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!
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