Ghost sighting: Ray Ray split the seam for a back breaking 96 yard kickoff return in the 3rd quarter. (AP: T. Gilliam)
The Ghost-ess with the Most-ess
Of all the big plays, I'm not sure any were bigger than Ray Small's 96 yard kickoff return for a TD for a host of reasons. First and foremost, the jaunt answered a Philip Welch field goal pushing the lead to 28-13 with a little under 10 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. The 15 point lead was huge in that it forced Wisconsin to throw the ball more than they game planned the rest of the way allowing the stout Buckeye defense to keep rotating bodies up front to rush the passer.Second, coupled with a pick six by Jermale Hines to open the 2nd half, Small's return helped ensure the Buckeye offense wouldn't take the field until a little under two minutes remained in the 3rd quarter. Even better, it meant Pryor would only be called upon to attempt one more pass as Tressel dialed up 13 run plays to win the surest way. If not for Small's return, who knows what would've been required by Pryor, and what the result might have been. To his credit, the one pass Pryor did attempt was a key 17 yard completion preceding Zoom's 31 yard run that set up a FG and a 31-13 lead but I don't think anyone clad in S&G wanted Pryor to have to throw the ball any more than absolutely necessary after what we witnessed in the first half. Thank you, Ray Small.
D-Line is D-Vine
I think we're just about out of superlatives to describe the nastiness of the defensive line. I mean, what's left to really say about a group that came in facing an offensive line that had given up just 2 sacks in five games and came out recording a ridiculous 6 sacks along with countless hurries and hits on a sturdy but shell shocked Scott Tolzien. The Big Ten's passing efficiency leader entering the day still managed to complete 27/45 but he also tossed 2 pick six's thanks to a lack of time to scan the secondary.Not only did the line disrupt the passing game, they also stood up to powerful John Clay holding him to 2.95 yards per carry (20/59) with a long of 8 yards. Their ability to tie up blockers allowed 4 Buckeyes lined up behind them to register career highs in tackles. Homan had 15, Coleman and Rolle added 14 and Hines picked up 11 thanks in part to the ability to run free in pursuit of the ball carrier.
The depth up front showed again as Thaddeus, Williams, Wilson and Heyward all recorded sacks with Williams and Heyward also adding 5 tackles apiece and Wilson four. Best line since 2002? No question. The question is, are they better?
Kurt Coleman - All-American?
Most of us expected Kurt Coleman to have a big year in the Buckeye secondary but I think even his biggest supporter would agree Coleman has exceeded expectations. The big play machine stepped up once again yesterday with an 89 yard pick six to thwart a Wisconsin march and give OSU a 7-0 first quarter lead. Credit the defensive line with getting great pressure but once again, the cagey Coleman was in the right place at the right time. Tip your hat to his return ability, as well, because if he only gets 20-30 yards of return yardage, the Buckeyes don't likely score - at least not a TD.The backbone of the No-Name defense is jeopardizing the validity of that moniker, however, thanks to his INT-TD and a career high 14 tackles in his comeback from a one game suspension. Having played one less game than his teammates, Coleman ranks 2nd on the team in tackles (43), 1st in solos (23), 1st in INT's (2), 1st in passes defensed (4) and 1st in forced fumbles (3). Damn, son.
Seriously, at this pace, only the national disdain of Ohio State can keep Coleman from All-American honors.
Pryor Concerns
After his latest big game struggles, I'm more interested in what you all think about Pryor's short term and long term potential more so than what I think. At what point is Pryor held accountable instead of the coaches and convenient, yet slowly less valid excuses, like youth? That's not to say being a young QB isn't a valid excuse to not be great at this early stage of his career but at what point should we expect him to consistently show up in a big game by way of either improved accuracy or decision making (or at least be able to find his helmet - I kid)?What's most maddening is amidst a 5/13 clunker he can singlehandedly take the team down the field as he did on the last drive of the 1st half. Prior to that drive, TP was 1/7 for 10 yards with an INT through the air and had run the ball 5 times for 7 yards. Then, magically, he accounts for all 88 yards on a 7 play surge featuring a 27 yard run and a 22 yard completion to Posey over the middle before a perfectly thrown pass to Posey's back shoulder in the end zone for a 32 yard strike and a 14-10 halftime lead. That was a big time throw, my friends. Maddening, indeed.
So, what's keeping Pryor from achieving consistency? Youth, coaching and throwing mechanics typically come up during this conversation but could it be that he simply isn't cut out to be a big time quarterback because maybe he doesn't have the ability to balance the mental and physical demands of the job? I don't know that answer, I'm just saying that it's worth questioning because we've seen QB's with similar playing style never solve how to iron out the wrinkles. For now, I still say he can do it because I think he really does want to improve and he has shown the ability to flat out dominate lesser foes making me feel like it's inside him to one day put it together but time will tell. As disturbing as some of his telegraphed passes and decisions are (how bout that scramble with the ball over his head leading to a grounding call?), the way he took over on the aforementioned 88 yard drive before halftime was absolute mastery and also a perfect example of why he's driving us all nuts.
The Aftermath
Even with the struggles of TP and the offense in big games this year, the Buckeyes find themselves atop the Big Ten with a 3-0 record and the schedule showcases three straight cupcakes (@Pur, Minn, New Mex St) before closing with @PSU, Iowa and @Michigan.I'm not sure if facing the defenses of Purdue (76th in Total Def), Minnnesota (77th) and New Mexico State (46th) will cure the root issues of Pryor's game but if nothing else he should be able to regain any lost confidence. Further, the Buckeyes shouldn't need their full complement of RB's to get past these teams which could be important after Boom once again the left a game due to injury, this time an ankle. I know we're all high on Jordan Hall but this team is going to need the services of a healthy Boom and Zoom to survive the last three games on the conference slate.
As much as it feels like this season has been an unnerving roller coaster, the Buckeyes are exactly where most of predicted they'd be: 5-1 with the loss coming to USC, on the way to 8-1 headed to Happy Valley.
Comments
I expected Pryor to struggle passing the ball this year. He's very young, and has not been required to read defenses and check off receivers throughout his young football life. Tressel had him on a short leash last year and that masked a lot of his deficiencies, so this year is not that surprising. Disappointing, but not altogether surprising. The thing that is maddening about him is how his running has suffered. There was a 3rd down play against Wisconsin where he was running for the first down and he stopped about two yards short in order to absorb the hit. Fortunately, a few of his o-linemen pushed the pile forward and they got the first down. It seems like he's got a lot going on in his head and he's having a rough time processing it all.
please dont count the cupcakes out just yet. We probably WILL beat them, but no jinxes PLEASE.
What is maddening to me about Pryor?
1. How everyone in the crowd, around me anyway, was complaining that he's no good and then loving him when he drove down the field in the two minute drill. Why don't we run hurry up more? I think this would let Pryor know what play we are running and give the defense less time to set up making Pryor and his cut backs more of a threat.
2. When Wisconsins 5'9" corner was pressing Posey the WHOLE first half, and the safety was 10 yards off the line of scrimmage to stop the run why can't TP audilbe to a streak? They scored a touchdown on one, but didn't throw another one in the first half. The corners were up and we didn't go deep at all.
3. I know TP is young but scheme was a problem. Every team we play from here on out is going to tell it's DE to ignore the ball fake and follow Pryor. USC did it, UW just did it. Then TP has to make a great play to try to get away. Along the same lines, why in the hell does Tressel demand putting a Tight End on the Defensive End alone? It never works, Shofield made a big tackle in the 4th Qtr when Ballard was on him that made us punt. What? The offense is supposed to create mismatches in ITS favor not give one of the other teams best players a free break at out QB.
That is all.
One interesting line from the TV booth…”It’s not Tressell’s job to make Pryor into a “pro style” QB…it’s his job to win ballgames”. Based on what we saw again…he should think run….then pass (easy & safe pass). Pryor’s ability to run & create will set up the pass. BTW…”short kickoffs” don’t make to much sense…two plays & you’re in FG range…trust your coverage team !
Pryor - Every time I hear pundits say he has to take the team on this back and imply that he has to win it himself. I start to cringe because I know he has to be hearing the same load of crap. There were pundits from various sources that suggested that he had to win it for the Buckeyes. I think this year his biggest obstacle is maturing on how to handle the hype that surrounds his God given abilities and how to handle the negatives when his performance does not match the hype. When he is mentally agitated for whatever reason, his mechanics have issues, rushes things, does not see the field properly, cannot anticipate what the defenders will do, and begins to stare down receivers to name a few. When he finds his eye in the storm, his mechanics are fluid, he reads defenses better, he looks off his intended targets which only helps his receivers, etc. Like I said, when he tries to force things or hurries, typically bad things start to happen. Most importantly, he has to stay within the context of the offensive scheme that day and focus on what he needs to do each play. Somehow he has to ignore the negative thoughts that creep in and find solace in the 10 teammates he is surrounded by in the huddle. Through them will he be able to captain the ship through the storm that surrounds him. He has to realize he is only one person and we should not expect him to be superman. Once Pryor realizes this, we will see his consistency and big plays with his arm increase, while we will still be tantalized with his running ability as he shreds defenses down field.
It's crazy to me that Thad Gibson only has 1 sack. Seems like he's playing well though
On Pryor:
1. He definitely has the ability, talent and the arm.... I think maturity and poise are the issue.
2. He is having difficulty checking down to 2nd and 3rd reads... he is locking on to the first read and then panic city. He had dump offs open all day.
3. He looks nervous in the huddle.... look at Colt McCoy ( I know he is a Senior) and then look at Pryor.... he is not comfortable being a leader (yet) in my opinion.
4. I think the fact that he is no longer the far and away best athlete on the field has rattled him. In high school he was a beast against boys--in the Big 10--not so much. People can run with him and force him to the sidelines....
On another note (and more fun) .. did anyone notice how shitty Dick-Rod treated his players on Sat Nite, National TV...no wonder so many players jumped ship. And the way he treated his lover, Tate Forcier..... that was fun... benched his ass. I loved learning that his Daddy named him Tate after the movie LITTLE MAN TATE..... that movie starred JODI FREAKING FOSTER (A GIRL) as LITTLE MAN TATE...LOL LOL LOL LOL ....even his daddy knows he is a ---.... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01...
It seems a lot of people like to compare TP to Troy Smith. Troy had a freakin cannon on his shoulder that was pretty accurate and he was mobile. TP is extremely mobile (understatement) with a strong arm but not very accurate (or consistent). They do share some of the same attributes but I think the big difference between the two is between the ears. That's why we see a very vanilla offense. If TP can gain the football IQ necessary to run a more complex offense we will be scary good.
I think pryor is moving along and he puts to much on his shoulders, we as fans are waiting for a soph to carry us to a national championship game. it just wont happen till at least next year. pryor came in aug of last year ran a offense that we dont run this year and is working with a new qb coach and getting plays called by two different style coaches. he has talent and will get comfortable sooner then later. going to OHIO STATE and being reminded how good he should be by now can wear on a young persons mind. and put him where he does to much. lets play mistake free ball and let the cards fall where they fall. he should of been carrying a clip board last year and todd should of been the captain of the ship.
I would say give Pryor a bit of a break. The Big Ten is a defensive league this year. Look at the other quarterbacks in the two big games- Stanzi struggled quite a bit, then hit 2 passes into blown coverages late. Forcier struggled badly enough he got benched. Tolzein basically lost the game for Wis, then padded his stats in garbage time.
As far as him not improving this year, it has gotten tougher. He's being asked to throw it more and there's no Beanie Wells.
He just seems to be making a negative play or two per game- usually it seems to be from trying too hard to make something happen. I still think he can learn to eliminate those and he has too much talent to think about benching him or moving him to wide receiver.
Coleman's All-America chances: This year is tough since Eric Berry and Taylor Mayes have gotten so much hype.
yeah...I don't expect 1st team honors but maybe a 2nd team appearance could be had. Mays has missed some time, tho...
I know that at times TP will make bad decisions and throw off his front foot. I can overlook some of that because you have to give some credit to the defense and I'm not sure how confident he is with our pass protection. I'm not saying it is bad, but I think there maybe some lingering effects from last year. My biggest problem with him is that he isn't backing up the talk. At the beginning of the year he is talking about "owing some people" and so far his play hasn't matched his words. I like the fact that he is a competitor and he is a vocal leader (which in my opinion was lacking last year), but you have to walk the walk. I do wonder about the level of coaching he is receiving. Especially when I see other 2-3 year quarterbacks doing well around the country. J. Harris and Tyrod Taylor specifically. GO BUCKS!
I think TP is trying to find that balance between running and throwing, in effort to become a complete QB. It is difficult to watch sometimes, but he has always been able to rely on his athletic ability. I think we forget that this offense only had 4 other starters returning with TP and the only senior starter (Cordle) has been out for a few games.
I have no problem with him playing last year. I don't know that Pryor would be any better right now if he sat the bench last year. Also, I don't know that the team would have done better with Boeckman in. I wasn't a fan of Boeckman even before the LSU game. I know he had some good passing numbers and could throw the ball, but he ALWAYS left the ball short. He said he'd rather leave it short and let his receiver make a play, but he never really hit anyone in stride which is also a good option. He was a good guy, a pretty good QB, but I think it was better to have Pryor in there taking lumps and getting game experience.
Football Night in America had a nice little piece about Vince Young prior to the Tenn-Indy games.
While plays from his pro career make a nice highlight reel. He really doesn't put up huge numbers being a mobile QB who is benched.
If TP wants to be a great player, he needs to move to WR where he could dominate with his height and speed.
Couldn't agree more.
He seems to be thinking too much out there. Not playing, not letting the game come to him. The defense is absolutely stellar and the offense is good enough that this team can win ugly consistently. Is there a difference between this team and the 2002 team? Just that Krenzel wouldn't have thrown that pick six against USC. That 2002 offense was awful too. But Tressel is good enough, and this defense is good enough, that we can win anyway.
Once Pryor relaxes, he'll be better off. I think that's why he's so good in the two minute drill. Getting a td there is like playing with house money, so he relaxes and goes for it.
I think with a young QB like Pryor, it's important to focus on the positives -- yeah, he went 1 for 7 for ten yards to start, but from there on out he was 4 for 6 for 77 yards and a TD. I'm not saying that the first 7 don't count. I'm just saying that a QB who had serious, incurable problems with staying focused and having a short memory would have continued to stink.
If I remember correctly, most of Pryor's real head scratchers have come at the start of games, and he's looked more comfortable as the game progressed.
Pryor's still got the potential to be great, he's just gotta calm down going into big games (USC, Texas, etc.) -- Brett Favre had the same problem when he was younger. I'm not saying that Pryor is or will be Favre, but it may be a problem of just getting too keyed up, in which case it's definitely not an insurmountable problem.
Anyone still think that the plays are getting in too late for Pryor to make good reads? Just watching him look over to the sidelines and make "hurry up" gesters with his hands makes me think this.
Pryor's potential will NEVER be unlocked with the current QB's coach. We should go hire Troy Smith...
The 2-minute drive that TP orchestrated at the end of the first half was incredible and one could argue that the first OSU offensive series of every game should be run as a 2-minute drill to help Pryor get into the flow of the game. The urgency would prevent him from OVERTHINKING on the field... and would also force our coaches to get plays called into the huddle on time.
It would be nice to have a little I -formation mixed in from here on out. I think it has been taken out of the playbook after the USC game. Have we ever run a boot or counter-boot play this year?
"One could argue..."? I think it's a great idea, and one SHOULD argue it
Why does everyone whine when they lose to Ohio State? I just read the article about Bielema in Good Shizzy. The author said the better team lost. Whenever your defense and special teams score, your offense doesn't see the field. So, of course on paper it looks like Wiscy "outplayed" Ohio State, but if you watched the game you would realize Wiscy is justifiably unranked.
I couldn't agree more with you, especially #1. Since USC, TP has looked pretty good in the 2-minute. Run some no-huddle. Make him react as opposed to reading defenses. I think a slow, deliberate offense makes him think too much. That and he throws a decent deep ball. They have receivers who can make plays. It would at least loosen up the defenses.
You know, who cares about the NFL? I want a guy who is going to win games in college, and right now TP is the best option Ohio State has a QB. You can't just turn a guy into a WR, it doesn't always work out. In addition to that, Vince Young was drafted to a team that the offense was crafted for someone else. Norm Chow wanted Matt Leinart there, and the GM/Owner interjected and got Young. If things would've gone his way, Young would be somewhere else in an offense that was designed for him and not sitting the bench in Tennessee.
I heard that comment too. I'd say run plays that feed into Pryor's strengths. He will either develop into a pro-style QB or not. That's not Tressel's concern. If they can get TP productive again, watch out in '10.
Yeah but Troy Smith has a pretty high paying job where he doesn't have to do anything right now.
The stats imply that they out-played us merely by being on the field longer. Hopefully the stat-reading AP voters also notice that Wisky's offense only scored 6 points.
Editors note: OSU's offense should be limited to running 2-minute drills.
@Brian - agreed. Let's promote Hazell to QB and WR coach.
Saturday's lack of offense is nothing to worry about. Wisconson is a big , tough, team. Our defense got the game ball, but Wisconsons defense was pretty good. Their secondary shut down the buckeyes reveivers for the most part, and we have just enough of a running game to keep the other defense honest. TP reminds me of Juice Williams in his younger days. Hope he does not finish like him. I'm glad the defense and special teams steped up or the Buckeyes could have 2 loses.
Time to get prepared for Perdue. I live in Florida anyone know what network will be showing the game?
Nothing to worry about? I wish I was as confident as you. Wisconsin came in giving up 235 ypg through the air. That's not exactly an elite secondary. Plus, who do you think we play in bowl games? Try "big, tough" teams.
Purdue game is on BTN.
Yeah that is ridiculous, it's not like the game was even close. I heard similar things about Michigan State last year. Like Ohio State was lucky that everything just went their way. I'm like yeah, but you still got your ass kicked.
That announcer has no idea what was said at the table during TP's recruitment. How does he know TP didn't specifically say, "I want to come to Ohio State to be developed into a pro style QB"?
So, if Tressel (or whomever recruited TP) was at that table with TP and his family and made that promise, then yes, it is Tressel's job.
Tressel is not Urban Meyer. Tress does care about the future of his kids. It's one of the reasons why kids come to Ohio State. Ask Chris Leak in a couple years what he thinks about Urban Meyer. Ask Tebow five years from now what he thinks of Urban Meyer and the job he did in developing Tebow for his future.
You know though, Wisconsin can be terrible(last year) and give Ohio State a game. WE always know Wisconsin is going to come into that game and punch us in the mouth. Was the offense rough? Yes, however the one TD drive was really good, and the field goal drive wasn't bad either. 3 TD's being scored w/outthe offense on the field skewed the numbers and didn't give the offense a chance to move the ball. They'll be fine, not to mention, that was a pretty good QB and offense we just sent packing. This team is really really good and as the line grows and gels, the running game will get better. Pryor makes mistakes, but I just don't t hink he is that far away from putting it all together. Once he does, watch out.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/907806....
Taken from College Football News.....Interesting especially Matt Zemek.
Agreed on most above. Hard for me to believe much of this blame can be put on coaching though. When you look at the QB's we've had over the years, there is no basis for thinking coaching is lacking.
I imagine it is just as frustrating for the staff if not more so. The mechanics just aren't improving. The decision making isn't improving (I know some think it has improved, but I lend that more to the play unfolding perfectly for him to read quick and pass/go).
I believe it was Eddie who made the observation but it was dead on. Pryor is great if the play develops with the first read being there. If not, there is a breakdown in everything with his mechanics & decisions. Don't know if you call that panic, fear of failure or whatever it may be.
Hard to discern the biggest issue. TP stated the game slowed down for him considerably. I don't know that I believe that. Some plays you do see those glimpses of greatness. Others, you see horrid decisions/throws.
I would have to imagine that he is at an integral point here. I don't know that Juice is a good comparison (although I've heard it plenty and can somewhat agree) but he is either going to become a great QB or stay as the uphill/downhill over and over again.
It would be nice to hear if Troy talks to TP from time to time. He would be a good mentor that could provide a nice lift for Pryor.
Sorry if this is a repeat post, but this is from EDSBS and I thought it was interesting, on who Urban Meyer talked to about whether to play Tebow; Ohio roots run deep:
An expert on head injuries, that man. Urban Meyer consulted with someone who knows from brain trauma when deciding whether to play Tim Tebow or not:
Meyer said he also talked with former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce and legendary coach-turned-ESPN-analyst Lou Holtz to get their thoughts on how to best decide whether to play Tim Tebow against the Tigers.
If years of playing football and simply being Lou Holtz didn’t do the trick, coaching at Notre Dame and South Carolina had to finish the job of giving Coach Holth a lingering low-grade concussion at all times–and if that didn’t do it, listening to Bob Davie speak on a daily basis would have finished the process.
ooohhhh maaannn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Hilarious! Tebow in 5 years will be a great NFL QB and Urban will be a legend.
+Infinity
Mack Brown didn't force Vince Young to learn HIS offense. He tailored the offense to fit Vince Young. This is our problem. Trying to make Pryor into Troy Smith, not gonna happen. Pryor will not make it in the NFL, but why should we care? That doesn't mean he cannot absolutely DOMINATE in college. We need to tailor the offense to suit Pryor's abilities and JT is having a hard time doing it because that is not JT's style of play.
JT should put in a call to his old buddy Mack for a few pointers. That will equal wins for the Buckeyes.
Welcome to life in the B10, Tolzien. Hilarious.
that was fuuny..no love for the supposed leader..lol
agreed.... wondering why Tress went so hard after him if he is not gonna use his talents x 100
"Seriously, at this pace, only the national disdain of Ohio State can keep Coleman from All-American honors."
That, and a couple of guys known as Taylor Mays and Eric Berry (barry?)
Big Red Dog beat me to it. Even though Coleman has outplayed both of them (esp. Mays) this season, those two were so deified in the preseason nothing short of one of them masterminding a dogfighting ring will be enough for the lazy voters to select someone else. Sometimes this sort of laziness helps buckeyes (see James Laurinaitis in 2008), sometimes it hurts.
Since you bring it up, Chris, I think it would be a good idea for 11W to run some kind of weekly "For Your Consideration" post comparing Coleman's stats to the other candidates'. He definitely deserves it; he's having a fantastic season.
Dumb and Dumber
In the latest sporting News...
John Cooper "Notre Dame will be in the running for the National championship soon"
Matt Hayes "Cincinnati vs Ohio state on a neurtal field, I'm taking the Bearcats"
....and these 2 are authorities.... LOL OSU wins that game by at least 10 and Notre Dame does not sniff a National Championship Under Cheeseburger charlie and probably not again until they join a conference.
What talents?? I see PROSPECTIVE talent, but not much else.
Lots of good comments (above) about LiC's relative strengths and weaknesses, areas for improvement, etc. - y'all have it just about covered. But . . .
1). I wouldn't trade LiC for any other QBs in the BT.
2). Keep in mind, Troy Smith was inconsistent throughout the first half of 2005. He heated up as the year progressed. Yet if the Buckeyes hadn't come back from a 21-12 deficit against Michigan that year (a game in which TS was great), the 2005 team would have been known as a very talented team that found ways to lose.
As for the Wisc game, the entire offense had a rough first quarter, not just LiC. Those struggles started with the OL, but who knows how much the flu factored into it. The WRs ran some bad routes. On several first Q runs, the RBs missed cutback lanes, etc. The coaches got outcoached.
After the first Q, though, the offense did very well with the 2 chances it had: TD and FG.
For this offense to max out its potential this year - led by a gifted, but often hesitant and inconsistent QB who is still learning to process everything - they'll need to be the type of offense that can run for 200 yards against the best defenses (unless those defenses stack the box, in which case they'll need to be able to hit open receivers). They don't need to be a top 40 passing team and really that'll never happen this year, anyway. But if the young, talented OL keeps improving, this offense will be plenty dangerous.
As I mentioned in another comment thread, he doesn't have to 1st team to still be an All American.
That video of Tolzien was fantastic....whoever was the camera man should get some real high-fives.
My brothers and I call Williams the "Mad Trucker"....
Nobody's giving high fives lately! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Im too lazy to read all comments so my apologies if I'm repeating someone.
We better hope we can maintain a lead throughout the second half of games cuz if we have to throw the ball to win, our odds of winning decrease tenfold. I was at the IU game and even though Pryor's stat line looked good, his throws were all off. There were too many times a receiver would have to leave his feet to make a catch or reach behind himself slowing momentum. The ball is rarely delivered accurately. I think this has to do with throwing mechanics. Pryor needs to stop throwing off his back foot and extend his arm more as he brings the ball past his head. It almost looks like he's shot-putting the ball sometimes.
Compound poor throwing mechanics with lapses in good decision making and you have a poor QB. Our defense and run game can single-handedly win us games this year so all we need from TP is (dare I say it) manage the game. Think Trent Dilfer with 4.3 speed.
Ill be in attendance for th PU game this weekend and hope to see improvement in all aspects of his game but Im not holding my breath. I just hope we dont have an inconsistent QB on our hands this time next year or Ill be pulling for Bauserman time.
And Im out.
How do we all know what Tressel has planned for him? I mean until he shows the ability to pass the ball consistently it doesn't matter what scheme they use. There are some very very easy passes his is flat missing.
What talent? I don't know if you notice but every game he has at least one rush between 20-45 yards. He has made some unbelievable passes. While he does blow easy plays and makes bad decisions, the talent is pretty obvious.
I agree and I keep saying that. People forget about growing pains with other QB's. Vince Young wasn't the composed guy from the National Championship that we all remember when he was starting his 17th game. USC fans hated Carson Palmer until his last year where oh yeah he won a Heisman. I remember people even say Troy wasn't the answer at QB. We all have the image of these guys winning the Heisman or rallying their team to a championship. No one remembers the 3 interception games, and lopsided losses that occurred along the way.
Do you even watch football?
Malcolm Jenkins is standing in the way of Kurt Coleman winning the Thorpe Award. They'll give it to Berry or Mays because MJ won last year.
Can you please expound on their stat lines and how they impact the games?
I understand your sentiment but "hype" is not the right word to use with Mays and Berry.
How come no one is concerned that the defense LET Wisconsin stay on the field for 42 minutes. That was not a good performance by the defense. They could not stop an average Wisconsin offensive team.
Sorry if this was a joke that went over my head...
Wisconson only had 3 good drives as far as time and number of plays... One was for 9 yards and only 38 - 5:13 that resulted in a punt. The second was a great 16 play drive for 8:18 that went for 79 yards and a missed field goal. The third was an 11 play 43 yard drive that caused them to lose the ball on downs that went for 4:15. No other drive went beyond 2:19.
The only reason they had the ball for so long is because we ran back an INT and ran back a Kick Return.
*9 plays and 38 yards
U.S. Army All American Bowl Game MVP (Pete Dawkins Trophy)
Past Winners Include:
2009-Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson (Co-MVP)
2009-Bryce Brown, RB, Tennessee (Co-MVP)
2008-Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
2007-Chris Galippo, LB, USC
2006-Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
2005-DeSean Jackson, WR, California, Philadelphia Eagles
2004-Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State, Miami Dolphins
2003-Chris Leak, QB, Florida
2002-Vince Young, QB, Texas, Tennessee Titans
2001-Dominic Robinson, WR, Florida State
That's a good fraternity to be in. Give him time, I know it sucks but when everything clicks it's going to be beautiful. He's really inconsistent but he does make some awesome plays here and there. This is going to be a frustrating year but I'll take it.
pryor we love to love him....
love to hate him...
I think he should be able to clear up some of the mistakes he is making but maybe not? Like stop starring at your recievers? But, maybe he is that scared back there? Confuzed at why we don't dink, and dump the ball off? ie: Tight Ends??? RB Screens???
So, where did the TP of toledo or navy go??? He was confident, strong!!!
The biggest thing pryor needs to learn right now is to forget about the last game... He is playing mistake free, you can't play football like that... JUST PLAY LET YOUR TALENT LOOSE!
Why is everybody missing this?
When you score twice on defense and once on special teams...that's three EXTRA kickoffsyou have to give them. Essentially, you eliminate three offensive opportunities (which you no longer need!) and give your opponent three more (which they did not take advantage of!) Add in the 15 minute cool off period while the officials straightened out the clock it's no wonder the offense got out of rythmn. Crazy plays like that skew all of the statistics...except for the one that counts...the final score. It's football, it's a crazy sport sometimes, that's why we love it!
Hear-Hear!!!!