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.