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.
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