Hunter Martin/Getty Images
Now this picture of Pryor deserves a t-shirt! (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Drew Thurman (11:09 am)
Halfway through the third quarter, as the Buckeyes narrowly held onto a 10-7 lead, I had a bad feeling this was going to turn out like the last three big games the Buckeyes have battled in. It looked like Tressel was again going to place all the pressure on his defense, and I was starting to have flashbacks of the late game scores from Penn State, Texas, and USC.
Halfway through the third quarter, as the Buckeyes narrowly held onto a 10-7 lead, I had a bad feeling this was going to turn out like the last three big games the Buckeyes have battled in. It looked like Tressel was again going to place all the pressure on his defense, and I was starting to have flashbacks of the late game scores from Penn State, Texas, and USC.
Then Tressel, who had called a very solid first half, opened things up in a way I haven't seen since No. 10 was taking reps under center. A 62 yard bomb to Posey and a 47 yard drive capped off by a Saine touchdown reception later, the Buckeyes proved to be much more of a contender than anyone (including Buckeye fans) thought they could be in 2009. Here is what stuck out...
Pryor is growing up before our eyes. A few weeks ago everyone had written Pryor and the Buckeyes off after the Purdue loss, and many wondered if Pryor was ever going to play to his potential. It was a dark time not only for fans, but for Pryor as well.
Pryor is growing up before our eyes. A few weeks ago everyone had written Pryor and the Buckeyes off after the Purdue loss, and many wondered if Pryor was ever going to play to his potential. It was a dark time not only for fans, but for Pryor as well.
That loss seemed to have helped Pryor finally put the pieces together though, and he has responded well ever since. Especially yesterday on a huge national stage, and in his home state in front of 110,000 angry "country folk."
Pryor's stats were solid (8-17 125 yards, 2 TD; 50 yards rushing, 1 TD), but they were not mind blowing. But what was so impressive was how calm Pryor played all afternoon. He played his smartest game yet, and didn't force anything.
A few weeks ago I would have never thought this performance was possible, but give credit to the staff and Pryor himself for never allowing the criticism to win over.
Oh and by the way, try to name someone that deserves Offensive MVP of the Big Ten more than Pryor. Clark doesn't after his performance yesterday, Eric Decker is hurt, so that leaves...Pryor? Craziness! Pryor looked like the biggest disappointment of the league a few weeks back, but I think last night pushed him back to being the premiere player in the league. Weird year in the Big Ten all around, and this just solidifies it!
Oh and by the way, try to name someone that deserves Offensive MVP of the Big Ten more than Pryor. Clark doesn't after his performance yesterday, Eric Decker is hurt, so that leaves...Pryor? Craziness! Pryor looked like the biggest disappointment of the league a few weeks back, but I think last night pushed him back to being the premiere player in the league. Weird year in the Big Ten all around, and this just solidifies it!
The play calling allowed the offense to succeed. I am not going to act like the staff is suddenly a bunch of offensive gurus after putting up 353 yards and 24 points on Penn State, but they deserve some credit. They came out early and called plays that allowed Pryor to get confidence, and didn't put him in situations that would cause him to force things.
I loved the screen passes and the fact that they ran the backs outside the tackles, both of which kept the Nittany Lion defense on its heals. What I really appreciated though, was the play calling in the second half.
Tressel and staff have been notorious for super conservative calls in the second half of big games, but they instead actually built on the success of the first half. They picked moments to open things up, they got Pryor out of the pocket to throw the ball, they had Pryor throwing to running backs and fullbacks, and they even threw in some of the "Wildcat" formation. Some solid play calling, and I really hope the staff builds on what they did in this game!
I would not trade the Buckeye defense for anyone. I know there are some great defenses in the SEC, like Florida or Alabama, but there is no way I want to trade guys like Gibson and Heyward. The Buckeyes have the best defensive line in the country.
I would not trade the Buckeye defense for anyone. I know there are some great defenses in the SEC, like Florida or Alabama, but there is no way I want to trade guys like Gibson and Heyward. The Buckeyes have the best defensive line in the country.
Sorry "Mount" Cody, I still want the guys in Scarlet and Gray! When healthy the Silver Bullet defense flat dominates, as they have now proven in the biggest games of the season against USC and Penn State.
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