Final Thoughts
This was one of the best games played by the Buckeyes in a very long time. Not only did they execute on the field, but the Bucks used smart play-calling that even at times took risks, calculated risks, to win this football game 37-17.
Offense:
As the Buckeyes have done 7 of their last 8 opening drives to begin games, they have scored. Today was no different. Scoring to start the game, sets an amazing tone for the rest of the game and it is quite the momentum boost to drive and grab three points against the No. 4 defense in the country to begin the game. Mo Wells ran the ball effectively, Chris Wells grabbed another 100+ yard day, the run game was phenomenal and credit the offensive line today not only with the run game but also protecting Todd Boeckman against the Nits, who are #1 in sacks in the country. Boeckman fit the ball into spots I thought he couldn't. He threw some amazing passes tonight in big spots for the Buckeyes in his first real test on the road in the Big Ten. He ended 19-for-26 with 257 yards 3 TDs and 1 Int. He played calm collected football, and showed shades of great play that should have him in the thick of the Heisman discussion. The Buckeyes took great play-calling and execution to get the job done on offense.
Defense:
Seven minutes into the game, it was a scary sight for Buckeye fans. The PSU offense effortlessly drove down the field and scored on the Buckeyes and a glimmer of a perfect season was going away, but, the Buckeyes changed things around and fast. They were amazing in pass coverage and in the first half Marcus Freeman was a stalwart. The secondary's open field tackling ability saved the Buckeyes on a few occasions and the defensive line finally broke through and made some big plays but ultimately, OSU's ability to stop the PSU play-action was the reason they were so dominant against a team that averaged 33.1 points per game this season. Hats off to the Buckeyes in this dominant victory especially for the defense.
Special Teams
Ryan Pretorious, every week he amazes me with his kicking ability. In a hostile environment in swirling winds he hit a 50 yarder to begin the scoring for the Buckeyes in what was a huge kick, maybe the biggest in his career. He has been nothing short of amazing this season. AJ Trappasso would have been good tonight if he punted, phenomenal work by the Bucks controlling the clock and producing on third down. One bad thing however was the one lapse we seem to have every week in kick coverage that leads to a score, the Buckeyes need to correct this.
Overall, the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes dominated tonight 37-17 and deserve the respect of the country. They have 3 tough games remaining so they need to bring this kind of intensity to every game the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts coming soon
This was an absolute dominating victory for the Bucks and one big step in the right direction. After the final whistle, I will sum up my thoughts for the entire game.
Offensive Promise
The 2007 Buckeyes will be defined by there defense. Thats what happens when you lead the nation in scoring, total and pass efficiency defense. However, it is time to recognize how talented this offense really is. PSU led the nation in sacks and has only had one so far today. Moreover, they are not be hurried whatsoever. Great job by Boone and Barton especially on this particular evening. Then there is the receivers and running backs. Everybody from Ballard to Small contributed tonight. Even the tight ends played a huge role, led by 5 Nicol catches and a Ballard touchdown. Lastly you have the QB, Todd "I'm not Troy Smith but I'm undefeated nonetheless" Boeckman. Remember this date as Beck made only one really bad pass the whole evening. Over 250 yards passing and 3 TD's to 3 different targets. Unreal. O yea remember how I wrote this about the offense?
MALCOLM JENKINS JUST HAD AN INT RETURN FOR A TD. I LOVE THIS TEAM. I END MY EVENING BY RECOGNIZING ONE MORE PERSON. MY BOY AND OUR OUTSTANDING KICKER RYAN...........
PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRETORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO BUCKS, ROSEN HAS NO MORE RUMBLINGS LEFT
Maurice Wells
While he often is overshadowed by the other Wells and the Freshman stud Brandon Saine, Maurice Wells has continued to produce in the backfield and as a returner. He seems to have settled into his role and although his stats might not jump off the game chart, he does the little things which championship ballclubs require. Hats off to #34 for a job Wells done!!!
Beautiful drive
The Buckeyes took all the fight out of the lions with a long drive that produced three points, add that to Morelli gifting OSU another 7 points and the #1 team in the country will remain that for another week.
Ohio State, "Your on the clock"
With the Buckeyes leading 24-10 heading into the fourth quarter, it is essential that Ohio State put together a scoring drive of over five minutes to take time off the clock and put Penn State three scores behind. Tressel and Bollman should continue to mix the run with the robust Chris Wells and the 10-yd passes to Robiskie and Hartline while holding onto the football and not forcing the issue. Penn State seems to be out of sync on offense and if Ohio State can add at least three more points, the Nittany Lions can head to the WWF to put themselves on the late December bowl game endangered species list...
This drive
Needs to be long and sustained...the Buckeyes would love to drain a good 7 minutes from the clock, no turnovers.
Just when you though...
You had PSU on the brink of losing, they break a very nice drive so far by the use of misdirection...credit the Buckeyes secondary for making a few very nice TD saving tackles throughout this game...
The Defining Play
It was 3rd down and 2 for OSU inside the red zone and JT used two tight ends, no wide receivers and two fullbacks. Clearly OSU was set to run as they also had Beanie Wells in the game. Naturally, OSU runs a play action pass and finds Jake Ballard for a touchdown. This team just flat out does what it wants in 2007. It's a beautiful thing. Assuming our defense doesn't quit this one is very much in the bag. I truly cannot believe how much I take Ohio State football for granted. They are the only sports team that always has a chance at winning the title. Every single season with this excellent recruiting and James Patrick Tressel is special.
LIFE IS GREAT DO NOT FORGET IT!
What a drive
This offense does not play outside of it self. Jim Tressel and the coaching staff at OSU know the strengths of this offense and they go exactly to them with smart play-calling. The offense has been executing and the defense has been stout...with 6:10 to go this is Buckeye football.
IF
The Buckeyes can grab 7 more points..theyll be in great shape, the defense is playing great football, especially in the secondary and give credit to Marcus Freeman, in 24 offensive plays for PSU in the first half he had 10 tackles and 2 for loss.
Thoughts from a strong first half....
Here are my initial thoughts after a very successful first half by the Ohio State Buckeyes who lead Penn State by a score of 17-7 in State College,PA.
Offense-
Todd Boeckman looks like a Walter Camp nominee- With the Buckeyes putting up 17 points on the scoreboard in 30 minutes of play, it is fair to say that Todd Boeckman has done an outstanding job of commanding the offense and leading the scarlet and gray down the field. He has thrown two touchdown passes and one interception.
O-Line- By far the best performance by the five quiet heroes up front all season. They have done a great job of pass and run blocking and have yet to allow a sack to the Nittany Lions defensive line.
Wide Receivers- The duel action of the Brian Brothers, Robiskie and Hartline, have had a tremendous performance with big touchdown grabs and big first down receptions. They have been able to find the seams and have hustled back on several occasions to help QB Todd Boeckman. As mentioned earlier, Ray Small has played like a giant.
Defense-
Front Four- After a rocky start, the defensive lineman have excelled at creating pressure and getting into the backfield. Vernon Gholston and Cameron Heyward have each recorded huge tackles for a loss and the running game had digressed as the game has progressed.
Linebackers- Marcus Freeman and Larry Grant have done a nice job of tackling in the middle of the field, as James Laurinaitis acts as the team's field leader moving players back and forth to create pressure.
Secondary- The cornerback and safety play has been superb. There were only a handful of times where a player has been overmatched by Penn State's receiving corps and none of those were for excessively large gains. The bumping on the line has slowed Butler and Wlliams's routes and the passing game has yet to hurt the Buckeyes after the first drive. In the second half I believe Ohio State will add an interception or two to their resume.
Special Teams-
K- Ryan Pretorious's 50-yard field goal to open up the scarlet and gray was far more significant than the three points on the scoreboard and he has continued to prove why he replaced Aaron Pettrey as the 2007 place-kicker. At 28 years old, the South African has made a name for himself in Columbus.
P- Nothing to report which says a lot about the Ohio State offense.
Returning- The returns have been fair thus far but more importantly, there has been no turnovers and that is the key. If Small or Wells get good blocking, a large return or two is expected in the second half.
Final Score Prediction- 33 to 17 Ohio State!!!
1st half thoughts
After a surprisingly offensive start for both teams, the game has settled down and the Buckeyes defense is beginning to settle in. They have adjusted very nicely, especially on their coverage against the the play-action pass. The offense, aside from 1 turnover, on what was a terribly thrown ball to a place Boeckman had no right to throw the ball into has played very well already eclipsing the amount of points and yards PSU allows per game. The Buckeyes on 3rd down has been the story, with smart passes to more or less wide open receivers and the play to Hartline for the score was a thing of beauty. Still a long way left to go in the game and the Lions will get the ball first in the second half, this thing could still go either way.
#4 Kurt Coleman
Often lost amongst the big names on the Buckeye defensive 11, Kurt Coleman has been nothing short of amazing this season. That tackle on 1 on 1 coverage on a big third down shows you how good he is. Great job by the defense picking Boeckman and the offense up...same thing goes for this drive, get some points.
The invisible man
Must be Dan Connor...of all the amazing passes Boeckman has thrown tonight, that one was absolutely awful. The intended receiver was double covered and Bockman gifted that pick.
Points now would be huge
The Bucks next drive could be huge, points on this drive could set the tone for the remainder of the game, if not...OSU would love to at least set up poor field position for PSU...that personal foul on Larry Grant wont help.
Offensive Line has been smashmouth....
The Buckeyes have moved the ball extremely well on their first three possessions and it is credit to the exceptional play of the offensive line. Boone, Rehring, Cordle, Person and Barton have held back the nation's leading sackaholics and have given the running and passing game time to exploit the Penn State secondary. Offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Bollman has done a fantastic job getting his team ready for the game and it shows with their 17 points in less than 25 minutes of play. If they continue to come out strong on the next few drives, the Nittany Lions defense will have increasing trouble stopping the talented receiving core of the scarlet and gray.
Ray Small plays big
After watching his 60-yd reception and his big third completion inside the Buckeyes 20 yard-line, it looks as though #4 is finally ready to live up to his "Teddy Ginn Jr." like potential. He has the speed, hands and tenacity to be a No.1 receiver and if he continues to separate himself from the secondary, he will average a touchdown a game for the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see how is return game progresses as he gains more experience.
Offense for OSU
Everything is working.
The run game looks fantastic. Mo Wells on draws and Beanie is continuing to run people over. Its been fantastic. Passing the ball, OSU's WRs have been wide open, very wide open and Todd Boeckman has had the time to find his receivers...that penalty was a godsent for OSU as they ran a BEAUTIFULLY run screen pass to the near side, and did what they had to do when they got that close. Finish the deal, and get 7.
Vernon Gholston
The man is a physical specimen, his off-season and between game work in the weight room is never unnoticed by the scarlet and gray faithful, he was held on the big play by Morelli but still chased him down and forced a fumble and also had a big sack...the man is a beast.
On the other hand, Boeckman and this OSU offense have been running concise and smart routes so far, mixing nicely with their deep balls.
1st Quarter Observations
1. Rough start for OSU defensively. PSU needs to execute quickly to negate the Bucks pass rush and they did so flawlessly on the first drive. OSU's ends got off the line very well but Morelli's quick decisions coupled with there depth at receiver is concerning. I believe that was the first TD scored in the first quarter on OSU this season which signals some concern. Perhaps OSU just hasn't seen this much talent at WR. We shall see
2. OSU's O-line is clearly dominating PSU's front. Great start for Alex Boone on Maurice Evans, who leads the conference in sacks. With time Boeckman was able to do what he does best: throw the deep ball. Ray burned his man and Beck threw it perfectly.
3. The high scoring can be attributed to me. I told the lovely lady next to me that the only thing I was confident about was betting the under. The spread is 39 and we already have 17 points with 3 + quarters left. Glad I'm to broke to bet
4. Key play of quarter: PSU's ball on 3rd and 12 at OSU 40. Vernon Gholston gets off the line immediately and sacks Morelli for a 7-yard loss. Vernon has been close already on a few occasions this evening and seems poised to have a huge night
Dominating O-Lines, Slugfest
Combined these teams allow 7 and 15 points respectively on defense and already, we have 17 points in just more than 10 minutes of play...Really credit the offensive lines on both teams, on the last drive, Boeckman had all day to throw the ball 60 yards to Ray Small, who was hid deep in the depth chart. Look out, this might be a long night that might look a lot like the 42-39 score we saw last year against Michigan.
OSU Defense Early
On their first drive of the game, Penn State drove 77 yards down the field and scored a 2-yd td to take a 7-3 lead. It does not bothers me about this early on is the fact that Ohio State seemed out of fuck the entire drive. They were late on tackles, missed open field coverage and did not do a good job of providing pressure. On drive two, look for Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell to switch up some formations to stop the Nittany Lions flow.
Way too easy
We have not seen a team dominate on one drive better than PSU did right there...big runs...amazing play-action, and dominating play upfront are the keys to the success of the Nits on that drive and they made it look effortless
Battle in the trenches...
Being won by ALOT by PSU early on with their O-Line absolutely dominating the Buckeye defensive line...this trend could ultimately be the dagger that kills the Bucks tonight.
Penn State Fans Underated
Wow. I never thought I would witness something greater then the Shoe. Hate for for saying it but there may be no more organized nor raucous environment in college football. The white out is unreal. The chants are in unison and deafening. Absolutely tremendous. The bucks still have the best damn band in the land and the greatest football stadium anywhere. Fans flock to cities near and far with a pride that is duplicated by few. Nevertheless, I am completely impressed with this fine fan base. It's to bad they don't have the team to match their amazing fan base. I still remain very confident in OSU's ability to win this contest. 23-14 OSU when it's all said and done. I'll check back in soon
Opening Drive
Big Play.
OSU got one over the middle to Robiske and he was WIDE open. Great job by the Bucks on the first drive showing they can move the ball from their own 20...Liked what I saw from the O-Line against a team in PSU that is #1 in the nation in sacks. That 3rd down play, where OSU had great protection was the difference from a potential TD and a wonderfully booted FG by Pretorious....Defense's time now
OSU vs. PSU
Dylan Horowirz
Keys to the game for Ohio State
Offense-
1. Establish the running attack with Chris Wells, who had 221 yards on 31 carries last week.
2. Take advantage of a slightly above average secondary, and look for Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline to take to the fly routes early and often.
3. Offensive line must stop an explosive front seven. Penn State has a DIA leading 35 sacks, led by DE Maurice Evans who has 10 1/2. The push and extra tine will be the reason OSU will win the football game this time around.
Defense-
1. Make tackles. With the explosive speed at RB and WR, any short can turn into a long one with one missed tackle,. This is especially important in the middle of the field.
2. Get to Anthony Morelli. With 3 INT last year in the 28-6L, two for touchdown, the Buckeyes have proven they can stop the passing attack.
3. Take the crowd out of the game with big stops and creating turnovers.
Opening Thoughts
Penn State defers the ball to the 2nd half so the Buckeyes will get the ball first...OSU has scored on 6 of their last 7 opening drives so we will learn a lot in the opening minutes as the Bucks take on the nation's #4 defense.
Welcome to State College
Unfortunately we will not be able to broadcast the game tonight but myself and Dylan Horowitz will be hopefully still entertaining the masses with this blog...we will be blogging throughout the game and would love for you to leave comments and questions on the posts and interact with us throughout this huge contest in the Big Ten....
The Fans, raucous, I used to listen to the Gameday crew say that the fans here were the best in the land and kinda shrug that off as untrue, but its true. The 'White Out' is phenomenal, but more than that, because everyone at OSU games wears some sort of red, is the way they tailgate, and downright disrespect the opponent not only with their level of noise but their insults. This place knows how to make a outsider feel uncomfortable and as a fan base that wants to win, thats exactly what you want them to do....This will be a test, we will know more tonight about our Ohio State Buckeyes than we have learned in eight games this season. PSU, the atmosphere and the fact that they have played our next three opponents will teach this team, the Buckeye fans, and the country a big lesson on whether or not we can have a clean slate throughout the end of the season, so join myself, Josh Ellis, and my fellow Ohiostatesports.net broadcasters Dylan Horowitz and Brian Rosen as we will blog this game for you...please leave some comments about the Blog or your feelings about the game, it will be greatly appreciated. The game kicks off at 8:12...Go Bucks.
