The Finger Pointing Continues

This year the Buckeyes seem unable to shake their bad play from last year’s National Championship Game and it does not seem like the end is in sight. With the switch in Quarterback, after the devastating loss to USC, Ohio State faces a whole new set of problems that a team with this many seniors may not be patient enough to deal with. With so many different things that seem to constantly go wrong for the Buckeyes it is hard to figure out who is to blame. After much deliberation and some luck I have formulated some sort of advice, if you want to call it that, for all you finger pointers…more fingers. The fact of the matter is that there is more than enough blame to go around.
Coaching
At times under this current staff it seems that the play calling just makes you shake your head and deservedly so. Jim Tressel is a great man and an outstanding coach but the fact of the matter is that it is too hard for him to handle his responsibilities as head coach and continue the play calling, just ask Charlie Weis. Don’t give me that crap that he is just a 1-AA coach and he can’t handle his current position. The trust between the coordinators and him are gone. The Buckeyes need some young fresh coordinators that can bring in a new philosophy and scheme. Don’t expect Tressel to pull a Tommy Tuberville and make and changes mid season. There are some rumors flying around Columbus that there will be some “retirements” at the conclusion of the season. I can’t wait. Maybe Marvin Lewis will be free at the end of the season.
Offense
Oh, where should I start? Well let’s start with the protection. The line looks un-athletic and slow. Kirk Herbstreit has been challenging Jim Tressel’s philosophy and has analyzed the difference between Ohio State’s offensive line and offensive lines from SEC and Big 12 schools. They recruit faster more athletic tight ends and turn them into offensive linemen. Ohio State recruits the big uglies and pushes them down the salad bar line. Don’t get me wrong Bryant Browning, Mike Brewster and Mike Adams look like the real deal but will they develop into athletes…we will see.
Chris Wells got injured, period. Then the spiral occurred effecting Todd Boeckman and the wide receivers. Todd did not have a consistent running game to lean on and he was given too much responsibility. He could not handle it against USC and Tressel made the switch before he lost the team for the season. On air I may be the most critical person on the play of WR’s Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline but you can not blame them for everything. Robiskie’s friendship with fellow senior Todd Boeckman has affected his play there is no doubt about it. Tressel was asked when they were going to open up the offense and let Terrelle Pryor throw the ball and he responded in saying that they have called lots of passing plays it just comes down to the quarterback actually deciding to throw the ball. The offense will stay shaky and have to ride the back of Wells. There is no magic pill the offense will struggle until Terrelle Pryor is ready to mature as a quarterback because we all know he is quite the athlete.
Defense
I have two problems with the defense. Ohio State has the best athletes in the Big 10 and the most depth no question. So, please, please stop calling these disguised zone blitzes because the risks far out weigh the rewards. I know College Football is developing and the play on the field is getting more complex and similar to the pro-style but that does not mean Michigan State’s athletes are better than ours. I say start coaching with a swagger and the team will start playing with one. There is one fact of Ohio State’s defense that sums up the last three years they do not have a play maker on the line and together they are unable to make any plays. The D-line is not elite and that puts entirely too much pressure on the blitz to succeed and the coverage to hold.

Its week 8 and the Buckeyes are not fooling anyone especially their fans. It is a long road for this team and plenty of blame to go around. Just don’t hold your breath and wait for this team to pull it all together…I would hate for you to pass out. You may run out of fingers when looking to lay blame and I would hate for you to use a certain choice finger when taking your anger out on the Buckeyes…Speaking of the middle finger just be happy your not a Michigan Fan.