Tuesday's With Tressel: Minnesota

With the Buckeyes just one week removed from another big time blowout, at the hands of USC, they faced a tough group of Trojans once again; the Trojans of Troy University. They brought speed, athleticism and the old Florida State motto of: “Anytime, Anywhere” into the Horseshoe. The Buckeyes countered Troy’s athleticism with an injection of youth. Terrelle Pryor made his first collegiate start at signal caller for Ohio State throwing four touchdown passes. Coach Tressel has been searching for answers from this senior laden group and so far this season there have been many questions left unanswered. These new Buckeyes were a catalyst to a team that again looked Sluggish. Seniors sat out plays, did not start and saw their playing time cut into by these highly motivated youngsters. This could be the energy that the Buckeyes need to help carry them through the Big Ten Schedule.
This week Ohio State opens their Big 10 schedule at home against an up and coming program Minnesota. Tressel is very impressed with their offense and for good reason. Adam Webber the Golden Gophers leader took every snap last year as a freshman, returns this year at Quarterback and has passed for 967 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception. Weber has developed into a consistent threat and has found his go to guy in Erin Decker. “Decker is a great player and is always open,” said Tressel of the Big Ten leader in receptions. Ohio State’s defense will have to play well against a tough offense that has been clicking on all cylinders. One thing that could help is the status of Beanie Wells, who Tressel listed as probable for the game this Saturday. Boom Herron who has stepped in and done well in Beanie’s absence will remain the number two guys if Wells plays. For you Brandon Saine fans, Tressel said that he just has not seen enough progressing from him and his limited action will most likely continue.
Award Winners for Troy:
Defensive back Kurt Coleman, who recorded a pair of interceptions, was the Buckeyes’ defensive player of the week; quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who threw four touchdowns, was the offensive player of the week. Punter A.J. Trapasso was the player of the week on the special units, putting three punts inside the 10.
Scout team champions were: Offense: Ricky Crawford; Defense: Tom Ingham; Special Units: Ben Kacsandi. The “Attack Force” award went to linebacker James Laurinaitis. The Jim Parker offensive lineman of the week was Jim Cordle. The Jack Tatum big hit went to Etienne Sabino.

Final: #13 OSU 3 vs. #1 USC 35

There are so many thoughts that come to my head just thinking about this loss that it has been hard to put any of them together. We just stunk. The game plan was not good enough, it was not executed well enough, and the players came out flat and got punched in the mouth. USC had two weeks to prepare for this game and it showed. They played sharp, they were fast and they wanted to win more than the Buckeyes. It was just plain embarrassing to loose, in blow out fashion, on the biggest stage…once again. It is plain to see that Ohio State is not an elite program. This weekend has been one that has finally opened my eyes to what we have here at Ohio State. We have a football program with a great leader in Jim Tressel, a University that is raising academic standards and a President (Gordon Gee) that is changing expectations of what this university is all about. To this institution and coaching staff winning is not everything. Ray Small may have been wrong to say it but what he implied about OSU was right. He said at USC it is all about football and at Ohio State it is more of a class thing. Before you get your panties in a bunch Bill Plaschke he may be right in one way. Here at OSU its not just about football but that is not what fans here are looking for. Every beer drinking (implied) Buckeye fan wants a beat down of Michigan and a National Championship at any cost but that’s not what Jim Tressel and this school are about now. He has instilled his Christian morals and genuine love for his players into this program and you can not dispute that he has balanced these principles with a winning team on the field. Each year this team is good enough to loose less than three games but that just is not enough. Ohio State is a Football School; fans bleed Scarlet and Gray, when they close their eyes they see Ken Dorsey staring at three Buckeye defenders on fourth down. We expect Championships and nothing less. Maybe at any other time or on any other team this loss would not be such a big deal. This team carries so much experience and, with those last two trips to the National Championship, lofty expectations. For this team another Big 10 Championship and a win against Michigan is not good enough. Buckeye fans don’t care what the national media thinks of their team but they understand expectations and this year’s mantra of "National Championship or Bust" was fair. It will be a fresh start for Ohio State when these very talented seniors move on to their Pro-careers. When they graduate, if they have instilled their heart, determination and dedication to Ohio State into the remaining players that will one day be leading this team, the program will be better for it. Let’s just hope they take that dear in the headlights look with them. Ohio State still has much to play for and like the 2005 team if they come together all may be forgotten. The season has just begun and by the end of the season this team could once again be looking at a BCS Bowl berth lets just hope they play for the love of the game and not for anyone else’s expectations…but their own.

Tuesday’s with Tressel: USC

Opening Thoughts
Coach Jim Tressel addressed the media today and spoke of what a tremendous opportunity this upcoming game against USC would be for the players. He commented on the added pressure put on the coaches and players when going into a prime time match up against the number one team in college football. “The tension is raised this week; the coaches and I stopped to think about what a tremendous opportunity this would be, that lasted about two seconds and then we got back to work.” He said that he is even excited about the opportunity to have the chance to coach a game inside the Coliseum. USC will be entering into the September 13th showdown on a bye week and have quite the advantage of studying game film on the Buckeyes for the last two weeks. A few bright spots would be that Ohio State did not show much offensively in their win against Ohio and that they did watch a few weeks of game film on the Trojans last year as they were preparing for a meeting in the Rose Bowl. That was before so many teams collapsed in front of them the final few weeks of the season. One of the main differences between this year and last is the mobility and talent that they have at the quarterback position. John David Booty was no slouch but Mark Sanchez looks as though he is a cut above. One of his many outstanding talents is his mobility and his accuracy outside of the pocket. On Sanchez’s recruitment to Ohio State Tressel said, “I tried like hell to get him.” As Jim Tressel always does he spoke very highly of the Buckeyes opponent this week but laid down a thicker than usual layer of praise on the Trojans. He has been impressed with their speed, aggressiveness and ability to always be on the same page during all phases of the game.
Scheduling
Tress even talked about how when they sit down to make the schedules they like to find home and home series that give outstanding opportunities to the players and the fans to experience something very special. “It is something that creates excitement” said Coach Tressel. That is something that the Buckeyes have been consistent about in past years facing big time opponents like USC, Texas and in the next few years Miami (Fl).
Road Games
Coach Tressel did not seem that concerned about this team traveling considering so many returning seniors and the experience gained from the past two National Championships. He did mention that he expects to keep up his rotation to keep players fresh and ready to go. That means some significant playing time out of some of the younger players and Tressel has put emphasis on making sure some of the freshman on the team will be ready. “They have never traveled before and they have to understand that everything has to be perfect.” USC has a big advantage playing at home, said coach Tressel, “Otherwise teams would not have the home records that we
Last Week (Ohio)
When asked about how it is going over the game film from a disappointing game “Every experience you have you can improve and built on, when you have to play your best it is easy to build upon good play.” When I watched the game I would attribute the play level of Ohio State to the buckeyes just simply looking past the Bobcats. Let’s just hope that that extra peeking into next week equals more touchdowns next week.
Outside Opinions
The Buckeyes have faced a lot of adversity over the past two seasons and rightly so. They have not deserved anything less than what they have received especially after their performances in the last two National Championship games. Tressel said, “What people think is not that important to us, what is more important is what the players and coaches think.” He also mentioned that this team is very confident even after last week’s performance. “Confidence becomes collective but it is individual.” “(This Team) is pretty darn good and capable of most anything. I have a lot of confidence in our guys.”
Beanie Being Effective
The effectiveness of Chris Wells is a huge question going into Saturday. When Coach Tressel saw him in the Woody Hayes Wells said, “Hey coach I am ready to carry the ball 45 times.” Tressel said that he likes his enthusiasm but he has to be realistic. He also commented that he will not carry the ball 45 times if he is not effective.
Terrell Pryor
Tressel said that he likes to get Terrell into the game and script him for success but he is a guy that brings a lot to the table and he has proven his knowledge and understanding of their play book.
Big 10 Statement
“Every time you have a chance to make a statement for others but if you don’t do your best you are disappointed” Tressel was trying to say that any time you go out there and line up against a big time opponent it is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you can do it. But you have to play your best no matter what other wise you are going to be disappointed. If the Bucks play their best and still go down at least they will show that they deserve to be on the same field.
The State of the Offense
O-line looked slow and were unable to open any running holes in the first half. The second half they came in and looked great. They were able to open up running lanes and the guy that benefited the most was Dan Herron. “Herron showed electricity, excitement and enthusiasm.” All alliteration aside Boom better be ready to run if Beanie is not 100 percent. Robiskie and Hartline did not look very sharp last week and they struggled finding seems and catching the balls thrown their way. Tressel said, “The offense just was not very patient and a lot of that has to do with the quarterback because the protection was there.” This week Boeckman better find the right combination of patience and quickness because the USC defense does not slow down for anyone.

Pete Carroll Conference Interrupted

Today was not the first day I have ever been let down or shocked by the media and I am sure it will not be the last. Today, my colleague and I, Brian Rosen, thought that calling into the Pete Carroll teleconference would be a exciting opportunity for us to get in some questions to the coach and record some clips for our upcoming broadcast of #5 Ohio State and #1 USC. I was understandably nervous due to the fact that this was my first teleconference and it was going to be with the coach of the number one team in the nation. We both called in, logged on and all was running smoothly and appropriately. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was excited at the possibility of asking my own question. I typed it out in an effort to sound some what intelligent and to ensure that I would not stumble over my words or loose my train of thought. Unfortunately I did not get to ask my question because of a very peculiar event. A man by the name of Steve Marsh from “College Blog” harassed Coach Carroll with extremely inappropriate questions. It was shocked and disappointing when the Coach was repeatedly interrupted and forced to leave the teleconference due to this person’s immature and inappropriate prank. It would have been an unbelievable chance for me to gain some new insights and perspectives on the game this weekend.

Two things struck me as very serious and disappointing. The Ohio State Athletic Department, who is very friendly and open with the press, sends out emails to alert us to every possibility to interview coaches and players. This “Steve Marsh” used this information passed on to the press to entertain his sick prank. Now I am not sure if he was given this information from the Athletic Department and he used it inappropriately or it was passed on to him negligently. Either way it is an example of a complete lack of professionalism by the responsible parties. Number two. Coach Carroll left in a hurry and, understandably so, left the media with a parting thought. “Dude, I am off this one. Thanks a lot Ohio State that was a great job.” The fact of the matter is that it was a nationally covered teleconference and to attempt to assign blame to a specific group is impossible. I can understand Coach Carroll’s frustrations but his parting comment of automatically blaming Ohio State for this unfortunate event was inappropriate and very disappointing. I do not blame him for his actions but next time he should be very careful of what he implies. Take it how you will but I felt as though this was left as a sarcastic insult directed specifically at Ohio State and it is something that may turn up to be very interesting this week….or maybe not.

Ohio State vs. USC: Chris Wells Update

Barring any serious soreness or re-injuring of the foot Beanie Wells will be ready to play against USC. At this time he has not been specifically cleared by the Ohio State Medical Staff. Key to his continued recovery is his training later today and Wednesday. If he makes it through practice and is officially cleared to play it will be good news for the Buckeyes who struggled against Ohio University. When asked about his progress Tressel said, “He ran really well yesterday…the medical staff has him on the bike tiring him out. He has also been running on the underwater treadmill. They are going to have him doing a lot of football things with no one around him, and then tomorrow put him in the fray." I have my fingers crossed.

End of Line Means Differing Perspective

Kickoff at Youngstown State seemed fairly normal. The game continued with appreciation but nothing added. Sometime after that a realization came to mind: I'm a senior. Last shot (trying to fail a class in the school of communication takes work) before the real world and hopefully a great gig. Or any gig. Will it top this one? Absolutely impossible. No problem though except now it's officially USC week.

Broadcasting three consecutive national championship losses and hearing both chants of Gator/Tiger bait hurt. Naturally my jaw dropped when In and Out Burger coupled with Urban Meyer's defense stymied Heisman Troy. I yearned for the Rose Bowl after another great start faded with three second quarter LSU scores, in effect sinking the Bucks hopes. However…

Let's be real, I went to Arizona (twice including Notre Dame win), New Orleans and Atlanta (for the final four), I had nothing to complain about. The experiences created lasting memories and lessons from some of the countries top reporters. This great game of college was continuing and the losses just didn't burn as badly. Heck a trip to the Big Easy the first week after turning 21? That was the story of some hurricanes. Not a Gustav or a Marve but a drink that's size and strength makes Bourbon Street seem a wee bit hazy.

Now however the past is the past and one last chance to cover a national champion remains. After a lifelong love affair with scarlet Saturday's that rarely turned gray this season signifies my last chance to actually win that big one. I can't help but consider that Saturday night will be different. Victory means a party in the Cali sunshine and a renewed national respect for the Midwest’s top pigskin program. Defeat means reflection. Something I don't want to comprehend. Something we all don't wish to go through again.

Time to listen to LAX, by hip hop extraordinaire, The Game. That's all I want to do, the recently released CD combines outstanding beats, silky smooth lyrics and a constant reminder that I'm headed to LA. Nearly every song focuses on the city of angels (and of course metaphors showing love to NBA stars like Lebron and Dwight Howard). Without an angel (preferably not Christopher Lloyd) my college game may be up like 50 Cent's reign anywhere near the top (50 will prove yet again how pathetic he is by failing to respond to The Game's well timed bashes).

Three title losses and a Trojan triumph means worlds of talent won't yield a national title for the class of 2009. I believe wholeheartedly we can win this football game and we must. I have no interest in finally bearing the true sting I’ve basically avoided with incredible trips the last two falls plus one winter. Even with the win the LA Coliseum may provide a Trojan treat in the form of an SEC team to spoil a third BCS contest. Bring on that damn horse cause this land native's not ready to see the dream die in La La.

Chris Wells out against Ohio

Columbus, Ohio – Coach Tressel spoke to the media this afternoon and announced that Chris Wells, who has not be able to practice this week, will be sitting out against Ohio. This does not come as much of a surprise. There is no reason for Tressel and the Buckeyes to try and rush Wells back into the starting line up. Let us all just hope that this is not all smoke and mirrors directed towards USC. We can only pray that the foot injury is not more serious than they are letting on. When asked if Wells would have to sit out come September 13th Tressel replied, “No, not at all. Not at all. But that's easy to say today." This injury could be a blessing in disguise for the Buckeyes allowing them to give some of the other guys a chance. Maurice Wells, Brandon Saine, and Boom Herron are all formidable replacements. Though they are not Heisman caliber in any way it will give them a tune up in the starting role incase they have to play a significant part against USC. It may even give Tressel some room to get creative with freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor. We will just have to wait and see but keep your fingers crossed Buckeye Fan.

Rosen's Randoms: USC Thoughts

One game down and another on the horizon means one thing for Buckeye fans, (hopefully this one them continues) get hyped for So Cal! Now I'll admit travelling there for the biggest non conference road game of my broadcasting career adds to the excitement but all scarlet and gray fanatics should be ready. What an opportunity for this talented edition of the Jim Tressel show! After two disappointing and telling title game losses this bunch can erase the pain by pulling an upset in a hostile road environment (ahem Texas of 2005). Will we pull the "upset" or suffer yet another heartbreak? My true prediction comes from Cali at the conclusion of our pregame show but here are a few thoughts on this meeting of titans.

1. All Eyes on T: Sorry Pac, dead or alive your adopted hometown will belong to somebody else after this contest. I certainly hope Terrelle Pryor is a serious candidate to make an imprint on this game. We saw against YSU how special a runner he can be in the open field but without Beanie we need the total package. Get this kid under center and allow him to make plays with his arm and feet. Coach Tressel claimed during camp that the freshman is more then a runner but he needs to show it by allowing the O's # 2 to air it out in the sunshine. 10-15 snaps with a minimum of one deep ball and multiple designed runs would be lovely but you never know with the conservatism of Tressel. Regardless I want to believe that he has learned from his mistakes and remembers both the Texas and Florida games. Though Troy bears the brunt of the responsibility for knowingly taking cash from a booster, he should have been given more if not all the snaps on that evening at the shoe. Against Florida the Gators passed with Leak and ran with Tebow, both of which went down our throats. Point being that the All-Everything top recruit of last year must receive ample opportunities to make plays against a vicious defense that may define Boeckman.

2. No T's for 17: Speaking of Todd the second year starter must make smart decisions especially with the deep ball against the Trojans. He proved last year to have the deep ball down very nicely but at times on Saturday and both at Michigan and versus LSU, he was more than willing to just throw it up. Look, I no that you need to make plays to be a factor but tossing one away or even taking a sack won't destroy the Bucks chances in the way turnovers will. I fully believe in the Buckeyes offensive playmakers, depth and defense so the QB should play relaxed and not force balls down the field.

3. PT for Beanie?: Alright this subject will get addressed on every sports talk show both in Columbus and nationally until the game. Will it become annoying? Perhaps a bit to late on the annoyance front but a top Heisman candidate going down will have that effect. My feeling on Wells is that if he does not play then he should not play. Flat out he's too tough and driven to sit this one out unless his foot really will make carrying the ball dreadful. If I had to guess as of now I'd say you'll see him in there but don't quote me on it. Again Pryor really becomes a key here but have faith in these other backs. Saine should get more looks as his ankles much better, Boom Herron showed flashes of brilliance in one game and had a season to learn from Beanie and Mo Wells is a senior. A senior who had a lot of hype. A senior who hasn't and won't accomplish anywhwere near what was expected of him. But he's a senior and never underestimate the power of those getting one last shot. Why am I typing faster then the D's # 2 can run in the early morning on a Wednesday night when I have to get up at 9? Classes may not have started but I'm a senior and I'm fired up! Mo has character, heart and has been a class act in the capital city of the OH-IO state, so let's see if he can earn some Buckeyes in the city of angels.

4. Jay Mariotti is just one guy. Many are like him out there. He thinks were going to get smashed. He hates us. He's sick of us. I love attending Ohio State and being Darth Vader to so many. Apologies to the fictional Luke Skywalker for insinuating that you parallel the unfortunately real Mariotti. That’s all I got, be sure to tune in for the OU game beginning at 10:30. Should be a great final tune-up with more Big Ten and SC talk throughout the broadcast online @ ohiostatesports.net. Enjoy scarlet and gray the student way and until next time, GO BUCKS!

Breaking News: Chris Wells Injury Update

Columbus, OH – Jim Tressel spoke today during his weekly Tuesday Press Conference and the word out of Columbus is that Beanie Wells is listed as “doubtful” for the Ohio game. When asked if Beanie would be back for the Southern California game Tressel assured Ohio State Fans that they can finally relax. Wells has been undergoing treatment and when he spoke to Jim Tressel he said he felt great. Tressel said that Beanie has a great passion for the game and he always wants to get out there and fight through injuries but Tressel said that they are going to be smart about it. As of now the injury remains nameless. Tressel said it is a foot injury and he does not know anything else besides that. He joked that he remembered a time when it was just a shoulder injury and now it is classified as a “Brachio Plexus.” There is no rush to push him back into the lineup against Ohio to get him in a good rhythm in preparation for USC. If he is ready and cleared by the medical staff we may even see him in action this weekend.

Final: #2 OSU 43 YSU 0

Ohio State Dominates YSU; Beanie Wells injures ankle
Columbus, OH – To kick off the 2008 college football season Ohio State’s first half of play could not have gone any better. They came out strong and sharp avoiding missed tackles and stupid penalties, things that characteristically plague teams early in the season. The Terrelle Pryor era even began on a high note when the highly touted freshman came in and even felt comfortable enough to audible on his first play from scrimmage. We saw flashes of the future in Lamaar “Flash” Thomas, DeVier Posey, and Boom Herron all getting playing time. The O-Line looked great opening up holes left and right for Beanie Wells and Boeckman showed he is ready to step in and lead this team to the National Championship game. The Defense looked stout and it was good to see both Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson record their first sacks of the season. It seemed as though nothing could go wrong, the Buckeyes had a 26-0 lead, they were inside the 10 yard line and Beanie was in the game for what would most likely be his last carry of the game. Unfortunately for the fans it was, as all 110,000 fans seemed to release a collective sigh, it was the sound of the wind being taken right out of the National Championship sails. Wells fumbled the handoff, collapsed to the field as his legs buckled right underneath him and screamed in pain. It seemed to be happening in slow motion as he immediately waved for the coaches. Could all of the Buckeye’s hopes and dreams of a third straight National Championship be crushed already in week one? Dreams of redemption and proving to the world that we deserve all the hype were rolled right over as Beanie was carted from the field. But some confidence was restored as we saw Pryor score his first touchdown as a Buckeye with an 18 yard run down the sideline where he showed his great athletic ability carrying defenders on his back as he stretched for the goal line. The Ohio State defense continued its dominance shutting out the Penguin offense and forcing them to punt 9 times. Then the student section of the south stands erupted as Beanie limped out of the locker room. Save your Willis Reed comparisons for another day but he did show signs that not all was lost. Initial reports are good as X-rays were negative but for now Buckeye fans hold their breath and pray hoping that come September 13th a familiar number 28 will be crouched in the backfield making his case for the Heisman Trophy.