Pryor's start, which included a school-record 16-straight completions after opening 1/2, was nothing short of sizzling. Those two jump ball interceptions? Not so much.
The defense turned in a dominating performance and has now given up just 10 points in three games this season. But those special teams, or lack thereof, led to another kick return for a touchdown (gracefully negated by penalty) and a blocked punt against the Buckeyes.
Ultimately, the 43-7 thumping of the Bobcats is the best kind of blowout. The team looked scary dominant for long stretches, yet there are still plenty of things to work on in practice to keep the players grounded.
And now we rock.
Comments
UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
This team is just not a championship team right now, and they look a long way away from it. These games are supposed to be confidence boosters for the special teams units, but Marshall and Ohio have been the EXACT opposite.
Thank God this defense is unbelievably great.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
I dont know what game you were watching. I came away impressed with a few things.
First, Pryor's 16 straight completions were a thing a beauty and he consistently found the open receiver. The run game left a little to be desired but I think the coaching staff was using this game to boost Pryor's confidence to throw the ball.
This defense is nastier than a $10 hooker with herpes the size of Ann Arbor on her face. You do realize the first team defense has only gave up 10 pts in 3 games right? They are constantly creating turnovers, (11 on the year now, I think) and are flying to the ball to make tackles. Whats not to love?
Special teams needs work, obviously.
But I dont know how you can say we are a long way from competing for a Nat'l Title. What team in the country has looked so much better to say we wouldnt stand a chance against them?
Fan of bacon since 1981
Competing for a NC and being a championship team are two different things.
My comment was obiovusly knee jerk, but to watch these special teams units fall apart three weeks in a row in all phases (kick off coverage, punt coverage, field goal protection, AND now punt protection) is just ridiculous to watch.
As for the defense, wasn't I just prasing them?
EDIT: And BTW, me saying that we aren't even close to being a championship team was just knee jerk and frustration. I actually think we are really close.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
Agreed on the viewpoint regarding the D, I was just stating the positives I took away from the game. Where I disagree is saying this is not a championship team. I think we can play with and beat any team in the country.
Fan of bacon since 1981
Cosigned. I took more positives away from this game than negatives. Kick coverage wasn't great, but better, especially when we didn't have guys getting blocked in the back. Pryor's INTs really marred an otherwise solid game for him.
You're wrong, Jake. First, it's college football, this team is still growing and some mistakes are being made. Not even national title teams are error-free. But there aren't ANY teams (save Oregon) that are putting this kind of smack-down on opponents. 34-0 at halftime?! Are you kidding me?
Once they're out to a major lead after doing what they're good at, they start doing different things, experimental things, subbing in alternates, in order to see where they are.
This is certainly the 2nd best team in the country...maybe the first.
See: My reply to Nappy.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
It's a good thing you don't win championships in September becuz this team would be in trouble. The thing is you win them later in the year. These guys haven't lost and will only get better. Go Bucks!!!
No offense, but, can we find something better than The Black Keys for wins? I miss the good old days of Heavy Metal.
If it were up to me, it'd be this:
In your late 30s or early 40s, Sam? Quiet Riot is more pre-game or in game to me. I think they still tour. We can do better.
After our D smashes up an opposing team's O and our O carves up an opposing team's D, I more in the mood for something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY_I6doz6Qk
I think college football and nu-metal are already too closely entwined
I can't dispute that point, but, come on, The Black Keys. . . .?
Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm no indie fan. Far from it.
:(
i don't really understand how the black keys qualify as indie but to each his own i guess
Im liking Corey Brown on offense, next year looks solid if Duron comes back.
I think Pryor is coming along well. At the end of last season, the plays called didn't force him to make too many reads. This year he is going through progressions alot better. He could of taken off and run on many occasions today, but he can do that anytime. He's working on the right things.
Jordan Hall is our best back.
“There’s one thing I have learned through all my adventures and conquests - it’s that some people are just wired for success. I had no choice when it came to being great - I just am great.” – Kenny Powers
I think next year WR will be great with or without Carter. Tyrone Williams looks like a beast.
I love the Blackkeys. I actually saw them at Lollapalooza this year and they killed it. However I agree, we definitely need a new victory song. It should be something that is funny but that gets you in the mood to go out and rage after another Buckeye smackdown. Heavy Metal was sweet perfection.
This guy has the funny part down, but doesn't do much to inspire me after a Buckeye smackdown. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1WKYmx4i1Q
I was impressed that we had 5 throws to backs and 6 to TEs. This is a whole new way of doing offensive business at Ohio State. Bodes well for the future.
Big Ten! Big Ten! Big Ten!
How long is it going to take for the coaching staff to realize Saine and Herron cannot break a tackle? The only time they gain more than 5 yards is if they haven't been touched going through the line. I really want to see Jordan Hall get a opportunity to run with the 1st team.
Is the kicker partly to blame for the kickoff coverage? In years past I remember seeing Buckeyes around the returner right when he was catching the ball. This year it seems the returner is catching the ball and running at least 5 yards before even seeing a defender in his way. The kicks are making it inside the 5 yard line. I just wonder if they are too low? It's hard to see on television, but maybe someone who has been going to the games can comment.
I have no idea what happend during the blocked punt, it seemed like the line didn't block anyone.
Agree the kickers are partly to blame. I loved watching Nuge put it through the endzone. I know they're only kickers, but the current guys seem to give pathetic efforts when it comes to tackling. Basil's effort was pretty weak today on Posey's return.
In the First half today Ohio State looked as good or better than any team in the nation. I don't even care about the 2nd half that much. Pryor missed an easy 6 to Dane and seemed to not fire great after that, but at the same time, how do you stay motivated in that kind of game.
What I love about this team is they have swagger. They are really good, they know they are really good and they are going to come in and pound you.
Did anyone see Pryor's interview after the game today. It was great. He was really not happy about his 2 INT's. He didn't even really want to talk about the stretch where he had 16 consecutive completions.
The 2nd best thing I saw today. Michigan's D giving up 37 to freaking UMASS. With that kind of defense, they may not make a bowl again.
Can you link me to that interview?
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
His interview was great. I personally liked how after he was told he had passed Archie in all-purpose yardage, his first response was basically saying he's not even on Archie's level. Some JT-infused humility on display there.
Michigan's defense is going to give up yards all season long. And if the Hawkeyes don't fix their problems on the offensive line, we're going to feast in Iowa City.
I would agree that we are NOT championship caliber yet. 'Bama would hang 30 on us easy. Our running game (both the blocking and the running backs) has digressed since the Marshall game and the issues with special teams is getting worse. It was truely bittersweet. I feel more concerned now than I did in the off season.
"We have a quarterback, obviously, that's kind of ridiculous running the ball." - Urban Meyer
'Bama would hang thirty on us?
No way.
At this point, 'Bama would beat us, but our defense is giving up thirty to nobody.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
I hope I am wrong on both accounts. But our offense would go three and out a lot against 'Bama. And our defense would wear down. See the Florida debacle. Same scenario IMHO.
"We have a quarterback, obviously, that's kind of ridiculous running the ball." - Urban Meyer