Between a RAC and a Hard Place
September 26, 2008Cliff Lee: Done for 2008
September 28, 2008
Time: 12 PM, EDT
TV/Radio: Big Ten Network, WKNR AM/850
Kickoff Weather: 71 degrees, Winds 7 MPH (NNE)
Line: OSU (-18)
The Terrell Pryor versus the Big Ten party starts today. The true freshman will have a young line ahead of him, with freshman center Mike Brewster along with injury replacement Jim Cordle. They’ll have some holes to create as both Pryor and the return of Beanie Wells should provide a lot of ground work. While the Buckeyes should win this one easily, we have seen games against Troy and Ohio U. that have been a bit too close for comfort. Regardless of the score in this one, I think this team will be graded on three things:
1) Positive steps for Pryor. Fewer mistakes, even if it means throwing the ball away when in trouble instead of trying to run his way out of it.
2) Offensive line blocking. Alex Boone’s comments this week were not the most assuring. Can they have that sense of urgency from kickoff to end whistle?
3) Open field tackling. Marcus Freeman was torched on a big play last week, and that cannot happen regularly. Thaddeus Gibson getting more time on the field worked well last week, let’s see if he continues to help the linebackers out this time around as well.
Related posts from this week:
Beanie Will Be Active
Boone Admits to Lack of Urgency
Does the Trojan Loss Help the Buckeyes?
And for an added bonus, Doug Lesmerises asks if it’s right to “boo” Todd Boeckman. Thoughts?
As always, feel free to follow along in the comments. Go Buckeyes!
5 Comments
You beat me to it Scott…
The Big Ten network subjected us to replays of the ’81 “classic” upset of Ohio State at the hands of the Gophers. Just what I wanted to see this week.
I don’t think Minnesota quite has the horses to pull this one off, nor do I think that Ohio State will be looking past any opponents any more this season. I would like to see more of Pryor passing the ball, and when he does run I hope it isn’t the same option play over and over.
Most importantly is the health of Beanie Wells. If his foot is healed, or he can manage the pain the Buckeyes should roll in this one. If not, well it could be a long Big Ten season…
refreshing to see beanie and pryor together; not so much when turning the ball over
Pickoff, washington. Needed that after the fumble.
Halftime thoughts…
Chris Wells is clearly not 100%, but also clearly better than our other backs by 5 or 6x…
Ray Small, meet the bench.
Pryor…living up to the hype.
Nice of the defense to show up today!
Yea ray small sucks. Our offensive live wit the freshman looks decent. Good to see boeckman air it out wit confidence.