The pressure is on Cordle and his fellow line matesWith another chance for the Buckeyes to earn some much needed national respect in the face of five straight losses to top 10 opponents, it goes without saying there's an avalanche of pressure to perform this Saturday night in the Shoe.
There's been plenty of blame to go round with seemingly every unit failing to execute during the period running from the 41-14 whitewashing at the hands of Urban to the last second punch in the gut versus Texas this past January.
So, considering the dismal performances turned in by virtually every unit in one game or another, not to mention overall discipline/toughness issues, which unit has the most pressure on them Saturday night? Which could have the biggest influence on the overall result?Quarterback Obviously, past QB failings fall largely in the lap of Todd Boeckman who spent more time slowly running for his life than shredding defenses. As for Pryor, he at least had some up's to go with his down's in losses to USC, Penn State and Texas last season. He'll obviously have a chance to be the biggest difference maker as I think all of us expect Tressel to put the game in LiC's hands by calling a high percentage of plays that give him the option to run or pass.
The pressure comes in the form of decision making and delivering accurate throws, something he was able to do against USC (7/9) and PSU (16/25) but regressed to a disappointing 5/13 against Texas after we filled our heads with the notion he would improve mechanics during the long bowl preparation. With Tressel presumptively prepared to hand Pryor the keys to the entire offense, he'll be given a level of responsibility for a win or loss not seen since Troy was running the show. Pressure? What pressure?
Offensive Line No unit has taken more heat for big game collapses than the offensive line and deservedly so. Last season they helped the rushing attack manage a paltry 2.0 yards per carry against PSU, forgot the snap count repeatedly, and pass blocked to the tune of nine sacks surrendered including five against USC. I don't want to even think how high that number would've been if not for Pryor's ability to escape a collapsing pocket.
With no group more important to the success of an offense - or under more scrutiny - the line has more to prove than any other unit. It's gotten so bad that Tress had to restrict Bollman to only coaching the centers and guards with Peterson taking over the tackles and ends. Throw in the fact this group has a left tackle starting that most thought wouldn't see extended minutes combined with Cordle's struggles at guard and now right tackle and you've got yourself a unit with their own heaping helping of pressure to step up in a big game. Of all the units, they continue to be the most concerning even after a better than first glance performance against Navy last week.
Defensive Line Much has been made of the defensive line being the strength of this team but even an above average performance Saturday could mean a stalemate in the trenches considering USC's offensive line is arguably the best in the country.
It will take a monster effort to not only get an effective pass rush to disrupt Barkley but the tackles must at least keep the o-line from getting blocks on the linebackers trying to contain USC's stable of running backs. If they can't at least slow the run forcing Barkley into obvious passing situations, it's gonna be a long night in the Shoe. Last year, the Buckeyes managed just one sack while USC averaged 5.1 yards per carry. I have a lot of confidence that this group will fare much better than last year and will show up and do their part to engineer a potential upset.
Linebackers Coming into the season we were all pretty high on the LB's, particularly the depth, but now Moeller's gone for the year and Spitler appeared to be wearing Anvil-cleats a week ago. Again, taking into account the challenge facing the defensive line, it could be the linebackers who have the biggest impact on OSU's ability to slow the USC attack. Rolle, Homan and company will have to show an ability to shed blockers and get to the sideline, while being careful not to overpursue if there's any chance to keep USC under 30 points. Factoring in USC's speed at RB, I don't know how it's possible that we don't see more of Sabino this week.
The loss of Moeller also hurts the LB's in that USC loves to utilize their tailbacks and fullbacks as receivers forcing the linebackers to prove they have some coverage skills in their arsenal. We've seen linebacker pass coverage be a huge issue in previous big games (ie: Little Animal, Freeman) whether in zone or man which makes me extremely nervous. Could it be the LB's will have the biggest hand in determing a win or loss?
Secondary Even with a freshman QB in town, you've got to be concerned about the OSU secondary holding up against USC's expert playcalling, big play ability of guys like Damian Williams and receivers out of the backfield such as Havili. It's no secret those two burned OSU for 3 TD's last season.
The good news is Anderson Russell has finally been relieved of his starting free safety duties with Coleman taking that spot and Hines sliding into the strong safety role, as Keith discussed yesterday. The bad news is Russell will likely still see heavy minutes in the nickel and he can say what he wants but after giving up OSU's last three TD passes against, I don't see how it's possible his psyche isn't incredibly fragile. Think Pete will target Russell early and often? Me too.
Throw in the fact Amos/Torrence are unproven talents at corner and you better hope the defensive line is able to get pressure and/or the blitz actually has an impact this year after USC had little trouble picking up the numerous blitzes Heacock attempted in the Coliseum. In other words, I hope you don't need it, but keep the nitro-glycerin handy. It seems the hopes of the secondary holding up are more about the defensive line playing lights out coupled with Barkley not being ready for the Shoe. Both are at least fathomable so there is room for a touch of optimism.
Comments
Pryor was hurt in the Texas game, give him a break!
jim cordle sucks, bryant browning sucks, spitler is slow, anderson russell sucks, and all four will see significant action saturday night which means?? that sucks.
mcnutt for heisman, indeed.
if i ever had the chance to interview ohio state here is what i would fire away with:
tressel-why are you so loyal to coaches who are NOT DOING THEIR JOB? ahhh i see b/c it helps with recruiting you say? yeah i'm sure recruits overlook osu getting lit up like jenna jameson b/c bollman and heacock will be around to blow their professional careers for four years.
cordle-how come you suck so bad?
browning-how is non-explosive training working out for you as opposed to explosive??
mike adams-are you serious clark?
sanzenbacher-how many times are you going to get knocked out this year?
pryor,posey,carter,boom-how does it feel to have to carry your teammates?
gibson-will you make barkley sh!t his pants?
williams-don't ever let up(i know that's not a question)
sabino-ask for more pt, ask for an opportunity, ask for a chance
hines-will you hit mcknight just one time when he doesn't see you coming?
anderson russell-how can you get worse every year?
small-what is your IQ 4 or 82? (yes rayray both are bad)
tressel- what happened to your big game abilities? they leave with dantonio or with notre dame's pride?
I just wanted to say that Richard McNutt is my hero. He and Scotty McMullen got my through my sophomore year at OSU. That and Jim Sorgi chokeholds.
and one final question for both heacock and bollman:
the definition of insanity (retardediness) is to repeat the same process expecting different results, so my question for both of you is... just how retarded are you?
i like the one about sabino
mcnutt: I would not question he cognitive abilities of others if I were you. You sound like you are a couple of standard deviations below a normal IQ yourself. BTW, insanity has zero to do with retardation.
The Small one was awesome!
You might want to ask yourself the same question. Mcnutt 4 Heisman? No way your even old enough to remember that. Nothing I hate more then a poser.
juannie-i don't know how to question HE cognitive abilities of others anyway. i thought this was football opinionated analysis not probability and statistics? BTW(why did you put that in bold? were you yelling by the way at me?) anyway i know that insanity has nothing to do w/ retardation, HOWEVER,oh sorry i mean however, i was taking some writer's liberty by correlating insanity and retardediness because the fact that bollman and heacock are still on staff is insane and retarded as reflected in their coaching abilities. could you follow all of that?
--lastly i would love for gibson to get those two colt mccoy shots on barkley penalties be damned, that'd be worth it to get those hits on matt 'jesus shuttlesworth' barkley. juannie that was an 'analogy' because ray allen was called jesus shuttlesworth by denzel washington b/c he was the perfect basketball player. did i deviate too far from the standard for you?
uncle buck- no way i'm even old enough to remember that? no way i'm old enough to remember mcnutt for heisman? you mean at the beginning of this century? wow.
kid's got some fire power...
I like it...!
and did you use the term 'poser' please tell me you're not older than 22 b/c if you are and you did well grow up peter pan, count chocula.
I think that is the new sound bite in sports the last few years. Insanity is .... I hear that all the time for the Bengals on local radio, and I've heard national sports people say that about various teams and plays.
After 1 college game against a JV squad, SI is calling Barkley the next Joe Montana! Gawd we need this win to just shut everyone up. I am sick and tired of hearing it!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c...
Anderson Russel Question FTW!
I started laughing in the middle of a client call
In no way am I trying to jinx us, but I'd just like to throw out a question: we're fans of one of the most storied teams in college football history. Hence (depending on what the university is prepared for/will allow the fans to do), do we rush the field if we win (considering we haven't had a reason to rush the field since 2006) or act like we've been there before?
Has Barkley seen these ???
http://www.columbusdispatch.co...
http://photos.pennlive.com/pho...
http://hosted.stats.com/cfb/ph...
https://www.nmnathletics.com/p...
http://www.cantonrep.com/archi...
http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/...
Has Barkley seen this?
http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/...
I say rush the field baby! No reason not to. It will be a huge win in the biggest game of the entire college football season.....but keep it classy and leave the posts
He will...first hand....in 2 days
If i was there i would get arrested because i am trying my best to tackle pryor.
LOL... Me, and the other 105,714 people...
The crowd attending these home games is known for creating harsh and difficult environments for opponents. University of Iowa coach Hayden Fry complained after a 1985 loss that the fans were too loud for his quarterback, Chuck Long, to call plays and suggested sound meters be used to gauge the noise level, penalizing home teams if there was too much noise. He said, "It's a realistic fact that happened. He became mentally disturbed for the first time since he's been a starter for us because of his inability to communicate."
According to a study performed by researchers at SportsLibrary.net in 2006, Ohio State's 13-7 win over Penn State in 2002 registered the loudest crowd noise ever at the stadium.
I'm a huge fan of acting like we've been there before. It's only the 2nd game of the year, we are top 10 in America, leave rushing the field for a last minute win to go to the BCS Championship, like in 2002.
Good chance that gets broken Saturday...
hannah montana mebbe...
Pryor was young last season and should show more improvement as the year progresses. The offensive line is another story as everyone is different or in a different position so they might as well be red-shirted freshman. Boren brings real experience at guard which is the one positive for the group.
I'm torn with what to do. WHEN we win, I think there will be hesitation from some but the dudes who are still drunk 4 hrs after entering the stadium will rush and it wil open the flood gates.
Watching buckeye games in you dads nut sack doesn't count.
Remember the hit Troy took @ Penn State in 2005 where we lost? That's the kinda hit I wanna see on Barkley by Gibson this Saturday, preferably in an attempt to comeback in the game.
I really think this is an opportunity to get the ball in the hands of Spider-hands Carter. His showing against Navy raised everyone's eyebrows, and I think in jump-ball situations, he comes down with it 9 of 10 times...possibly even when in double coverage.
I guess Posey getting dinged and Small being out may have limited what Ohio State could do offensively in the 2nd half against Navy. It probably would have limited what they could do against anyone. If Posey is healthy, and Small is at full strength, the receiving corp takes two massive strides against a new Trojan secondary. Sanz, Posey, Carter and Small...Pryor at QB, option to Saine or Boom...I mean, this is a bust-out just aching to happen. Now, throw in the TE threat, maybe throw to a RB, and it sort of becomes a "sky is the limit" for what the offense should be able to do. How can you defend all of it? Speed can only take you so far when your QB is faster than everyone in USC's defensive 2-deep...right?
I think that's why some of us are so frustrated - it doesn't seem on paper that this roster should ever struggle.
yep
Wasn't that the hit that Ryan Hamby didn't even move and literally watched his man walk in the backfield... which was only a few weeks after Ryan Hamby dropped a sure catch in the endzone against Texas?
Reminds me: I need to send that kid another piece of hatemail...
Did anyone know that Pryor played defense in high school?
Now, THAT would be something to see on Saturday.
See, that is why I'm so optimistic. I was really quite pleased with the offense before Bausserman came in. I am very happy to see Carter is ready to play now, Posey looked good for the little bit he was in, and the TE's make me very happy, to have 2 that can catch and are solid, I like to see that. The 2nd half the play calling seemed to totally change in my eyes, and Navy crept back in and put Tressel and the players in Oh Shit mode. Sometimes it takes something like that for the team to regain confidence.
That is why I believe it was such a different game than the almost oops against Ohio U last year, where we showed no ability to move the ball or not much ability to stop their offense. I believe very strongly that this team is going to shock the world on Saturday. USC's offense is very good to be sure, but I can see the Buckeyes win this one running away at the end.
I mean regain focus, not confidence.
that. was. hilarious.
I have not seen anything written from any source about USCum's D-line. They suppose to be awesome, experienced, raw or just good? I got a feeling that they don't suck.
Yeah, he was an amazing safety but I think I'd rather have him under center.
Was he?
I find it funny how cocky Barkley sounded. This kid is a joke if he is excited to play in a stadium with a 105,000+ screaming in his ear.
Somebody get this man a press pass, stat.
My first thought was to "act like we've been there before," but I think given the pressure that Tressel and the players have been under, I think it would be appropriate to TEAR THE FREAKIN' GOAL POSTS DOWN! because I'm sick of hearing the "you can't win a big game for your life, Buckeyes" crap.
I just hope to GOD that Tressel doesn't run the first two plays for 2 yards, and throw on third down on every series in the game or it's over!
Get rid of the predictable, conservative play calling Tressel, and you make the offensive line(and TP's) job a LOT EASIER, IMO.
I was really shocked at how little he respect he has for Ohio State and the fact that he's playing in front of 105,ooo rabid Buckeye fans! This kid needs to get hit so he can eat some humble pie.
That doesn't happen...go read what the 1st down play calls actually were during the Navy game. If you exclude the final drive, it was pretty much 50-50.
I live in the ATL and had three good omens happen to me today -1st driving down Georgia 400 I see an suv loaded with Buckeye flags and go bucks sign - 2nd the guy waiting on me at quick trip his name is Woody and 3rd the only kid in my class to get a 100 on his spelling test - you guessed it Terrel.
Here's to hoping that you GAVE the test, and didnt TAKE the test LOL
What makes you midwestern hicks think that you have a chance in hell in beating my team Sayurday night? It will be very cool when Barkley and co. take it to your sorry team. Another black eye for the Big Ten.
Is this guy serious? Why waste your time with such a senseless post.
But the rest of the nation should be force fed the TP as "second coming of Vince Young" banter? "Lebron in cleats" ring a bell? Guess it's fine when the bucks fans are over-the-top in expectations for their team? Trust me, everyone is "sick and tired of hearing it" too...
Yes Pryor was hurt in the Texas game. Had a sprained shoulder!
Because you'll waste your time replying to it. Don't feed the troll as they say.
Georgia Tech rolling Clemson like this is making me feel better and better about all of the yards Navy piled up. Right away, I knew Navy would have a good season, but the Johnson/Niumatalolo's option could challenge the spread as new hotness in offensive philosophy.
Clemson might be the most poorly prepared team I've ever seen.
Well, that's true, too.
Good lord Lou Holtz
That was the best Dr. Lou ever ha
Now that I've seen GT and Navy play football, I'd love to see both those teams play for shts and giggles. They look alike!
If Ga Tech gets a defense, they could be for real. It seems like the triple option is as old as leather helmets, why the hell don't more teams run it?
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/f...
The linked article from the front page is really interesting analysis. Will be looking for the zone read and speed option on Saturday.
A short week isn't the time you want to run into an offense like G-Tech or Navy...
please, oh please, oh please!!
http://jeffforward15.wordpress...
"This is clearly Pryor's offense, and all signs point to Saturday as the national coming-out party for the raw talent that made him such a coveted recruit."
Now thats what Im talkin' about. I didnt pick this avatar for nothing!
I hope this guy knows what he's talking about!
Hope = Gibson
Clemson, even though they aren't ranked, is always drastically over rated.
I have 3 words that will define this game for the buckeyes..... Gameplan. Gameplan. Gameplan. The sweater vest mafia has lost touch with what it takes to win big games the last few years and with Bollman still on this staff it doesn't seem that we learn well from past mistakes. Which is why it is tough for me to hold out hope that this Saturdays gamplan will be any different than the past few seasons. I hope that I am dead wrong!