Your’s truly just jumped in Mirror Lake for the first time in his life.  It was actually pretty warm.  The last two years it was snowing.  There was a newspaper photographer taking pictures there, so look for me in tomorrow’s Dispatch.  It may or may not happen.  In either case, LET’S BEAT MICHIGAN. (regardless of what terrelle pryor is doing after the last victory.)

I can only assume that the offensive line was on the field.

I wrote a piece after the USC loss and decided not to publish it because I thought it was overly critical of a young offense and Jim Tressel.

I wrote a piece after the Wisconsin win and decided not to publish it because I thought you couldn’t judge the offense with what little time they had on the field.

The 26-18 loss at Purdue didn’t open eyes, as much as reaffirm beliefs. The game could have and should have been a blowout for Purdue. Luckily, Purdue was confused initially; they thought they needed trick plays to beat the Buckeyes, before realizing it was easier to dominate in all phases of the game.

So how did we get here? It’s not like the recent offensive struggles are an outlier to the Jim Tressel era. Just two years ago, there was a battle to replace Heisman Trophy winning QB named Troy Smith. Todd Boeckman walked away the winner in part because of his conservative play, in stark contrast to the errant Robbie Schoenhoft and young Antonio Henton. In my mind, I imagine Boeckman, Schoenhoft, and Henton at a watch party together, staring in amazement at the current state of the Ohio State offense and thinking that could be them. It’s hard to say that they are envious of the position. Only Todd Boeckman knew what it was like to play behind the blocking schemes and attempt to execute the plays, and at this point, it’s hard to use him as the scapegoat. Robbie Schoenhoft is thinking that the requirements to lead a Tressel offense must have changed. He was the gunslinger with the big arm and all the potential in the world, but lacked the ability to deliver the ball at, near, or around the intended receiver. I’ll take a page from Tony Gerdeman at the Ozone.net and say:

Troy Smith must have been the best damned quarterback in college football history.

The only logical conclusion I can draw from all this is that Troy Smith was actually a Terminator sent back from the future to protect Ohio State fans from Tresselball. Unfortunately, the Troyminator was defeated by the NCAA’s ‘5 to play 4’ rule.

Troyminator

Jim Tressel is like a kid who can’t swim, continuously jumping of the diving board and thinking that getting rescued by the lifeguard each time is swimming. At some point, you have to ask him why he hates offense…yet insists on calling offensive plays. Ohio State did score an offensive touchdown against Purdue, which is actually an improvement over last year’s meeting, the 16-3 cure for insomnia. You can’t expect Ohio State to figure out the Iron Curtain that is the Purdue defense, or at least I didn’t. It’s bad when you get excited by complete passes and first downs.

Now fans can say Ohio State only loses to teams that play in BCS bowls AND Purdue. Congratulate Purdue fans; their team beat a ranked team for the first time since Joe Tiller started growing his mustache. In the past 3 years, Ohio State has managed to score 18, 16, and 23 points against Purdue defenses that routinely get abused by MAC offenses (Toledo, Central Michigan, NIU). We were privileged enough to see the proficient Buckeye passing attack in action in 2007 and 2009, with Todd Boeckman and Terrelle Pryor throwing for a combined 3 TDs and 5 INTs , respectively (0 TDs and 0INTs recorded in 2008).

One thing I’ve always questioned is how it’s so easy for opposing teams to move the ball against the Ohio State defense, yet the Ohio State offense has such a hard time moving the ball against the opposing defense. Maybe it’s a skewed perception, but opposing QB’s rarely have a hard time finding open receivers/running backs/tight ends in holes in the zone, unless the defensive line is dominating. Part of it rests on the offensive line. Take this example: You have ONE person as offensive coordinator, the offensive line coach, and in charge of offensive line recruiting AND it happens that the offense is bad, the offensive line is bad, and recruits never live up to expectations. I have a suggestion on where to start looking for the root cause of the problems. Duane Long agrees with me. Coach Bollman’s had his responsibilities of coaching offensive tackles reduced and they were performing at an average level (up from plain bad), up until last week against Purdue (triumphant return to plain bad). Mike Brewster took the stand this past summer for his position coach, saying “It’s not Bollman”, but him and the rest of the highly touted ‘Block O’ have done nothing to change the perception.

The defense wasn’t exposed against Purdue. You can’t expose something that’s not hidden. The tenacity of Kurt Coleman is still a plus, even if referees choose to rewrite the rules on Saturdays. It’s been common knowledge that if Ohio State can’t get pressure on the QB, the he’ll play pitch and catch. The Cover 2 defense is really hard to beat when the receivers don’t have time to find holes in the zone and really easy to beat when they do. Purdue found holes all over the field and while Chris Leak, errr, Joey Elliot, has to get some credit, the offensive line should have a parade in their honor through the streets of West Lafayette. In fact, Jim Tressel should offer each Purdue lineman a scholarship (forget Big Ten transfer rules) and a Corvette because they put on a clinic for the OSU offensive line. Think bodyguards trying to keep teenage girls away from the Jonas Brothers. The OSU defensive front that admittedly wreaks havoc on the OSU offensive front in practice wasn’t able to get close enough to Elliot to have him sign his autograph.

I won’t even discuss Doug Worthington’s exact opposite of ‘Holy Buckeye’, the ‘Holy Sh*t, Are You Serious? That’s How the Game Ends?’ In fact, his coaches should thank Worthington for putting the offense out of their misery.

Why so many people are so quick to lump ‘pro-offense’ in with being ‘anti-Tressel’; the two aren’t mutually exclusive. If they are mutually exclusive, then there is an even deeper problem. I’ll go as far as saying that it’s nearly impossible for Tressel to call bad plays if the plays he calls are executed. Therein lies the disconnect. In general, fans couldn’t care less if the Buckeyes were running Dave the entire way down the field as long as the players were having fun and executing as a team. It comes down to offensive coaching and execution. With Ohio State’s system, you have to believe that some combination of Jim Tressel, Jim Bollman, and Darrell Hazell are responsible for what is considered an offense. While I appreciate Hazell’s attempt at resuscitating the offense, it really needs a defibrillator and a priest. The Buckeyes need someone who can get the offense on the same page as to what’s happening in the game, not just in the same library. The risk of bringing in a real offensive coordinator is that the offense has trouble adapting and production goes down, much like Michigan last year. There’s basically zero risk involved for Ohio State. How can the offense get much worse when you consider 3 games in 2008 without an offensive touchdown and what we’ve seen so far this year?

If Billy Mays was still around, there would be a 2 for 1 deal; hire an offensive coordinator, he’ll throw in a real QB coach for FREE! I won’t accept anything less than a proven offensive coordinator, and the sooner the better. But what I will or won’t accept has absolutely zero affect on what occurs inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.  So above all else,Go Bucks. Let’s make Minnesota pay.

Throwing in QB coaches for FREE!

The Purdue Defense

SEC Call of the Week Award

Kurt Coleman is the Big Ten’s Public Enemy #1

Why He Was Nominated: Just a few weeks removed from a conference sanctioned suspension, Kurt Coleman again decides it’s his duty to make others pay by forcing a fumble on a strip. Coleman has been playing at a first team All American level all season and added to his resume…for about 30 seconds. No whistle but the play is dead? How dare he play hard! This is the Big Ten, you know.

Why It Won: The Big Ten officials must have been warned about this trouble maker and his dirty play. If he doesn’t win All Conference at safety, it’s a conspiracy.

Also Nominated: Marginal Holding Call on Bryant Browning on Saine’s TD run makes fans think we were playing at USC

Some Things ARE Improving Award

Ohio State Scores an Offensive TD against Purdue

Why It Was Nominated: Sure, Ohio State lost but at least they put up a touchdown on offense, which is more than can be said about last year against Purdue. That cannot be overlooked. Ohio State went 3 games last year with an offensive touchdown, but this year? Zero. Talk about offense!

Why It Won: Purdue’s defense has been a flowing river for opponents, but unsurprisingly always plays Ohio State tough. Todd Boeckman perfected the art of the arm punt in 2007 and Terrelle Pryor accounted for 61 yards rushing on 35 carries against in 2 years against Purdue.

Also Nominated: …

Offensive Coordinator Need Not Apply Award

Final Score: Purdue 26 – Ohio State 18

Why It Was Nominated: The worst thing that could have happened would have been Ohio State pulling out the victory. At least now we can’t brush it under the table and pretend the OSU offense is marginally average. It’s not. In reality, the only thing that can save Ohio State football is a real live offensive coordinator, preferably not from Northeastern Ohio.  OSU isn’t a pro-style offense and at this point, it’s a stretch to call it an offense.

Why It Won: It wasn’t a problem that OSU didn’t score offensive touchdowns in 3 games last year, so why will it change this year? Asking an average offense to score more than 26 points against Purdue’s defense is like asking the sun to rise every morning.

Also Nominated: The offensive line’s inability to block anyone, Terrelle Pryor, the rushing attack

Not Bigger Than the Program Award

Jim Tressel, Jim Bollman, and Jim Heacock

Why They Were Nominated: Change is a scary thing. Luckily, change for the trio in charge of Ohio State football is non existent. There’s been some awfulness, especially on offense, over the years but there’s also been a lack of willingness to even attempt change. After masterminding one of the worst losses in Buckeye history (Florida still ranks at #1), the trio has some explaining to do. When the going gets tough, the defense gets soft, the offense can’t execute questionable play calls, and you get what you saw on Saturday.

Why They Won: They didn’t build Ohio State football, but they helped resurrect it. But now they are a crossroads. It’s not fan overreaction. The pieces are in place for a dominate defense and electric offense, but can these guys put the puzzle together?

Also Nominated: Nick Siciliano’s lacking resume, Playing Not to Lose

We are at the quarter pole of the 2009 season and, while the Buckeyes are not setting a record pace, the Buckeyes are not far off the lead.   We have learned a little, but there is a long way to go.

What are the odds the defense blanks Indiana for their third shutout in a row?  Have the Buckeyes ever done that?

Poe McKnoe: They either score points or they don’t, so I’m going 50-50.  Indiana hasn’t scored an offensive touchdown against Ohio State since 2004.  That’s 5 years (even though they aren’t on the schedule every year).  They’ve put up 3 field goals and an INT return for a TD in 2005 and 2006.  I, for one, do not respect IU’s offense and expect them to get blown up in the trenches sending Ben Chappell into a tailspin.  They will probably throw a trick in there, capitalize on a Pryor turnover, or have 1 good drive and come out with 10 points.

Massey: Not good, imagine. The last time the Buckeyes had three consecutive shutouts was in 1973, when it blanked Northwestern, Illinois and Michigan State.  Honestly, I could not care less if they hold the Hoosiers scoreless.  In fact, when Ohio State is involved with accomplishments like that they only serve as self-perpetuating prophecies for Big Ten haters.  ”The Big Ten totally sucks, bra!  OSU has shut out 3 straight and we know they suck!  Let’s watch Cincinnati,” resident B10 hater says as he opens another Natty Light.

Despite some big plays against Michigan, Indiana has not been an offensive juggernaut so far.  That was actually the first game where they amassed 400 or more yards, and their competition has not been stiff.  They will most likely score, but I am not sure I want to predict an offensive touchdown.

After four games, which is better: Ohio State’s running or passing game? Has either met your expectations?

P: I’m still waiting for OSU to rush for 200 and pass for 250 each game, per Tressel’s ‘goals’.  The passing game has been better than the rushing game, and that’s scary.  Terrelle Pryor doesn’t look like a running QB and doesn’t look like a passing QB, but some unbalanced combo of both.  Hopefully the recent ‘adaptations’ of the offense will help move the ball.  Posey and Pryor have yet to have a real connections and there’s a lot of hands not getting balls.  Boom has been even less effective, rushing for 3.xxx yards per rush.  Now he’s hurt, and Saine looks strong, but the remaining backs are Jordan Hall and Jemil Martin.  Let’s hope the passing game explodes.

M: If either one has impressed someone, they have been watching highlights from 1995.  I think the passing game is closer than the rushing game.  I know that sounds weird considering some of Pryor’s decisions but he has made some throws that I did not think we would see this season.  He still does not  trust himself all the time and I do not always think he is put in the best position, but there have been times where I see the potential for a Troy Smith epiphany.  I have yet to see anything from Herron or Saine that makes me excited or that would make a defensive coordinator worry.  The heavy dose of the read-option looked promising but I heard Tressel say that was more a reaction to Illinois than an actual game plan (ugh).  I may feel differently if Pryor was allowed to run more than 10 times per game, but he isn’t and he never will be.

Now that you have had a chance to watch everyone play, what is the most difficult remaining game on Ohio State’s schedule?

M: Michigan.  Seriously.  They seem to be the only Big Ten team not afraid to score points.  Their defense looks bad, because it is, but I expect an inspired performance from them on November 21.  The Game has taken a few years off but it is going to get back on track sooner rather than later.  Penn State appears to be thin on offense and another loss before OSU visits would confirm our suspicions.  Iowa looked good but you know they will crumble against the Buckeyes.  If they are undefeated on November 14, I hear the pundits saying “This was the game we were hoping for in 2002!”  No, it’s not.  That team had NFL caliber players on offense.  Michigan is the only team that appears capable of coming up with points when they need them.

P: Iowa.  I’ll buy the hype.  Michigan is #2.  Michigan plays two hand tap on defense, but they can score on offense.  Iowa beat an overrated Penn State team and now the Big Ten Network has turned on the hype, especially since they were the only Big Ten team to win a bowl game last year (and an SEC team to boot, woooweee).  Iowa will probably drop their next game, because they are Iowa.  The whole Big Ten is underwhelming, and while OSU may drop a game, can I say their bowl game?

Herron is out against Indiana and Saine will get the start.  Do you think Boom will regain his starting spot?

P: Unless Saine goes all Lydell Ross against IU (check it, Ross’ only good game), I fully expect that the order of things won’t change.  And by order, I mean that they’ll keep splitting carries 45-45 with Jordan Hall taking the rest.  There’s also no plan to redshirt Jamaal Berry, which means he doesn’t want to be redshirted and wants to be in the NFL Draft in 2011.  It’s a running back by committee and it’s effective.

M: God, I hope so.  Herron runs to contact.  I don’t care if it is a defender, an Ohio State blocker, or a downs -marker.  He will run directly towards it.  I simply cannot figure it out.  My any measure, Saine has been the better tailback this season.  He looked far better last week despite Herron’s two scores.  I don’t have a horse in this race, either.  I just want one of them to step up and play like an Ohio State starting running back.

Poe McKnoe takes a look at 6 different cheat codes he’d love to enter into his Gameshark for the Ohio State – USC game. Enjoy the game and try not to hit the reset button (cheater).

USC's Enemy

AOSU-EXXC - Grade A Execution

Tired of false starts, holding, interceptions and blown coverages? Grade A execution makes the Buckeyes disciplined and effective. Jim Tressel is one of the best play callers in the nation…when the plays work.

In Reality: Offensive calls or the players have to change. If they can’t run plays and be effective, change plays. If you stick to the same plays and they are ineffective, changer players. One seems easier than the other, but I’ll believe it when it happens.

12ON-11HA - Extra Man in the Box

Introducing the 4-4-4 defense against USC will allow Ohio State to protect against runs up the gut and on the outside. The extra defender plays the Explosion, basically an updated Star position, designed to wreak havoc.

In Reality…Defensive ends and tackles need to hold their position and stop the ground game. There’s no hope if USC’s offensive line gets helmets on the linebackers. Joe McKnight sandwiching himself in between lineman for 10 yard gains, like Navy’s Ricky Dobbs, will have the Night in the Coliseum flashing through the Buckeyes heads.

FCA7-C6A4 - Perfect Timing

Big plays happen with bad defensive timing when pressure hasn’t reached the QB and the secondary has lost coverage. Get the two on the same page and make the zone defense work.

In Reality: That is reality. Each half of the defense needs to be on the same page. Blitz on time and don’t get taken out of the play. Pressure the QB and cover the receivers. Simple in theory, but theory isn’t going up against the USC offense.

B1G2-L1L2 - Stationary Mays

How do you prevent Taylor Mays from impacting the game? Flag him if he moves. Mays will have a tough time covering the field, but will somehow manage to get flagged for two helmet to helmet hits.

In Reality…Taylor Mays is the USC version of Terrelle Pryor, but plays defense and hits harder. He has unreal athleticism, but can make coverage mistakes and get out of position. Force him to make mistakes, but watch the togetherness your skull.

100Y-50YA - Pint Size Field

Trouble covering the whole field while defenders streak untouched in the end zone? Cover less on the 1:2 scale field that really takes the spread out of the spread. Also, field goals from your own 20 now become a reality and there’s an 11 man box.

In Reality: React quicker and move faster. Plenty of people have complained about the OSU defense being to slow to react to the faster offenses of LSU, Florida, Illinois, and USC, so I’ll just nod my head.

J1MT-RSSL - Field Goals = Touchdowns

Field goals get you down? Does the red zone give you nightmares? Kicking field goals gets you 6 points. Now the field goal is the most important play in football.

In Reality: Jim Tressel would be accused of running up the score if field goals were worth 6 points. Ohio Sate, especially with Terrelle Pryor, shouldn’t have trouble putting the ball in the end zone. During 3 games in 2008, Ohio State failed to register a touchdown. Each player needs to play every down like it could mean win or lose.

Navy Tried To Sink Our Battleship

The Beast Mode Award

Winner: Kurt Coleman Intercepts Pass and Forces Fumble
Why He Was Nominated: When Coleman wakes up and plays like he’s capable, it’s a beautiful thing. He’s put the work in at the weight room and is rounding out his game. He could be scary this year.
Why It Won: You want your senior leaders to lead by example and that’s exactly what Coleman did. When was the last time you saw an Ohio State player strip the ball during a tackle? That’s something to be excited about.
Also Nominated: Rolle Doing His JL Impression, Thad Gibson Forces Fumble

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