Family Feud: Pryor or the Play Calling?

Family Feud is a feature where Dave and Drew throw their opinions in on various Buckeye football subjects, which many times are quite opposite. This edition takes a look at the hottest topic in Buckeye Nation: Who should we blame for the stagnant offense?

Drew: For all of you readers, I would first like to explain that this edition of "Family Feud" has been birthed out an argument we had during the Wisconsin game. I have been a little more critical of the play calling while my dad has been a little more critical of Pryor. So on that note, let's jump right in...

The major complaint that I had in yesterday's game, and one I will continue to have, is that the play calling does not enable success for Pryor. There are lots of average throwers out there who have success in college football because the offense is designed to get them in rhythm and build confidence. For instance yesterday, Tressel was super conservative and wanted to run up the middle on delayed handoffs.

Right away we told Pryor we did not trust him to throw the ball. Then when we did throw, it was timing routes that require a high degree of accuracy. We didn't throw screens, we didn't roll him out of the pocket, and we didn't open things up. Rather we put Pryor is predictable third and longs, where the Wisky defense pinned its ears back. Do you feel Pryor should have overcome that? Should we expect more?

Dave:  I can't argue with the fact that the play calling is suspect, but I think it's time for Pryor to take his game to the next level.  Everyone says he is young but he has started for almost one-and-a-half years now and I still see a "deer in the headlights" look too often. Yes we should come out with some bubble screens and outside runs (how about a reverse) to help him, but at the same time the pick he threw was a terrible pass and a few minutes later he should have been intercepted again.  

I think he is indecisive about when to run and when to throw, and I would like to see a little more maturity.  In the second half when the offense finally took the field he couldn't find his helmet and had to wear someone else's.  It could happen to anyone but it's not what you want to see from your field general.  I like TP a lot but I think he is a little scatter-brained and sometimes it shows up in his decisions.  Do you think all the blame should be laid at the feet of Tressel and the play calling?

Drew: Well, obviously with this topic there is a blame to go around to everyone. With that said, yes I feel blame has to be put at the feet of Tressel and the staff. In regards to Pryor's leadership and maturity, that is a direct reflection of coaching. In Remember the Titans fashion, I say "attitude reflects leadership." I don't want to sit around and argue leadership though, I want to talk offensive results. I agree that Pryor is indecisive at times (I mentioned that in the recap), but I chalk that up to the system. I know he has started for year and a half now, but Pryor is very green as a passer.

He lived on his athleticism in high school, and is just now learning to throw the ball consistently. Many other big time QB's had to learn to throw the ball in high school (because they are not 6'6' 235 with 4.3 speed). So I mention all of that to say that the offensive play calling doesn't need to hinge on him being Peyton Manning. At the same time the staff can't just run the ball, they need to let him air the ball out early and often to get him in a rhythm. The answer for me is a variety of short and intermediate passes (more across the middle), that don't require him to read the entire field and get the ball out of his hands early. That will build confidence and get him going.

Based off what on what you said earlier, how do you explain the difference in Pryor at the end of the first half? Was it a fluke, was it because he got a big run under his belt, were mechanics better, what do you think?    

Dave: Glad you asked!  I think three factors influenced that drive: 1) Pryor managed to bust a big run when he reversed field and went for over 20 yards.  Had he not made that run the drive doesn't get out of first gear; 2) It was a hurry-up situation where he didn't have to think as much but could just react—which is his strength; and, 3) Tressel was forced to open it up because there wasn't much time left in the half and the Bucks were behind.

That tell's me that Ohio State needs to do more no huddle offense, needs to open it up more, and needs to let Pryor do what he does best which is use his athleticism.  No doubt the end of the half drive was the difference in the game.  If Ohio State doesn't score the Badger 2nd half philosophy is different.  It certainly let's us know that Pryor has the ability to lead long drives and throw the ball, which I think he sometimes doubts, as does the coaching staff.  What do you think Tress and crew need to do to maximize his massive talents?

Drew: Well I have already talked about this a few times and given some ideas, but it all comes down to rhythm and confidence. Pryor seems to put way too much pressure on himself, and against Wisconsin fans got to see this manifest into frustration. Not only did Pryor seem animated after broken plays, but he made several remarks after the game that the difference in the final drive of the first half was aggressive play calling. He may be right. We all know that Tressel isn't running Pryor more because he doesn't want him hurt. So, I think it starts with allowing Pryor to use his legs more, and not just in poorly run options that never gain any yards (run north-south!).

Pryor seems to get confident after he starts moving on the ground, and let's be honest, he is an athlete and the staff needs to let him be one. From there the short and intermediate passes become a lot easier, as the defense has to start making a decision of what they are going to stop. Pryor seems to throw the ball much better across the middle of the field when he can step into throws, yet there seem to be a lot more balls being thrown to the outside. Quick hitters across the middle to our big wideouts, tight ends, and running backs are going to give him that confidence and rhythm. It's not rocket science, just a little word called diversity!

You seem pessimistic about Pryor, do you feel he is going to improve? What specifically will that entail for him?

Dave: Oh I don't think I'm pessimisitic, just a little disappointed.  With this defense we could be unbeatable...maybe next year!  However, I have just not seen as much progress as I would have liked.  One thing we have talked about before is in regard to the quarterback coach, Nick Siciliano. How good a job is he doing?  I think we may have seen a different Pryor had he been under the tutelage of Joe Daniels.  Nevertheless he needs to get better, and that starts with confidence and mechanics.  I agree that we need more middle of the field throws to tight ends and backs, and less down and outs that are difficult to complete. 

This team will go as far as Terrelle leads them.  Calling higher percentage plays early on, that include a dose of creativity, would help.  But TP also has to execute and cause the staff to have confidence in him.  It's a mixed bag, but it needs to be fixed before the team travels to Happy Valley or it will be a most unhappy trip!

What do you think, Pryor or the play calling?