If there was any question left about Wells being one of the most important players on the Buckeye's offensive unit, they've been answered now. Chris Wells is an exceptional athlete, even at less than 100% he managed 221 total yards. This included a huge run on the first drive of the game to contribute to a seven game, first drive scoring streak.
Boeckman was perfect in his first 10 passes, and despite his one interception he looked extremely good. Finishing the game 15/23 attempts, 193 yards, and 2 TD passes -- he surpassed my expectations. The question is, will he learn from the mistakes of this weekend?
I was in shock...
With a comfortable 24 point lead, I had the gull to leave the television, and walk a couple blocks up town with a good friend to enjoy gameday festivities in the 'Bus -- after all it was a beautiful day. The next time we happened to catch the game Michigan State had generated 14 mysterious points. Needless to say I had a new-found interest in watching the rest of it.
Call it looking ahead, complacent confidence, or just a huge offensive melt down -- whatever you want to call it, it wasn't good. We even got a glimmer of last-year Beanie, almost giving up a huge third turnover late when he fumbled after a big hit from a Michigan State defender. Luckily Michigan State got greedy and tried to pick this one up as well, and they fumbled the ball around before Beanie was miraculously able to come up with a crucial recovery.
I finally took a breath...
When the "D" held Michigan State to just a field goal, I decided a little bit of oxygen was in order. Even better, MSU decided to kick it away with 3:42 left in the fourth rather than go for the onside.
From there Chris Wells carried the Buckeyes on a game ending drive, rushing 7 times in a row and picking up three Buckeye first downs. This is where Wells really proved to me that he's going to be there for the Buckeyes when it's absolutely crucial. His presence on the offense is vital for their success, and nothing has shown it more than his determination, strength, and leadership on that final drive.
Here's the good...
- The turnovers committed by the offense on Saturday, I am happy to say, are relatively uncharacteristic for this Buckeye team. Michigan State came up with two nice turnovers and made them count, returning both for six points. If they don't return those for six, I have no reason to believe the D wouldn't have taken care of business -- limiting them to at most three points each time.
- Chris Wells' performance, despite his fumble, was the best I've seen him. As mentioned, that last drive depended on Wells to put this game away, and he did just that.
- The butterflies are out. I think the Buckeyes can go into next week with at a bit stronger offensive unit. Really, they showed that the offense is sufficient enough, given the Buckeye strength on "D". More than ever now, we're aware of our inadequacy on offense, so this week of they focus on playing four quarters, rather than two.
The not so good...
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