Scheduling
What seems as though it is consistently the discussion with college football the same questions greeted Jim Tressel in his first Tuesday Press Conference: Scheduling. Tressel said that he loves to give in-state schools a chance to play a big time program like Ohio State. For many of these teams it will be the best competition they face all season and it is an opportunity of a lifetime for many of their players to get a chance to play in a legendary stadium like the shoe. Not to mention it is an opportunity for these schools to use this money to make improvements to their campus. Looking ahead Tressel said there are no more Bowl Championship Series (Division 1-AA) for the next four or five years. As far as I am concerned I have no problem with Tressel trying to give his old team a handout.
Doug Worthington: DUI
Worthington (DT) will be ready and is expected to play but he is definitely not supposed to start. Tressel says that the team is moving on and as far as his driving under the influence arrest; it is resolved from an institutional level.
The Backup Quarterback
So far this spring season Joe Bauserman has been able to hold off Terrelle Pryor as the backup. He has taken most of the snaps with the second team offense and Pryor has seen most of his practice snaps with the Third Team. Tressel has said that Pryor has seen some snaps with the second team but he has been really impressed with Bauserman’s throwing ability. He can not hold of Pryor forever and Tressel expects all three quarterbacks to see time in the First Quarter.
Tressel on YSU
He said it is a lot like the Bill Murray's film Groundhog Day when he watches film from the place where he spent 15 years as the head coach. YSU likes to stack up in the box and dare you to run the football. They try and force teams to throw the football to beat them. With a running game and an offensive line like the buckeyes have they should have no problem doing either. Chris “Beanie” Wells struggled last year against YSU and Tressel attributed that to too much anxiety. “He wanted to score on each play, now he is more patient and is visualizing his blocks.” Offensively YSU is unveiling its new spread offense; the only problem is that Ohio State does not know what the spread will be featuring. This has been the major storey line in college football, it seems as though it has spread throughout college football like wild fire. Ohio State is successful against the spread when it can pressure the quarterback. They should have no problem with that this weekend.
Guys Jumping to the NFL
Tressel was asked about how they have many guys on the roster this year that very likely could have left early last season. He responded by saying that the coaching staff is very conscious of this and that it is a reminder to the staff that they (the players) have risked a lot (NFL salary) and they (the coaches) have to do their best.
Special Teams
Last season the Buckeyes struggled on special teams and at times were susceptible to big returns against them. Tressel said that it was a major emphasis during spring practice. Returning punts for the Buckeyes will again be Ray Small, Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie will get some time back there this year as the 3rd stringer.
Running Backs
Daniel “Boom” Herron has been the #2 running back for most of the spring and is listed that way for the start of the season. Boom Herron has taken advantage of some injuries to Brandon Saine and Mo Williams.
Quarterbacks
Todd Boeckman is entering his second season as the full time starter for the Buckeyes and this off-season Tressel and the coaching staff has stressed consistency. His leadership off the field in the locker room has led to his run away selection as captain.
Final Thoughts
Tressel stressed managing expectations and says that he feels comfortable that this will not be a problem for this team because of its maturity level. “YSU brought it to the guys last year and the Michigan loss last season is in their minds”
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