Another snoozer...but anything less would have been a problem.
Offense: B+
52 points and scoring so many ways...always good, but that interception at the goalline was inexcusable, even against Minn. I LOVE the new Offensive line and the spectacular running of Boom Herron that we've been seeing. I know it's against 2 terrible defenses, but Herron looks better than he ever has. When I say "new" offensive line, I refer to the new mentality of attacking that wasn't there early in the year (or vs. Wisconsin). The energy and push is more than just poor defenses. The O-line looks like they've finally got it going and look forward to punch people in the mouth. Pryor was pretty good passing and running, but the interception at the goalline was horrid. Boren broke open immediately and Pryor had him (I was screaming for him to throw right away) but he waited....and waited....and waited...then threw to the breaking safety. I can't reward that decision with an A.
Defense: A-
The first drive was a disaster. Wide open throwing lanes down the middle was a huge problem. Good news for the Buckeyes is they shored up after that drive and shut down the hapless Gophers. Brian Rolle was killing people left and right and completely trucked Weber. Going forward will be scary for the Buckeyes as the secondary is completely mauled by injury. This isn't too big a deal against Minn or PSU but we need these guys back for Iowa. Without the first drive, this was a solid A. Let's not forget the Jon Simon scoop and score.
Special Teams: B
Another solid outing ruined by one major blemish. A beautiful blocked punt for a score (great effort by Domicone on the recovery), spectacular punt return by Hall (ruined by Pryor's mental mistake), a missed FG by Minn (not blocked but still a victory), and ok kick return and kick coverage (not great--still need to shore that up). Can't comment on the punting because I honestly don't remember if we punted. The black mark this week came via Devin Barclay and a gag from 23 yards out. Tressel made the safe (and correct) call to kick a chip shot FG with a 21 point lead and Barclay whiffed. This is unacceptable at any school let alone tOSU. I can't punish the very nice performances in the punt block/return team for Barclay's gaffe...too much.
Coaching: A- -->B+
Not a whole lot of coaching needed in this one, but it was a well called game. Only one play was really questionable--why do you let Pryor throw at the goalline when Herron was gashing them on the ground? In fact, because it was Minn and this was the only real call, I'm downgrading them to a B+. I was right, then wrong about the running game. I said early on that the coaches needed to 'practice' the run game in a live situation early on because it would be a problem in the future. The coaches didn't listen. When Big Ten play started, I thought it was too late to 'learn' to run and we paid for it against Wisconsin. So far, I pat myself on the back, but then the coaches started 'practicing' the run and the O-line stepped it up. I was wrong that it was too late to learn because Boom is a serious threat as of now. Perhaps we can control the clock more when needed in Kinnick.
Showing posts with label bucks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bucks. Show all posts
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Grading the Bucks Week 5--Illinois
Way to close Buckeyes. Sloppy game and yet...5-0
Offense: C
After having their way against Eastern Michigan (which they should have), the Buckeyes looked a bit shellshocked on the road. After I emphasized practicing the run against suck MAC opponents, we saw Saturday why I wanted that so badly. Tressel decided it was time to prove we can run in the Big Ten...and he failed. Our offensive line is exceptional at pass blocking (as we've seen all year) but looks like a bunch of old women when run blocking. They can't move defenders backward; they can't open holes; it's just no good for Big Ten play. We saw that the lack of run game development (including the runningbacks as Saine and Herron didn't do the line any favors) could cost the Bucks in the Big Ten. I fully expect Tressel to go back to the pass first offense in the future. Look for a more west coast offense as dropback passing game seemed successful (except when Posey drops easy passes) and the shotgun scramble is the best option running too--Pryor is our only runningback. We also saw that if Pryor goes down, it's 'bad news bears'. Kenny Guiton needs more reps for backup potential if the turf monster returns. It was on the road, but c'mon man.
Defense: B-
Many spoke to the defense as the focal point of the Buckeyes win, but I wasn't terribly impressed. Many of the defense's successes were directly caused by Illini failures. The Bullet secondary gave up some open passes but it seemed that Illinois had a case of the dropsies to help out. The adjustments were not made very well to cover number 11 (Fayson) when it was clear that he was the only serious receiving threat. Also, the run defense wasn't nearly as solid as we've come to expect. They were opportunistic and presented the bend-don't-break mentality that seems to be the norm, but I'd prefer the shut 'em down mentality. Illini showed that OSU will get every teams best shot, and they'd better be ready. Next week might actually be a tougher test so bring the wood. IU can throw the ball very well but we're back at home.
Special Teams: B
And the best grade goes to....the special teams?!? What happened? Well, to be honest, nothing happened...and that's a big time improvement. No missed kicks, no blocked kicks, no big returns. I'll take it. Why not an A for this unit? Can anyone answer? It has nothing to do with our mediocre return game...it's Jim Tressel's most important position, that is simply not very good. Ben Buchanan had a bad day punting which is not good for any Tressel team. He had a few punts that went about 30 yards which is just not acceptable. This is a big time concern for the unit. Buchanan has had better days but he needs to get it going in a hurry.
Coaching: B-
It's a week late coaches. I've been telling you to practice the run because it didn't work in the 20 or so carries a game vs. the MAC. The kinks had to be worked out before Big Ten play because you can't fix problems on the road in the Big Ten...even against the Illini. It's plainly clear that it's time to go 70-30 in passing plays to run plays--where Pryor scrambles/runs on 15% or so of the dropbacks. The O-Line blocks so well for Pryor so keep pushing. Defensively was a little timid, but no real problems. Injuries are certainly tough on this D.
Offense: C
After having their way against Eastern Michigan (which they should have), the Buckeyes looked a bit shellshocked on the road. After I emphasized practicing the run against suck MAC opponents, we saw Saturday why I wanted that so badly. Tressel decided it was time to prove we can run in the Big Ten...and he failed. Our offensive line is exceptional at pass blocking (as we've seen all year) but looks like a bunch of old women when run blocking. They can't move defenders backward; they can't open holes; it's just no good for Big Ten play. We saw that the lack of run game development (including the runningbacks as Saine and Herron didn't do the line any favors) could cost the Bucks in the Big Ten. I fully expect Tressel to go back to the pass first offense in the future. Look for a more west coast offense as dropback passing game seemed successful (except when Posey drops easy passes) and the shotgun scramble is the best option running too--Pryor is our only runningback. We also saw that if Pryor goes down, it's 'bad news bears'. Kenny Guiton needs more reps for backup potential if the turf monster returns. It was on the road, but c'mon man.
Defense: B-
Many spoke to the defense as the focal point of the Buckeyes win, but I wasn't terribly impressed. Many of the defense's successes were directly caused by Illini failures. The Bullet secondary gave up some open passes but it seemed that Illinois had a case of the dropsies to help out. The adjustments were not made very well to cover number 11 (Fayson) when it was clear that he was the only serious receiving threat. Also, the run defense wasn't nearly as solid as we've come to expect. They were opportunistic and presented the bend-don't-break mentality that seems to be the norm, but I'd prefer the shut 'em down mentality. Illini showed that OSU will get every teams best shot, and they'd better be ready. Next week might actually be a tougher test so bring the wood. IU can throw the ball very well but we're back at home.
Special Teams: B
And the best grade goes to....the special teams?!? What happened? Well, to be honest, nothing happened...and that's a big time improvement. No missed kicks, no blocked kicks, no big returns. I'll take it. Why not an A for this unit? Can anyone answer? It has nothing to do with our mediocre return game...it's Jim Tressel's most important position, that is simply not very good. Ben Buchanan had a bad day punting which is not good for any Tressel team. He had a few punts that went about 30 yards which is just not acceptable. This is a big time concern for the unit. Buchanan has had better days but he needs to get it going in a hurry.
Coaching: B-
It's a week late coaches. I've been telling you to practice the run because it didn't work in the 20 or so carries a game vs. the MAC. The kinks had to be worked out before Big Ten play because you can't fix problems on the road in the Big Ten...even against the Illini. It's plainly clear that it's time to go 70-30 in passing plays to run plays--where Pryor scrambles/runs on 15% or so of the dropbacks. The O-Line blocks so well for Pryor so keep pushing. Defensively was a little timid, but no real problems. Injuries are certainly tough on this D.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Grading the Bucks--Ohio U (week 3)
Another shellacking but still some critical comments for the Scarlet and Gray
Offense: B+
Again, 34 in the 1st half? What do they need to do to get that coveted A??? This offense certainly clicked through the air this week and Pryor was solid for the first 28 minutes. I can't give an A to a team that has yet to establish a running game. Against OU, the Buckeyes should have run it right through them, but it just didn't happen. The interior line seems fine on pass protection, but not nasty enough to run it down their throats. Also, Pryor's INTs were, plain and simple, bad. He lofted them up into coverage which is a no-no. I understand the game was over, but the offense was way too 'bored' in the late 1st and entire 2nd half. Regardless of the score, the offense needs to play with a sense of urgency at all times.
Defense: A
Another great game by the Silver Bullets. Total 1st half dominance exhibited in which I don't think Ohio broke the 50. Also, 5 more turnovers to add to the total. I know it was Ohio, but that's quality no matter who it's against. Not too much to complain about here other than the garbage touchdown at the end. With our DLine, we still need a little more pressure on the QB when we enter Big 10 play. Little concerned about the injuries to the Buckeye secondary but I think we'll be ok.
Special Teams: C-
Nothing special about our return teams but nothing wrong there either. The coverage teams were much better this week but don't forget that OU returned a kickoff (thanks to some blocks in the back). Even with penalties, you cannot let OU (or anyone) return kicks. It was of course called back, but the refs miss those often so need better coverage. The placekicking was fine so no complaints. The big mark on this unit is a blocked punt....against Ohio. Are you serious? Buchanan actually punted pretty well, but the protection scheme is terrible. Tressel needs to fix these special teams gaffes as we go forward.
Coaching: B
Ok OSU coaches. You listened to me with regard to Stoneburner and started using the spectacular TE, and for that, I thank you. I have one major problem with the playcalling in that the Buckeyes refused to establish a running game. I know we started a bit slow on the ground, but it seemed like Pryor passed 4 times more than he handed off (I'm not counting the scrambles since those were called passes). The defense seemed to sit back a bit but no complaints on the defensive playcalling, but the offense played a little too much of a run and shoot style rather than a Big Ten, Woody Hayes, 3 yards and a cloud of dust style. Note, I love the pass and don't think we need to regress back to the ages of run run run, but you need to mix it up. When the foes are stronger, you can't throw all day with the threat of the run or they'll spy Pryor and drop the rest into coverage. This is a big point of concern for the Bucks.
Once again, great game by the Bucks. Next week will probably be far uglier. Eastern Michigan is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad. Until then, GO OHIO, BEAT THE EAGLES!
Offense: B+
Again, 34 in the 1st half? What do they need to do to get that coveted A??? This offense certainly clicked through the air this week and Pryor was solid for the first 28 minutes. I can't give an A to a team that has yet to establish a running game. Against OU, the Buckeyes should have run it right through them, but it just didn't happen. The interior line seems fine on pass protection, but not nasty enough to run it down their throats. Also, Pryor's INTs were, plain and simple, bad. He lofted them up into coverage which is a no-no. I understand the game was over, but the offense was way too 'bored' in the late 1st and entire 2nd half. Regardless of the score, the offense needs to play with a sense of urgency at all times.
Defense: A
Another great game by the Silver Bullets. Total 1st half dominance exhibited in which I don't think Ohio broke the 50. Also, 5 more turnovers to add to the total. I know it was Ohio, but that's quality no matter who it's against. Not too much to complain about here other than the garbage touchdown at the end. With our DLine, we still need a little more pressure on the QB when we enter Big 10 play. Little concerned about the injuries to the Buckeye secondary but I think we'll be ok.
Special Teams: C-
Nothing special about our return teams but nothing wrong there either. The coverage teams were much better this week but don't forget that OU returned a kickoff (thanks to some blocks in the back). Even with penalties, you cannot let OU (or anyone) return kicks. It was of course called back, but the refs miss those often so need better coverage. The placekicking was fine so no complaints. The big mark on this unit is a blocked punt....against Ohio. Are you serious? Buchanan actually punted pretty well, but the protection scheme is terrible. Tressel needs to fix these special teams gaffes as we go forward.
Coaching: B
Ok OSU coaches. You listened to me with regard to Stoneburner and started using the spectacular TE, and for that, I thank you. I have one major problem with the playcalling in that the Buckeyes refused to establish a running game. I know we started a bit slow on the ground, but it seemed like Pryor passed 4 times more than he handed off (I'm not counting the scrambles since those were called passes). The defense seemed to sit back a bit but no complaints on the defensive playcalling, but the offense played a little too much of a run and shoot style rather than a Big Ten, Woody Hayes, 3 yards and a cloud of dust style. Note, I love the pass and don't think we need to regress back to the ages of run run run, but you need to mix it up. When the foes are stronger, you can't throw all day with the threat of the run or they'll spy Pryor and drop the rest into coverage. This is a big point of concern for the Bucks.
Once again, great game by the Bucks. Next week will probably be far uglier. Eastern Michigan is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad. Until then, GO OHIO, BEAT THE EAGLES!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
2010 Week 2--National Championships anyone?
After last week whet your whistle for college football, time to jump right in to the main course. This early week features an astounding FOUR national championship rematches--and it's only week 2! So many great games this week, it's hard to figure out where to turn your attention. We missed week 1, but there was nothing going on last week so let's get to work.
Penn State @ Alabama:
Gomer: As my career as a music educator has really become all-encompassing, I feel it necessary to let everyone know that I don't keep track of as many pre-season things as I used to. Be that as it may, those who know me, know that I always have an opinion to share about a sporting event. All that said, PSU just doesn't strike fear into anyone's hearts... well except maybe Jim Tressel's when the 'Nits come to Ohio Stadium at night... But seriously, PeeSU doesn't stand much of a chance in this one. The Tide could be missing their entire first string, and still beat the Lions. As much as I'd like to see the Big Ten pull an upset, not gonna happen. PSU: 9 Bama: 37
Chief: The bluebloods meet in Tuscaloosa in a rematch of the 1979 Sugar Bowl goalline stand. Unfortunately for those in Happy Valley, I don't envision this being much of a battle. PSU has a true freshman at QB for the first time in the program's history...and Bama is not exactly a simple test. The defending champions should make easy work of the Lions with the Nick Saban defense and the bevy of backs. Royster gets some yards for the Blue and White, but not nearly enough. PSU: 13 Bama: 31
Michigan @ Notre Dame:
Gomer: The game in which no one should be able to win. I hate Michigan. I HATE Notre Dame. Maybe it's former coach, wise-ass Charlie Weiss and the golden boy (aka overrate) Brady Quinn/Jimmy Clausen/insert big-name recruit here. Michigan shouldn't have a problem moving the ball against ND, but ND shouldn't have a problem moving the ball against Michigan. This is one of the few days of the year where I will gladly tell any "friend" who cheers for Michigan, "GO BLUE!" UM: 39 ND: 33
Chief: The battle of the programs that "are back"...but not really. Michigan is led by dynamic QB Denard Robinson who had a field day running the ball in week 1 vs. UConn, and I was actually surprised by the lack of offense in the ND opener vs. Purdue. Even with the week 1 performances, I don't think either of these programs are ready to go to the next level. Robinson will run, but the Irish will score (Michigan capitalized on too many turnovers last week). Too many blows will knock Denard out of a key late series in which the Irish will hold at home to take the game. Mich: 24--ND: 27
Florida State @ Oklahoma:
Gomer: Florida State is in a position to really disappoint it's fans. OU looked awful against Utah State and the Seminoles looked sharp against SAMFORD. Not really sure what to expect, I think Oklahoma's program is in better shape than FSU's, and well, Bob Stoops can do some weird stuff from time-to-time. FSU: 24 OU: 31
Chief: 2000 National Championship remix (OU 13-2). Going into the year, I felt this was a sure loss due to the historic performance of Oklahoma in Norman, but the defensive embarassment last week gives me great hope. Christian Ponder was spectacular last week (granted against Samford) and is probably the best QB no one is talking about (outside Heisman shot?). The Sooner defense struggled against a horrible USU team but the Noles got a little swagger to start out the Jimbo era in Tallahassee. I'm going with the upset with a late Ponder TD scramble to end the Sooner championship hopes! FSU: 38--OU: 34
Georgia @ South Carolina:
Gomer: SEC SEC SEC SEC.... blahhhhh. Neither of these teams will make it to the BCS National Championship game, but that doesn't mean it won't be interesting. Spurrier is trying to show he knows how to coach an offense somewhere other than with Florida, and Richt is busy adopting kids. 'Cocks find a way to win. UGA: 13 USC: 37
Gomer: SEC SEC SEC SEC.... blahhhhh. Neither of these teams will make it to the BCS National Championship game, but that doesn't mean it won't be interesting. Spurrier is trying to show he knows how to coach an offense somewhere other than with Florida, and Richt is busy adopting kids. 'Cocks find a way to win. UGA: 13 USC: 37
Chief: Spurrier got the hopes of Cocky nation up last week with an impressive week 1 win over Southern Miss and Georgia comes in with a bit of disappointment with the loss of stellar wide out AJ Green. With Spurrier, the focus is always on the offense, but the defense at South Carolina was a major bright spot last year. This is a huge game in the SEC East that no one is looking at. The Years of the Gators are coming to an end. Who will pick up the reins? GO COCKS with the home field advantage. UGA: 20--USC: 24
Miami @ Ohio State:
Gomer: 2,808 days... wow. That's how long it's been since Ohio State won it's most recent national championship over the unbeatable Miami Hurricanes. It's been beaten like a dead horse, but this game isn't about what happen that glorious day in the desert, when I was a week freshman in college, but it's about how the fans of both teams perceived the win. For the Buckeyes it was a sigh of relief and the sign of an exciting era of OSU football. For the 'Canes, it was the sign of the "end times" for their program as they have been on a downward spiral for years. Randy Shannon is the right coach for Miami, but he hasn't had enough time to build and give Tressel's crew his best shot. 'Da U': 13 OSU: 38
Chief: 2002 National Championship--THERE'S A FLAG!! (OSU: 31--UM: 24/2OT). The two national powers collide for the first time since the epic battle in the desert in 02. Since that year, the Buckeyes have maintained a level of excellence (6 BCS bowls, 6 Big Ten titles, 1 Heisman winner) and the Canes...not so much (1 BCS bowl, 1 Big East title, 0 Heismans). Jacory Harris leads the high powered offense of the Canes but he's been very suspect at times. Star running back Cooper is probably out for the clash in the Shoe (another blow). Both D-Lines are stacked, but Miami's secondary is not as experienced. The Silver Bullet defense came out firing on all cylinders last week (albeit, against Marshall) but were really laying the wood. The offense was spectacular with the Brandon Saine explosive running game opening up a bevy of options for dual-threat QB Terrelle Pryor. I was surprised the line on the game was so high, but I still think the Bucks cover in the craziness of the Shoe. GO BUCKS! 'The U': 17--OSU: 27
Other Picks
Illinois St @ NW Gomer: NW Chief: NW
South Dakota @ Minn Gomer: Minn Chief: Minn
West. Ill. @ Purdue Gomer: Purdue Chief: Purdue
Iowa St. @ Iowa Gomer: Iowa Chief: Iowa
BYU @ AF Gomer: BYU Chief: BYU
Oregon @ Tenn Gomer: Oregon Chief: Oregon
Toledo @ Ohio Gomer: Ohio Chief: Ohio
SIU @ Ill Gomer: SIU Chief: Ill
Stanford @ UCLA Gomer: UCLA Chief: Stan
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