Wisconsin-Ohio State Recap: Jim Tressel Ball Style in Buckeyes Win

Drew Thurman (8:37 pm)

The 184 yards the Buckeyes managed to put up against the Badgers weren't exactly what anyone expected, but I am sure everyone will take the 31-13 victory at the end of the day.

In Virginia Tech (and Jim Tressel ball) fashion, the Buckeyes scored twice on defense and once on special teams. Let's be honest, Tressel was probably secretly smiling.

Despite the score, it was a very frustrating and baffling game, so let's take a look at what stood out.

Fresh-Looking Defense

The Buckeye defense once again looked very impressive, making huge plays and holding the potent Badger rushing attack to 2.7 yards per rush. Even more impressive was that Wisconsin had only given up two sacks all year but gave up six on Saturday.

Late in the first half, as Wisconsin put some drives together, I started to get worried about how much the defense was on the field. My worries ended up being correct, as the Badgers more than doubled the time of possession (42:47 to 17:13). The defense never looked tired though, even against a huge offensive line and John Clay.

I heard a lot of people complaining that the Buckeyes got tired late in games and that Eric Lichter's strength program was not getting it done (after Texas and USC), but that was not the case against Wisconsin. They never showed signs of fatigue, which blew me away!

The Buckeyes proved once again that they are the best defense in the Big Ten and one of the best in the country. They sure are fun to watch!

Big Returns

The whole game could honestly be summed up with three highlights: Kurt Coleman's 89-yard pick six, Jermale Hines' 32-yard pick six, and Ray Small's 96-yard kick return.

I have to say that the Hines play was the most impressive of three in my opinion. His one-handed tip to himself, combined with the power to push into the end zone, may have been my highlight of the afternoon (even though Small's return was sweet).

I remember just a couple of seasons ago how much the Buckeyes struggled capitalizing on opportunities, and it is encouraging to see the defense and special teams coming up with those plays and taking them to the limit. Now if the offense gets in check, the Buckeyes can have a triple threat!

The Big Four

I said something about the defensive collectively, but I have to talk about four guys who performed well individually. The "big four" against Wisconsin were Ross Homan (15 tackles, two TFL), Kurt Coleman (14 tackles, one INT, one TD), Brian Rolle (14 tackles), and Jermale Hines (11 tackles, one INT, one TD).

These guys were all over the place and had their names called all afternoon. If I had helmet stickers like they do on College Football Final, all four guys would be getting them. You better believe you will see a lot more Buckeyes on their helmets!

High School Play Calling

The offensive play calling was absolutely awful. Had I not seen the scarlet and gray uniforms, I would have thought I was watching a high school offense. I don't understand how Tressel can open the playbook against lesser opponents (like Toledo and Indiana) and then come out so conservative in bigger games.

The only time when the play calling was not miserable was when the Buckeyes were forced to open things up at the end of the first half. It was amazing to watch the transformation of Terrelle Pryor during the two-minute offense. When Tressel finally called plays that utilized his athleticism and stretched the field, Pryor looked confident.

Don't get me wrong; I think Pryor has tons of work to do, but Tressel needs to start calling plays that get him comfortable early. He didn't do anything today—I mean nothing! We will lose a couple more with that kind of play calling!

Pryor's Thinking Too Much

It is official: Pryor is having the dreaded sophomore slump. Today solidified for me that he is thinking too much. Last year with a simpler game plan, he was able to just use his athleticism and make plays. This year you can see him thinking rather than reacting, and it is making all the difference.

I noticed several times that he shuffled his feet, with his arm forward ready to release the ball. Yet he would not throw it. You can see the wheels turning and the fact that he is scared to make mistakes. Yes, he needs work on mechanics, but he needs some play calling that helps him just be athletic.

First, Tressel needs to quit worrying about getting him hurt and let him run the ball with power. Second, he needs to dial up some quick-hitting passes that require no evaluating (especially early on) so that Pryor can get some confidence again. It's not good to see him hang his head!

Other Quick Notes

* I am sick of the boo birds. Fans need to quit booing when college kids are on the field; they aren't getting paid like the pros. I know many were booing the play calling, but do the players know that? I doubt it.

* Glenville had a good showing: Small's return, Hines' big day, and Marcus Hall looking solid at right tackle. I am sure Mr. Ginn is a proud papa.

* I honestly think Boom Herron is going to struggle with his ankle for the rest of the season. I love Brandon Saine, but this year's team needs the stable.