a offensive machine.
OSU usually plays at least one non-conference away game a year and so Toledo is it. Toledo's stadium however is too small for the Bucks, so Clevelands stadium is bigger. After that we have New Mexico State comin to our house as our final non-conference game which is like in the middle of the season.
I'd love it!!! But Tress will never let that happen.... 27-16 Buckeyes
Worst football weekend ever. Bucks give the game away and my fantasy team gets destroyed because Tony Romo decided to live up to the past 2 years of hype and combine it all in one game.
I'd say something about an NFL team, but I don't have one.
We can only hope....
the football optimist to end all optimists(me) is beginning to have my doubts.....
Please refer to Rolle as his legal name; "coked up hedgehog" or BCS (Black Chris Spielman).
The Oakland Raiders looked like they watched the OSU game last Saturday night. They played to lose too!
Hand the playbook to Bollman Tress! Give him a chance and let's see if HE can call better plays than YOU!
"hand the playbook to bollman" what is the world coming to????
add to that being at the Bengals game on Sunday. UGGGHGHGHGHGH
Great Blog by a man who should have been treated much better than he was.
http://www.earlebruce.com/
I cant wait until Tress wins his next MNC with the Bucks and you guy look stupid. Quit dogging Tress now, he's not going anywhere and we still have 11 games left to play this year. Go to another hairbrained site to do that shit. We're realist on here.
If we pull Hicks, Henderson, Joyner in this class, along with already having Norwell and Brown. This team WILL breakthrough.
I bet they would throw to the slot receiver who has no defender within 25 yards of him.
At least he wouldn't be coaching the line if he is calling the plays....
or a bengals fan.... for the past 20 years. haha, why narrow down to sunday alone?
good point :D
yeah, Tress only runs up the score on Northwestern (and TSUN last year)
I usually like what you say but after Earl's first season with Woody's boys he didn't do crap.
Read an interesting comment on the Cleveland Plain Dealer website about how one fan thinks Tress almost has an inferiority complex. He's so deadset on wanting to be a better coach than his father that he's unwilling to relinquish any control over the program or listen to anyone. I admittedly know very little about Lee Tressel, so I can't comment. Something to think about though.
Depending on how this season ends up for Rolle, a Black Chris Spielman shirt needs to be in the 11W Shop.
I had to read that one twice too....but hell, a change DOES need to be made. By jeez, that is kinda extreme....let Fickell call the plays LOL
Fantastic Article by Chris Brown of Smartfootball.com breaking down our offensive woes and Tressel's approach..
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/f...
Yea, I just got done reading that myself and it is well worth the time. Makes you a little more concerned though.
It will be up at 1pm.
Boom made Mays drop a "Big Deuce" in his pants on that hit.
I have a feeling you'll see some big scores, maybe not Florida 63-3 type scors, but I'd by happy with 42-2 or 48-7. I think this will be comon place the rest of the season as Tressel and everyone else knows they have to start destroying teams to get mentioned for any hope at an MNC game. They are not out of the running this year guys. You never know what other teams will do.
let me call plays. time to bust out the ncaa football on xbox shit! We're gonna average 70ppg!
This TEAM has talent for days on the field. It's the guys on the sidelines and up in the booth that have kept us from the Promised Land.
We all said that landing Pryor, Posey, Fellows, etc. would be our breaking point... Let me know when that happens. I didn't see it on Saturday.
Not having Carlos Hyde (a big, quick bruiser at RB) has deflated Tressel's balls.. I mean Tressel-ball.
I second this.
LiC is kind of stupid in my opinion.
Word up.
How about we give Bollman some headphones but they aren't plugged in to anything?
iball, we're just going to have to agree to disagree. I can't wait for him to win his next MNC, either, and that's why I want him gone...because I'll be waiting for the rest of his tenure.
You keep saying, if we put x-name, x-name, x-name in this next class, they'll finally make it happen. You don't get more theoretically unstoppable with the guys they have on the field right now. You couldn't get more unstoppable than Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzales, Troy Smith, Pittman, Beanie Wells, Laurinaitis, Jenkins, Gholston, and Freeman...but they got crushed for some reason.
All the guys from 2007 came back and were supposed to be unstoppable in 2008 with the addition of Pryor. They lost 3 games.
My interpretation of these failures is not "hairbrained." They're rooted in 3 years of experiences that guys like you seem to brush off. It's not a fluke if it happens the last 6 times in a row. It's not a fluke if you haven't beaten USC in 35 years.
I've been pondering over the game the past couple days, and I have finally come to the conclusion that everyone calling for Tressel's head may be right. I mean I wasn't really even that upset or surprised that we lost. Talk about apathy!
He is too much of a micro manager to ever hand off the job of play calling to a real offensive coordinator. Plus OSU is already at the NCAA limit of 9 coaches. I honestly think that Tressel will retire before he has to fire one of his coaches or hand off the play calling duties. Not that I think that the university will ever make him make that choice.
I do think that Brian Kelly is intriguing. I've watched quite a few UC games and the level of talent compared to the amount of points they put up shows a well coached football team. Combine that with the fact that they only have their one field to practice on and meager facilities for training and you get one amazing coach. Also none of the obligations in his contract were met by the university this year. They were supposed to have practice and training facilities under construction by the beginning of this season and they haven't even moved on it. So essentially he could walk out without having to buy out his remaining four years on his contract. That would be very enticing if I were Gene Smith!
Again, lets not get ahead of ourselves.
Nicknames are normally given when a player performs at a CONSISTENTLY high or CONSISTENTLY low level over the course of several years.
"Iron" Mike Tyson - World Heavyweight Title
Michael "Air" Jordan - 6 World Titles
Earvin "Magic" Johnson - 5 World Titles
"Mean" Joe Greene - 4 Superbowls
These guys performed at a such a high level for so long that their nicknames are actually justifiable.
On special occasions, the nickname comes from the person's childhood (Chris "Beanie" Wells).
But Terrelle Pryor?
Terrelle "LiC" Pryor - 0-3 in high profile games
Not saying he can't obtain the "LiC" status. Just not right now.
The school is not going to fire Tressel, and I want to caution people on hoping for that. I live in Kentucky and witnessed a similar situation with UK basketball and Tubby Smith. UK would make the tourney, and have a 1 seed but lose in the 2nd round or sweet 16 pretty often. I agree that it was frustrating but other than his first season, where he won a championship with another coaches' recruits, he never reached a final four again. He had a lot of success in conference and regular season. His winning percentage was very good but after pressure and media scrutiny, he decided to leave. Well UK fans and the school itself that their program UK and everyone would want that job. They ended up with Billy Gillespie.
I think Tressel is high quality than Tubby Smith was in basketball, but I just caution everyone to understand if you hire someone who has such a high winning percentage and has had success in bowls, you may not get what you are looking for and the program will go to hell.
Sorry, I mean if you fire someone with that high of a win percentage
My point is, that Tress isn't going anywhere. What you guys are doing is accomplishing nothing, but negativity. Im not necessarily defending JT, but I think he is an intelligent coach who can learn, just as his players do.
Certain big time players at key positions, can make a huge impact early on in their careers, happens every year. The more top talent we bring in just increases are chances of that.
Also, Pryor is only a sophmore, get off his back. He has a very good chance of becoming a great QB. Fact is, he HAS improved and will continue to. Just because all the sudden it seems like he won't win us a title in his 2nd year, doesn't mean it's time to get rid of him. If our D, who played outstanding, made 1 play, we wouldn't be having this convo.
Lastly, don't buy into the "well, Matt Barkley won a big game as a frosh, why can't Pryor?". Everyone knows Matt Barkley didn't do anything heroic in that last drive or the game. He dumped the ball off to the REAL hero, McKnight, a junior. This season is still young and the country could very well be singing a different tune by the time it's over.
Say it with me, "knee jerk reaction"
You're right Brian,
I too believed at first it might be time for JT to go, but calmer heads prevailed, and now I think otherwise. Sure, hiring a great coach could pay-off, but what are the odds? Im sure a multi-million dollar corporation, like OSU football, won't take that risk.
Nebraska
Miami
Alabama
Michigan
Notre Dame
Just a few programs who took a nose dive after going thru a coaching change. Sure, some have recovered, and some haven't. But, are we really willing to sacrifice our current situation to hopefully make a few big plays when we need it? And I mean that literally, a few big plays is all we are talking about.
Anyone one have any ideas as to who'd be a nice fit for the OC job?
Tressel doesn't learn, iball. The minute you realize that is the minute you start thinking like me.
Here is my 2 cents and you all know I am a Tressel defender from top to bottom, but he does need a new voice. Its like having a great girlfriend for 5 years, but the "stuff" is the same, then all of a sudden she says she wants to do something freaky and the "stuff" gets even better and you love it again. Tress getting an offensive voice in there would be that freaky thing. I live in Youngstown and have seen him as a coach since I was 9 and have seen my best games in any sport with him as a coach, so the man is a winner, he isn't going anywhere.
As far as names for OC spot, do you ever think a guy like Brian Kelly or Chris Petersen would ever give up their post at a Mid-Major to become a OC for OSU? I am asking honestly, because if I was them I would think...shit I could be groomed to be a head coach at OSU when Tress leaves and I can make a shit ton of money. Lets face it they can't win a MNC there, the best they do is win a BCS game. Come be a OC, get the HC when Tress retires and be the man in C-bus...no?
I know Brian Kelly is really hot right now and everyone likes him, as do I, however, don't you think if he left UC he would do it to get his own larger program? I just think he has outgrown a coordinator spot for any school and is in the conversation for any big jobs that come vacant as a head coach now.
Firstly, Cincinnati is not a mid-major football program. In fact, Oregon State's coach (yes, not really relevant to us) stated that "UC may very well be the best team in Ohio." Obviously there is no comparison in program stature between Cincinnati football and Ohio State's deep tradition, but it would be a demotion to move from head coach of a BCS contending team to an offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
Secondly, if Brian Kelly leaves Cincinnati, it will be for one of college football's most prized positions: Notre Dame head coach. Kelly also would love to play against OSU every year, but OSU has denied that possibility for obvious reasons.
I said before Saturday that if you put Terrelle Pryor in Tony Pike's position, Terrelle would be a Heisman contender. Would the real TP please stand up now?
source for the quote: http://news.cincinnati.com/app...
Tressel doesn't learn? Really? wow.
TP would excel in the Big East, I agree. But it's the Big East, no one respects the conference enough to recognize a player as a Heisman contender. Also, how does playing for UC automatically teach Pryor how to throw a football?
Lastly, OSU would blow the DOORS off UC. Are you fucking kidding me? They beat Rutgers and an FCS team, we lost by 3 to US fuckin C, And now UC is better than OSU? Get the hell off a grown man's website before you get sat in a corner.
*GASP*
not the dreaded elementary school time out!!!!! LMAO
Maybe coordinators make a lot at other schools but not at OSU. Look it up. Kelly is too big to be a coordinator anywhere at this point. I like him and i like his program but I am not convinced he could/would/is better than JT.
As I have stated before, I would love to Bollman to get a chance and call the plays. It is a different voice and someone we have blamed for our offensive troubles but don't really know him much as a play caller.
iball, you've gotta be kidding me. Pat White wasn't a Heisman contender?! Ray Rice wasn't a Heisman contender?! Brian Brohm wasn't a Heisman contender?!
You're absolutely out of your gourd.
UC would score at least 5 offensive TDs on Ohio State. Their defense is faster and more disciplined than any team Ohio State will play in the Big Ten all year. I'm an OSU alumni, and a proud one, but if USC gives the ball to the Bearcats twice in Trojan territory in the 2nd half of the game, they score two TDs, maybe 10 points at worst. Period.
You should probably read the argument before responding in such a manner.
The original post that was replied to asked if a coach such as Brian Kelly would leave his 'mid-major' program to be an offensive coordinator at OSU. My response's intent was to clarify that Cincinnati was not a mid-major program and, although not considered in the same status-level as OSU, it would be a demotion to move from the success he has going to be 2nd in charge to Tressel.
Don't be dumb, read the argument or comment and don't assume what isn't said.
Not only do you make yourself look foolish, you represent what the nation thinks of we Buckeye fans.
Anyone remember the '95/96 offense? Walt Harris is the QB coach at Akron currently.
I'm pretty sure Tress WANTED Pryor to throw to him......he did call that play.
Bollman? The guy everyone wanted fired because his O-Line couldn't block and now you want him to call the plays? My god you sound sick, go get checked out, thats one of the more out of control statements I have heard. Jim Bollman calling plays?! I'd start rooting for Cincy if that happened.
You really think Cincy could come to the Shoe and beat us? Really? Have you seen the big Least? Be realistic, Ohio State is more talented than Cincy at every position, yes even quarterback. Don't sit here and be serious and tell me that Cincy could score 5 TD's on OSU's D when USC couldn't do it, thats just ridiculous to think about.
Cincy is cincy, they are not Ohio State so there is no compairison, and Cincy could go undefeated and not get in the BCS game, nor should they, a one loss Texas, USC or Florida team deserves that much more than Cincy. Quit drinking that Kool-Aid.
Roots run deep.
Bollman and JT daddies used to coach together. (Per the presser yesterday). He don't be going nowhere.