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Offense -
We are 3 games into the season and already it's tiring talking about this unit's lack of production. 20 points yesterday, the other 7 were given to us by a faulty San Diego St pitch. Troy Smith actually started out fine, not exceptional, but not off kilter as he finished. He seemingly went down hill has the game progressed. At one point in the 1st half, he was 6/9 for nearly 90 yards. Sure, he ran the ball well but it sure looked like some of those pitches were open on the option plays. As the day went on, we started to see balls shorthopping into receivers. In my opinion, I think this was because he was overstridding on this throws. I have included a screenshot comparison of Troy on similar passing distances, one from 2004 and the other from yesterday:
On the left hand shot, Troy's stride length is just over a yard long. Yesterday, it was nearly a yard and half. You can easily see that Troy has maintained flex in his left knee in the 2004 view, but yesterday his left leg is nearly locked as he digs into his throw. It's not much but it's enough to be inaccurate on your passes.
I also have to point out that Ted Ginn still appears to be used ineffectively. Having 4 offensive touches is unacceptable. Same with Santonio Holmes. Troy has to have the trust to let it go, to hit his man. He had Troy deep at least once and in the flat where he was completely wide open. This game marks the 2nd time we did not throw downfield to stretch the D.
It must be remembered that even if the long ball is incomplete, it still sends a message to the D. I am reminded of one of the best called games by JT was Washington in 2003. We started off with 3 DEEP passes in the first series or two. The rest of the night it was pitch and catch. DBs were on their heels and absolutely not even thinking about run support. Yesterday also brought us most of the offensive line getting pulled in the early 2nd quarter. Mangold and Barton remained but Sims, Downing and Datish were pulled. Never a good sign. The offense also never got a flow or pattern established. Are we going to try to establish the run or not? These inside handoffs are not particularly effective. I would much rather see more conventional sets and the QB under center more often--especially in light of Jeff Amey's astute observation on our RB formations. Our O amassed 375 yards but needed 82 plays to do so. That per play average is roughly the same as their Texas output. Still, part of me wants to chalk this game up to a hangover from Texas. If so, next week is put up or change time. I rate this unit 2 Buckeye leaves overall.
Defense -
As much as I wanted to, I simply cannot award a full 4 Buckeye leaves here. They started out by giving up an 80 yard TD on simple screen pass. Tressel even said they had the proper defense call for that play too. From that point forward, they did play exceptional but the TD mars the overall performance. The biggest thing to take away from SDSU was the emergence of Malcolm Jenkins. Make no mistake, he has played plenty in the first 2 games, but against SDSU, he was the starting corner opposite Youboty. Tyler Everett has seemingly moved back to safety--where he played all day yesterday along side Nate Salley.
I think the other bright spot was the play of the front four. They outmanned the SDSU offensive line but it was still nice to see penetration. Marcus Green and Bobby Carpenter (perhaps the most versatile player on the team) were very effective. Carpenter was, again, very good when he puts his hand down and rushes the passer. 2 sacks. Once this unit get healthy (Gholston) I look for even a higher level of play.
Special Teams -
I may be a little tough here in my rating. Santonio and Ginn did a nice job with returns but SDSU's punter was fantastic at playing keep away and pinning us to the sidelines. Ginn still needs to learn how to block someone if it's Santonio on the return. 9 guys against 11 will rarely allow a TD return. Josh Huston continues to show that he may be the best kicker in the country by going 2-2. It was also a positive to Sirjo Welch back out being our top coverage guy.
::Other Thoughts and Observations::
*I feel like Roy Hall had his best game as Buckeye. It is fun to watch him turn upfield and lower his 240 lb frame on the tackler. And, how about the block on Santonio's punt return?
*Ginn had 1 offensive touch in the 2nd half. Same with Santonio if memory serves. Again, unacceptable.
*I would like us to get out of the shotgun. Playaction is becoming ineffective.
*I actually liked SDSU's two tone faded helmet. :-)