I predicted that the game would end 31 to 6.  I take no pride in the fact that it ended 33-14 in that two of the touchdowns, one for OSU and one for Washington, were garbage time tds.  But I am happy as heck about the win, and I am even happier in the way the offensive line rebounded in this game.  Let’s look at some of the reasons.

1)  OSU finally got to play a conventional 4-3 defense, and it showed.  Guys seemed a lot more comfortable in their blocking assignments.  The running game, while still better in the second half than in the first, did show some really nice flashes in the first.  In fact, I think that the very first play was a run in which Chris Wells got 7 or 8 yards.

2)  OSU’s offensive line (and I very much hope that this is not true) may be a team that plays up or down to the level of competition.  But that is such a Michigan trait, that if it is true, they need to get that out of their system.

The offense helped the defense in this game in two big ways.  First, the offense’s performance in the turnover department was much better.  There were no OSU turnovers this game, and OSU took four from Washington.  This kept the defense out of bad situations. 

Secondly, with the offensive line’s ability to get the running game going, the defense was able to get the rest it needed between each series, and appear fresh on the field, which is very important when it comes to containing a scrambling QB like Jake Locker.  Hop Cassiday told me (at the 2002 game against Texas Tech) that nothing wears out Defensive Tackles and Defensive Ends like scrambling QB, because they are used to moving four or five yards either straight ahead, or straight back.  But when you have these 300 pound guys doing windsprints of 20 to 30 yards, either side to side or backwards, it really tells on them.  So you can count on the fact that these guys were tired after going three to six downs against Jake Locker, and having Chris Wells (and Brian Hartline) come in and move the chains consistently was a big lift for them.

Speaking of Brian Hartline,  he has emerged as a key possession receiver, making amends for the fumble he had on special teams last week.  Whenever OSU needed a 6 to 10 yard catch, he was in the open.  As for the other wide receivers, give Robiskie credit for the big catch for the touchdown, but Hartline was a chain mover extraordinaire.  It was nice to see Ray Small get a few patterns and grabs.  He’s still not all the way back with that ankle, but when he gets his confidence in it back and shakes off the rust, Robiskie and Hartline are going to be that much better as the defense is going to have fits figuring out who to double cover.  Not much went to the tight ends today, though one sure touchdown pass to Jake Ballard did get batted away at the last possible nanosecond. 

Todd Boeckman continues to learn at the QB spot.  While there were no interceptions today, I must admit that there should have been.  The offensive line has been giving Todd so much time recently, that he has beent throwing the ball late.  This is bad for two reasons.  First, most of your interceptions are going to come on late throws.  Better to pick Jim Tressel out on the sideline and whistle it 15 yards over his head.  Second, there are going to be teams that we play which are not going to give you time.  Troy Smith found this out against Florida.  Without time to throw, it was a whole new ball game for Smith.  Throwing it away will force you to pick up your game in the early release department.  Watch tape of Dan Marino.  He had an early release.  You need to develop that mental clock that tells you when footsteps are coming up behind you.

But on the plus side, there were no sacks in the game either.  Boeckman underthrew a long ball or two, but other than that, it was a good solid performance against a good solid team in a very dangerous and loud place.  Keep learning, Todd.  I have a feeling that by the end of this year and at the start of the next,  you are going to be a real weapon.

I think that we also saw the effect of opening up the playbook a bit.  Fifth year senior walk on Trevor Robinson had another nice catch out of the backfield for near first down yardage when we needed it.  It was hard for me to believe it, but Dimitrious Stanley said after the game that John Cooper used to completely open up the playbook against early season teams of lower quality.  He said it with such sincerity, that I have no doubt it is true.  He also said that he wished he had been able to play for Jim Tressel.  That one I did not have any trouble believing.

You Should Also Check Out This Post:

More Active Posts: