It is hard to determine exactly was is going on in the head of a quarterback, especially a 19-year-old college quarterback. But it is easier to see what the coaching staff is thinking.
Pryor started nine games for the Buckeyes in 2008. In those games he only threw the ball more than 20 times once. He was 16 of 25 in a 13-6 home loss to Penn State.
In 2009, through seven games, he has thrown the ball more than 20 times in all but two games. His latest effort a "17 for 31" in a 26-18 road loss to then hapless (1-5) Purdue Boilermakers.
It is a natural progression for a quarterback to receive more responsibility each year he is on campus. But Pryor has shown that he is not yet ready to shoulder the load.
His completion percentage is down from 60% in 2008 to 56% in 2009 and his eight interceptions already double his output from last season.
Although his stats are down and he is leading an offense that had has looked inept, zero passing yards in the first half against Illinois and just 184 total offensive yards against a Wisconsin Badger team that gives up an average of 363 yards per game, don't expect #14 Joe Bauserman to be under center this season.
At this point the Buckeyes are pot committed. Ohio State went all-in blind expecting Pryor to be a full house unfortunately they are looking at a seven-two off-suit.
"Since the beginning of the season we have built our offense around Terrelle being our guy, we have all signed on," Junior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said. "As a team you have to all buy into a certain concept, you all have to buy into the program to make it work."
They can't bench him now... So quiet down!
Sorry Buckeye fans but there is no magic remedy to this situation. No secret weapon on the bench. This season the offensive success and failures will fall directly on the shoulders of an over confident, under preforming 19-year old kid.
Maybe the coaching staff has asked to much of him. Maybe the fans were too consumed by his recruiting rank. Maybe he will never live up to the expectations that we all have for him.
I hope he does because there is still time left in the season for the Buckeyes to buy back in. They control their own destiny in the Big Ten.
Let's all hope this time Pryor comes up aces.
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