It was another loss in a BCS Bowl game for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but it was much closer than many expected. In fact, Texas probably has no claim to a National Championship now because they did not dominate OSU in Monday night’s Fiesta Bowl. Heisman Trophy runner-up Colt McCoy rallied the Longhorns in the fourth quarter, throwing a game-winning TD pass to Quan Cosby with :16 left on the clock.
I have several comments regarding the game—
1). If I were an NFL General Manager, I wouldn’t touch Buckeye RB Chris “Beanie” Wells with a ten foot pole. Wells suffered a concussion in the second half, another in a long line of injuries suffered by Wells in his time at Ohio State.
Wells has first round talent, but undrafted free agent durability. He simply can’t stay healthy. And the guys in the NFL are bigger and faster than the ones Wells played against in college. I don’t think he can be a feature back in the NFL.
2). It appeared that freshman QB Terrelle Pryor regressed as a passer in the six weeks of practice leading up to the bowl game. Pryor missed several open receivers, and also appeared indecisive as to whether or not to throw when flushed out of the pocket. In fact, on the drive leading to the Bucks third field goal, Pryor could have easily run for a first down to keep the drive alive, but instead fired a pass into the ground.
This is not to give up on the freshman. Remember, Jim Tressel and the coaching staff made Troy Smith a terrific passer by the time he left Columbus. However, Pryor has to improve greatly as a passer to be a great college quarterback and pro prospect. He came to OSU because there was more potential to be NFL ready when he left, so I expect he will put the work in during the spring.
3). Once again, the Buckeyes have a problem with a “fast-break” offense. The Buckeyes controlled the pace of the game with the running attack in the first half, but when that didn’t happen in the third quarter, OSU was in trouble. It may be time for Tressel to bring in some new blood on his coaching staff, particularly people who have experience in dealing with the high-powered SEC and Big 12 offenses.
4). The senior football players at Ohio State had a remarkable run, going to three BCS bowl games, including twice playing for the National Championship. However, they will likely be viewed as a disappointment because of the losses to Florida and LSU in the title tilts. They won two Big Ten championships outright, and shared a third.
The biggest disappointment was probably this season. Many players eschewed the NFL for another year in Columbus after last season, figuring they would make another run at the National Championship. It didn’t happen, and several players, such as Brian Robiskie, Todd Boeckman, and Brian Hartline probably will be drafted lower in 2009 than they would have in 2008. They may be disappointed, but they accomplished a lot in their time in scarlet and gray.
5). The Bucks need to get more athletic upfront, particularly on the offensive line. Tressel recruited some top linemen last year in Michael Brewster, J.B. Shugarts, and Mike Adams. Perhaps the head coach was a little over-protective of some upper classmen who weren’t getting the job done. Because of graduation, the offensive and defensive fronts will be much different in 2009.
The most telling play was the penultimate play of the game, when Texas rushed three and still sacked Todd Boeckman. Even with a two-man advantage, the Buckeyes couldn’t keep the Longhorns out of their backfield.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 