Tressels, Fickells, Urbans, Days, Johnsons and Days,
It feels good to have college football underway!
With the road opener against Indiana in the rearview mirror, let's check to see how Ryan Kringle did filling my stocking.
Christmas 2023 Wish List
A Winning QB
This gift package remains a bit of a mystery. It turns out there was not a QB competition coming out of Fall camp that would continue into the season, Kyle McCord played every meaningful snap. McCord did what was necessary to win the first game. His arm and accuracy looked pretty good. He made a few decisions that made me raise my eyebrow, but that may be a combination of nerves and executing what he was coached to do. There is still time before the match-ups that will really define if the QB is a winner.
Schedule Survival Toughness
Toughness looked a little better than previous seasons. The defense was punishing; the hardest hitting OSU defense I've seen since 2019. On offense, I'm not sure if the issue was toughness as much as confusion. The offensive blocking assignments were very disjointed and some of the play calling was very vanilla. It felt like the offense was playing with one arm tied behind their back again. But, I think they will clean up the mistakes...and as Ryan Day becomes more comfortable with his players, the playbook will open back up.
A Punishing Offensive Line
We still have very little idea what is in this package. OSU could not execute in short yardage yet again. IU appeared to know exactly what was coming, OSU ran right into stacked defensive fronts and the offensive line (including Cade Stover, but excluding Gee Scott) missed a lot of blocks. I think this is all correctable, other than Cade Stover missing his blocks - that's an ongoing concern...but, he made up for it with almost 100 yards receiving. The running backs are fantastic! If the offensive line comes together a little more, the running game could be really good.
Good Health
Fingers crossed. Injury report was pretty clean. Please, Santa.
Defensive Cohesion
Wow! I think this year's defense may have it! Recently, top CFP contenders have had explosive offenses, but this OSU defense may allow some latitude on the offensive side of the ball. I wish OSU had this defense the last 3 years.
Top Talent, Motivated Talent
This one still has me the most excited! I think these guys are talented and really hungry.
A Punishing Run Game
I know they could not convert on short yardage, but I still think offensive play calling variety and offensive linemen (and fullback/TE) making their blocks could really open this up and they can pound the ball. Please, Santa.
I'll be able to sleep the night before the YSU game. I hope we see improvement from the offense knowing their assignment...and lots of young guys get some experience in the second half. This chapter of the season is a little bit of a lull, but things really heat up starting in late September. I would love to see OSU make great progress every week and build momentum for the very interesting part of their schedule!
Touchdowns: Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon, Chip Traynum, Miyan, Carnell Tate, Denzel Burke
OSU 49 YSU 0
Go Bucks! Beat YSU! Harry Miller for Heisman!
Puffy Padre
