Pryor blew up for 372 yards (262 pass, 110 rush) and 4 TD as the Rockets failed to launch (AP: Amy Sancetta)We must keep in mind it was only Toledo but it felt good to get back on the horse as the Buckeyes dismantled the Rockets 38-0 in Cleveland Browns Stadium. The win was slightly tempered by the USC loss to Washington leaving me still wondering just how good this team is but it was still fun to sit back and watch a thumping with the defense flexing their muscle on the MAC and Pryor flat out destroying a defense that proved shakier than Morganna.
Tressel Punches Back
After the firestorm last week it was good to see Tressel show his sense of humor - or at least that's how I'm taking it - as he actually dialed up the QB sneak facing 3rd and 1 on OSU's second possession. As expected, running his 240 lb. quarterback up the gut got the necessary yard, drew rave reviews from the crowd and kept alive the 12 play, 68 yard drive to give OSU a 14-0 cushion. That said, once he gave the crowd what they wanted he later reverted back to his love of Boom off-tackle in short yardage as he predictably called Herron's number on both 1st and 2nd and goal at the 4 with the Buckeyes up 21-0 late in the half. With the line and Boom unable to get the necessary 4 yards he called a pass play in which Pryor could've easily ran it in but fired an incompletion instead leading to Pettrey's missed field goal. Since the Bucks were up 21-0, I forced a smile.Really, though, you had to pleased with the overall play calling which was made less of an issue by the fact Toledo's defense is the worst we'll see all season. He looked to stretch the defense early and often recognizing the three true frosh in Toledo's secondary had no business being on the field with Ohio State. I also loved Tressel calling the bomb on the first possession of the 2nd half with OSU up 24-0 and he clearly got in Pryor's ear this week about taking off with the ball when the pass isn't there.
Again, it was cupcake city but it was nice to see Tressel allow 38 points on a friend and attack well past when the game was out of reach. It was like therapy as I move past the USC debacle only made worse by Washington's win. While I think it was beyond fair for the fan base to criticize what the Vest offered against USC and that doing so doesn't mean you are calling for his head, it doesn't mean that I like it that way. Now, we just have to hope he can keep this team playing with a chip on its shoulder.
ISO: Tailback Production
Through 3 games, the non-Pryor rushing attack is still leaving much to be desired. Boom and Zoom combined for 87 yards on 27 carries today buoyed by Zoom's 9 for 45, however if you take out his 31 yard carry then you are looking at 8 for 14 while Boom's 15 for 42 isn't eye popping either. It's hard to figure out exactly why the RB production is lacking which means it's likely the result of many factors.First, it seems the offensive line has done a 180 from last season and now they pass block better than run block. Second, even the best lines at times require the RB to make the first guy miss over the course of a game and Boom/Zoom just haven't shown a consistent ability to do it. I still favor Boom because I believe he does have more wiggle and is usually quicker to select a hole and go through it but he's still looked a little easy to corral. Zoom has shown even less true RB skills. He's faster but he's far less shifty and watching him get tackled by an LB in space Saturday was a little frustrating. He's the bigger homerun threat to be sure, but in between features too many tackle seeking carries.
As in fall camp, Jordan Hall looked as good at RB as anybody and he was certainly a bright spot yesterday with 7 for 44 (6.3 ypc). Just a freshman, I'm interested to see if he gets any totes next week if Herron and Saine aren't showing much. What say you? What's the main reason for the flat RB production?
Pryor's Big Day
Against any opponent, 372 yards of total offense ain't no joke though it was vintage young Pryor as amongst the many impressive plays a few WTF decisions were stashed. It's probably fair to say nobody on the roster was more excited to face Toledo and their porous defense more than TP, who was badly in search of some big numbers to quiet the critics. Coming in connecting on just 54% of his passes thus far, Pryor hit on 17 of 28 for 262 yards (all career highs) and 3 TD along with two pesky INT's.To his credit, TP came out firing hitting Dane in stride for a 76 yard TD on 3rd and 8 after his 1st down pass was behind Posey. In Pryor's words, he looked off the safety to give Dane even more space as he was already 5 yards behind the corner in coverage. Great pass. He hung it up for Dane to run under it but didn't float it.
Pryor's second possession was even prettier as he went 3/3 on the drive in addition to reintroducing the run to his repertoire. The key passes were a 12 yarder to Duron on 3rd and 6 and a tasty throw to Dane running a post for an 18 yard score. Pryor threw the pass before Dane and the defender could turn around and threaded the needle just in front of the safety at the goal line. It might actually be the best throw I've seen him make in his career. On the ground, he converted a sneak on 3rd and 1 and picked up 11 yards on 2nd and 7 with a juke that damn near tore the ACL of a Rocket LB. The swagger was back in full effect.
The next possession, however saw Pryor regress to his old ways after he started the drive with a 13 yard run. Inexplicably, on 1st down at the OSU 41, TP dropped back, felt a little pressure and let loose a back foot duck into double coverage for an interception. After the first two possessions, it was a Jekyl and Hyde moment to be sure. I could excuse such a play on 3rd down, maybe, but on 1st and 10? The maturation process continues.
I liked how much more in control TP appeared near the end of the half leading OSU from their own 31 to Toledo's 31 to set up Pettrey's 47 yard FG giving OSU a 24-0 lead at the break. He rushed for 6, hit Duron for 9 before a bad pass to Posey down the sideline in traffic. He responded with a 24 yard strike to Dane before Pettrey's kick.
The final huge highlight was his 43 yard burst on 3rd and 8 from the OSU 16 and as great as that run was, the entire drive was a Pryor clinic as he went 3/3 through the air including back to back shots to Small (19 yards) and Posey (15 yards) preceding his QB sneak to paydirt and a 31-0 lead. The toss to Small was a floater but he was so wide open it appeared Pryor was playing it safe so I give him a pass.
All in all, a very impressive day for a guy looking to take the next step. The production was there but he still needs to work on a few major things. Obviously, his spotty decision making has to keep improving and just as important might be curing his penchant for staring down receivers. He can get away with that against Toledo but how often did he throw to the primary target downfield and by the time the ball got there, completed or not, a second defender had gotten in position to make a play. That doesn't happen if you don't lock in and though he may not have done it on the Dane bomb, he did it consistently the rest of the afternoon. Hopefully that'll come. As for the running, it was so good to see him back in his comfort zone weaving through the second and third line of defenders. Dude is by far the best running back on this team. He must be utilized as such. Twelve carries for 110 yards says he was. Good stuff.
Defensive Domination
So much for Toledo's high octane spread. Admittedly, I thought Toledo would score 10 points on the starters but that was pure silliness thanks to a balanced effort spear headed by the defensive line's ability to get pressure without a blitz coupled wih Heacock's scheme of blitzing anyway on obvious passing downs leaving Opelt with a hair trigger and a 22/45 afternoon.Other numbers from the blitzkrieg include only 9 first downs, 13 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per pass attempt and 3 of 15 on 3rd down. Oh, and the D also forced 11 punts, including 10 straight before the 71 yard drive culminating in Coleman's forced fumble. Even crazier, Toledo didn't run a play in OSU territory through 3 quarters. Damn, son.
As with the offense, it's hard to put much stock in the results due to what proved to be weak competition but a shut out is a shut out. Coleman wasn't the only standout in the secondary as Chekwa, Torrence and Amos all had easy afternoons wearing the pants of the Rocket receivers. The lone hole in the secondary again belonged to Russell as he continues to show he isn't worthy of meaningful minutes.
Bottom line, the D continues to be the backbone of this team. Next up: Juice.
Shuffle
- What did you think of Shugarts? He was obviously a little nervous with a handful of false start to his credit but at least he got his feet wet in advance of Illinois.
- Is Dane blowing up or what? After a career high 126 yards and 2 TD, he is averaging a gaudy 26.7 yards per catch through 3 games. On the season, he has 241 yards receiving compared to 272 all last year.
- Heacock's unit has held opponents to fewer than 21 points 42 times since 2006, good for the #1 spot amongst all FBS teams. Ohio State's record in those games? 39-3.
- In case you missed it, Torrence got his first career start, supplanting Amos at boundary corner.
- I heart Jon Thoma thus far but Buchanan did well in his absence averaging 42.7 on three punts. The future looks bright.
Comments
I took the QB sneak as a big F U to fans... LOL. I also appreciated the sarcastic sense of humor as well.
I wonder if Tress was thinking to himself after he ran it "Well golly gee it does work!"
I would like to see Jordan Hall get more reps. Berry is nursing a slight injury so I don't think we will see him much anytime soon.
But Hall deserves a chance to show whether he can make an impact or not, especially in conference play. I think the little bit of effort and his YPC he showed on Saturday earns him the right to see if he can be the hidden talent people have been raving about in practice..
I too was laughing about this.. I found it highly ironic that when he did lay out that he ended up getting like 3 yards simply because of his size and length.. you wonder if Tressel was thinking
"wow, Golly Gee, holy shit that does work!"
I totally agree. He has definitely been lights out in the practices I've seen. Specifically, he did what Boom/Zoom haven't - he made the first guy miss fairly often. He at least deserves a chance to see if he can help or not.
I didn't see it live as it was family day at a seafood festival. I watched the replay and turned it off after Pryor's throw into double coverage. I knew the score and figured it got better. He needs to wake up on plays like that, as he was out of the box and should have made that throw to the sidelines. Good stats but from what I heard it could have easily been 3 or 4 picks thrown.
6'6" gets a yard every time...... Tressel got caught outhinking himself last week.
It seems that maybe the RB's are being utilized in the best ways.... Saine may be better suited in a Percy Harvin Role--ala quick throw out of the backfield, a quick slant, etc... and then let him run in space. Running him against a brick wall is getting no where. Herron seems to do well with that option play... Tress seems to be stubbornly hanging on to the notion that he can run anyone out of the I-formation... that cost us vs USC..... who cares if the rushing yds. are on a quick throw to a RB out of the backfield.... may be passing yds on the stat sheet, but they serve the purpose of rushing yds. Coaches have to do a better job of altering the game plan to the talent. Flash may be another guy they can use out of the backfield like that and allow him to run in space... spread them out and create some space.
meant to say are NOT in the first sentence
He isn't as small but standing next to Pyror and watching the way he runs I couldn't help but compare him a bit to Jacquizz Rodgers from Oregon State.
I agree that when it comes to the ISO power play we miss Beanie big time..
I think in general is Freshmen RB's tend to be a lot more aggressive hitting the holes. Recall that both Boom and Saine were outstanding getting to the LOS as freshmen. Not sure if they have a lot more to process as they learn more about the game, or what. But they seem to lose an edge as they get older.
I could be full of shit, though.
Personally, I'd like to see more Saine on the field. Not a big play and then on the sideline for 4-5 possessions. He has proven he can make a big play..Boom 2.
Think of a 2 TB, run and gun, wide open off that can score on a whim in 6 plays and is highlight city. A man can dream can't he?
I'd also like to see some draws and sweeps.
I know Rasta Wells' time in scarlet and grey left a thought of "what could have been" for many. But I feel he wasn't given an opportunity to succeed with the play calls (up the middle, up the middle, power run). Once he got to the outside, he could (have) busted a few open.
I digress.
Draw up and execute some plays that use the strength of the player (speed and agillity vs. pure power with the head down).
"Well, my daddy and Bollman's daddy had some success. They had some success at running the ball, b/c statistically if you run the ball you can with the field position battle. Statisctially, if you win the field position statistically with winning the turn over battle, you can win the game".
Enough with the numbers already, Rainman.
Quick Notes:
TP: He did well and is developing. However, if the QB coach has not done so, I would create a drill that has the QB running left and then right working on the mechanics of throwing while in scramble mode. This would include throwing at moving targets. Once TP gets out of the pocket, he does not reset himself when the opportunity exists. The reality is teams are always going to be throwing pressure at him for this reason; we can expect to see a steady diet of blitzes. Their blitzes seem to be designed to flush him to the defensive person assigned to spy on him. I would also work on pre-snap reads & hot reads. Oh ya, audibles: Quick slants, and various screens (including bubble screens may be necessary).
Offensive Line Run Blocking Scheme: In reviewing the DVR, I noticed a very basic blocking scheme that helps defenses key on run plays. To complicate the issue, during the infamous missed FG drive, on one play it appeared the guard and fullback where clearing a path, but there was separation between the RB and the Guard and Fullback. The Guard and Fullback were near the goal line and the RB was just getting to the line of scrimmage. This separation allowed the defense to flow into the separation and stop Herron with a minimal gain. We need more designed counters, traps, and pulling action. Teams still tee off on the full back when used. Strangely, on straight up running plays, it may be better to give the fullback a chance to carry it time to time. However, one of the biggest issues is continuity and recent injuries are not helping.
Overall: There is room for improvement; there were breakdowns in various areas both offensively and defensively. If the team and coaching staff continues to be actively searching for answers with an open mind, the sky is the limit for this team.
Boom almost breaks one a few times a game. At the same time, he gets tripped up at the line or just beyond the line. It's like a guy touches his foot and he goes down. I don't know if it's his footwork or he just doesn't have the balance, but if he could correct that we may have a great running back in the making. I still like Saine a lot though, but I agree quick passes are his bread and butter.
"What say you? What’s the main reason for the flat RB production?"
Aside from the obvious reasons and the reasons you've discussed here before, I would add the following two reasons, which are speculative (possibly wishful thinking?):
1. Tress has been forcing the guys to learn how to execute and be tough in the power iso plays, even though he knows those will not be this team's bread-and-butter. Partly, they are hiding and/or gradually incorporating the offense in advance of the Big Ten season, which will use more mix of spread-like, finesse, slash running from 1 back sets - including lots of shotgun and pony. That shift will better take advantage of the RB personnel - Boom, Zoom, Hall, and Berry. But at times they'll need to be able to line up and run power in short yardage situations. Maybe by mid-season, Jermil Martin will be healthy and can be plugged-in for short yardage plays and by then the FBs are better.
2. Tress is trying to limit the hits taken by LiC over the course of a 13 game season. This will continue to be a balancing act, but I expect to see LiC running a lot against PSU, Iowa, and Michigan.
The above two points do suggest that Tress is still pretty old school: willing to scarfice offensive effectiveness against U$C for the sake of the Big Ten. Ugh . . . yep. But, really, I think he's trying to get the most out of this team that he can and this team will need to 1). be able to run some power iso; and 2). cannot afford injury/damage to LiC.
ur dumb he is the best
I think Zoom is hitting the hole a lot more faster and harder than Boom right now. Give him a few more carries and run some sweeps to the outside.
1. bothered again that an opponent that we barely beat or barely beat us then goes down in flames. beat Texas in Austin in 06 and then they went on to a forgettable season. what looked like a signature win... not so much. beat scUM in the Shoe that year too, and then they got blown up in the Rose Bowl. things didn't go real well for us that year in the NC game... so seeing Wash take out SC is perturbing.
2. I cannot imagine what it is to be an USC fan. we think we have it tough with the Prevent Offense and Mr. Conservative Coach. how'd you like to have that kind of talent and for five straight years lose a game you have absolutely no business losing? none whatsoever. for all the media love Petey gets as a genius etc it's just astonishing that his teams can underperform like that. they should, arguably, have been in four or five of the last NC games, and can't get in because they lose to to an Oregon State every year. that's got to be "honey, where are the razor blades and can you roll my sleeves up please?" stuff for them.
3. anybody else thing State Penn might not be as good as advertised?
4. what exactly is going on at Toledo that they are starting 3 freshment DBs? injuries? grades? brain dead coaching? "we'll be great in four years?" what?
5. watching the game on ESPN Gameplan ($24.95 donation required, thank you very much) and they didn't even have a first down line. didn't realize how much that adds to the game but it missed it dearly. didn't miss the frenetic crawl on the bottom of the screen and the endless "we go back to the studio" updates. however, is it asking too much of ESPN for them to use equipment made in the 1980s for the telecast instead of vintage pre WWII equipment? to say that sometimes we were looking at blobs on a field is putting it kindly.
"Tress has been forcing the guys to learn how to execute and be tough in the power iso plays, even though he knows those will not be this team’s bread-and-butter. "
I agree with the toughening up part, but an o-line with TE will have a difficult time blocking 8 or 9 even with a full back. To compound this, if I were an opposing DC, I would tell my defenders to disregard the pass in short yardage situations. I would guess that 80 - 90% of the time I would be right.
Prevent offense, haha.
No, I think 2 was the maximal. Although, it could have easily been two or three more TD's scored in place of field goal (or missed)...
31 points on the Might Owls of Temple.
I thought they looked like "poo" also.
mighty*
Was reading College Football News this morning, and I was shocked by some of their analysis (because usually, I think, they're really good for a national outlet). For starters, they said our D-line needs to do a better job getting into the backfield. I'm not sure that they can be playing at a higher level than they are now. They dropped us to 18th in the polls (SC at 17th), and they have UC playing for the national title. Now, I love in Cincy, and needless to say it's completely different than central and northern Ohio. Apparently, a year in the BCS gives them a reason to puff their chests out. As far as I'm concerned, we have no reason to legitimize them. This isn't Florida versus Miami where both teams have a track record. We're one of the top five winnngest programs of all time. UC's biggest rival? Miami. Two words UC: Fuck off.
I think we are stuck with 2 mediocre backs at best, Boom shows a little more wiggle and pop, but just doesn't have enough burst to make it out of the second level. Zoom has burst but goes down with the first hit.
If anything Hall could change up the look for a defense, as Boom and Zoom seem to be relatively the same back.
I think Pryor could absolutely DOMINATE the b10 with the rollout.
did anybody else notice Zoom's run in the 3rd quarter(i think) where he took it to the left and couldn't make the corner miss?
great open-field tackle or just terrible break away ability?
I think it's more of the latter.
It was fanstatic being able to actually drink at a tailgate and at the game. To top it off there was no urinating in the sinks. Good job Cleveland.
Anyone else get stuck in that shitty traffic? There has to be more than one way into downtown Cleveland....
To the really overweight guy sitting next to me in the stands -- please shower and use deodorant before leaving the house next time, okay?
Football - I hate to make my point really simple but if we could eliminate the mistakes, false starts, turnovers, etc, we should be set on the offensive side of the ball. I really want TP to learn how to Craig Krenzle the football, meaning he needs to learn to know when to throw it away, when to run, and when to throw it up for grabs. I think the offense is getting closer, or at least Toledo made us look like we were getting closer. I guess we will know next week?
Toledo's receivers seemed really tall. I was impressed with our DBs. I did see Russel take what looked like a bad angle on a guy and miss. I was sitting in the endzone so it was kind of hard to tell. I see pressure, but I don't see Gibson doing as much as I thought he would. Are teams figuring out how to block him? Is he gobbeling up linemen for others to get through? I dunno.
Big 10 starts soon. Illinois is hurt, got smoked by Mizzou, destroyed a crappy team and had a bye week before coming to Columbus. I am concerned about giving Illinois all that time to prepare for us. After losing to Mizzou you better bet they circled this coming Saturday on their calendar. Do I really have reason for concern or will this be a cake walk?
If that's true than this team is in trouble. If he sticks with that obsolete "dave" play just to spite his critics, I predict a 10-3 season with a loss to an SEC team in the Citrus bowl.
Totally agree. That 31 yard run was real nice, and you can't just discount it to make the argument that he didn't have a good day running the ball. The one play he got tackled in open space was by a very, very good DB in Barry Church (3x all MAC performer) who will be playing on Sunday.
I think Zoom has shown much more than Herron at this point and should get the carries accordingly.
Giving Illinois the time to prepare does worry a bit, but what, exactly do they prepare for? The power running game that destroyed them last year? The option? Five wide receivers? Pony?
The flipside of the offense trying to be a jack of all trades is that it doesn't let opposing defenses zero-in on anything in particular.
Plus Zook.
Honestly, I can see UC possibly getting in because there is no one left on their schedule. I think Fresno State may give them more problems than people expect. I think UC is building a program, but I'm not willing to say they are the best in Ohio. Brian Kelly though, knows how to get the best out of his players and the talent he's got. Those guys always play their asses off.
I hear you. I didn't mean to discount it, only that his other 8 carries got a total of 14 yards. For various reasons. I dont think many would argue that 9/45 with 1 carry going for 31 is a great day running the ball. As for the play in space, good point that Church is a good player but I didn't see Saine even make a move to juke him - just kinda ran into him. I only watched it once but that's what I remember. I could be wrong.
It was after he touched the ball 3 or 4 times in a row too. I think it had more to do with him being winded than not being able to juke a guy.
Last night, I got a little irked at the poll that came out. But now I'm not too concerned about it. I saw a lot this weekend that led me to believe the top 10 will change quite a bit as the year goes on. I was SHOCKED by the score of the Florida game. I'm thinking maybe they aren't the dominant, no doubt, number 1 team everyone is calling for. Tebag had a pretty mediocre game as well, not looking like a 2 time Heisman to me.
Texas looked very ordinary, and I know McCoy had the flu, but still they have looked iffy this year as well. They are giving up some points to some less than stellar teams this year. We know about USC, Ole Miss is over rated, California had a much tougher game than I expected in Minnesota, and LSU looked vulnerable against Washington the first week of the year. Penn State didn't exactly look stout against Temple either. In fact, it could be said the best football in America this year so far is being played by Alabama and Miami.
If the bucks just keep winning and getting better and better each week, there is no reason they can't finish this season in the top 5. The defense is sick, and the offense is getting there. I'm convinced this team will be one of the elite by November.
Things i noticed while in a bar in Indianapolis... What's funny is there were 25 OSU fans, and 4 penn state fans they made sit in the back. LOL...
1.) could care less if i see another dive play from either boom or saine.
I would agree with what seems to be a common theme today, or in prior weeks that saine diff looks quicker, better, wonder why he is not getting more reps?
2.) kind of similar... But honestly i still don't understand the mindset of a bootleg on 2 down. Why not 1st down? How many times did i say" tressell you are so predictiable before my wife was calming me down". I.E. 26 dive, 23 dive, 27 dive, stop with these runs plays. AHHHH!!!!
3.) Pryor actual looked like he was having fun, i think he got to cocky. Pretty sure when hall entered the game he looked over, and said it's just like highschool before he throws a pick! But, hey at least he took off with authority, and ran the ball... You take the good, and the bad with those runs.
4.) TE's MIA ???? Where did they go???
5.) Posey, Carter, Small, and the guy who brings his lunchbox to work Dane (make me smile :)
6.) last week predications where close on pryor
Player of game on offense: Pryor 20/31 242yds 3 td, 5 carries 86yds 1td
7.) Last but not least ROCKET FAN where you at buddy??? Why don't you stop hiding, and come out like a real man... Admit that weed you were smokin had you thinking you actual could be in the game...
Piece of advice if you live in OHIO Rep the BUCKS they are the only thing you got...
Who Dey biatch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Purdue player cheap shot. What do you do if you're his coach? 1-game suspension?
agree...
Good DB too!
I love the Tebag line. That will have to be used more if it isn't already....
I've been calling him that for a while hoping it would catch on. It was inspired by his close relationship with his Coach.
enjoyed the game... but still thought pryor tried to go for the big play instead of what was given to him... maybe he's pressing too hard. overall, d played great and offense played decent.
Tebow was prob tired bc he just cured aids, stopped world hunger and fixed that whole Darfur thingy.
As I said Saturday(or was it Sunday) he crawled back under the rock he'd been living under for his entire life.
Let's not forget walking on water and turning water into wine. OH yeah, and Tebagging Urban
Was it called? I didn't see the game
you ignore it until the big ten suspends the player for you...and then you take umbrage at the "unprecedented" actions of the big ten and play the victim card.
...oh wait, that's another team.
I don't see Saine or Herron really impressing me as a true do-it-all kind of guy. Saine is definitely faster and perhaps a little more powerful, too. Herron is solid all-around, but doesn't really do anything extraordinarily.
So that brings me towards the end of the game when Toledo's defense was gasping for wind, and Jordan Hall ripped into them a-la a former #13 used to. He's smaller, quicker, and shiftier than the other two guys, and he definitely sees the running room better. Perhaps it's an experience/durability issue as to why the guy hasn't seen the field much yet, but I think this team would benefit immensely from a 3-way split at TB. Keep everyone's legs fresh, and make sure you have some speed that can keep defenses questioning their own abilities.
If they show they can get yards, freakin' let them!
If you've noticed they've had Gibson more in a stand up role this year playing as another line backer. He has been on the line some but with Iron Heads son and the rest of the D-Line getting so much pressure I am not upset with his play at all. His game will come. Remember, we got a sack only rushing three Saturday. Now, it was an inferior line but thats was still great to see
Regardless of how winded Toledo's defense was, I thought Hall showed some good vision and cut-back ability. Thought I saw some of the same from Boom last year but it seems like it kinda disapppeared this season; just running into the line with his head down. Saine hits the so-called hole quick but is just straight ahead.
HAHAHAHHAAAA!
sounds like your jealous brian...
LOL!!!!!!!
I was saying to all the guys on Saturday that my main knock on Boom & Zoom is the lack of cutbacks (ability?!)..that is a HUGE reason why Beanie was so successful, if you take away the size, speed, and the S.A.O.J., he still had ridiculous vision and made cutbacks that weren't even there yet when he cut. Hall showed a nice 'flash' (no pun intended) of being able to do similar things. Man, Beanie really was the whole package tho. Makes you realize how much you really, really, really miss a player like that once hes gone.
Not for nothing, Boom payed his dues as of yet, but from a fan's perspective, that starting RB spot is WIDE OPEN and there for the taking by next season. This is the year to prove what you got boys. I do like the committee approach tho. Fresh legs ALMOST worked for Dallass last night against my boys in blue...almost
Sanzenbacher = obvious offensive MVP of this young season, and Rolle is clearly the MVP of the defernse.
This team is so young, and can become so, so good... It's really exciting.
Here's hoping Pryor's ability, and the level of trust between he and Coach Tressel grows in the way Tress and Smith grew together. If so, 2010-2011 will be happy times in old Columbus town.
Tp is the guy getting the ball to Sanz. He also is leading the team in rushing at this point. So Offensive Mvp is TP.
"Shakier than Morgana"? What does that mean? Couldn't you have gone with a more accesible metaphor like "shakier than Michael J. Fox?" Too soon?
'I expect to see LiC running a lot against PSU, Iowa, and Michigan.'
I have to ask, where do you get that from?
So far against top defenses, TP's been a pocket 'please don't hurt me' finesse QB.
If Tress wasn't inclined to run TP against USC, he won't be inclined to run TP againt PSU, Iowa or Michigan.
I remember reading somewhere on the internet (so it must be true) that Tress promissed TP he would not use him as a drop back passer to get TP ready for the NFL. And what we've seen so far this year is TP trying to stay in the pocket. I expect the same for the remainder of the year.