Has Anyone Seen Jim Tressel's Identity?

Somewhere along this journey as Ohio State head coach, Jim Tressel has lost his identity.  From the moment he stepped foot on Ohio State's campus, Tressel has been slowly losing the identity that won him a national championship in 2002.

Once known for his dedication to establishing the run first, Tressel seems to have lost his way.  His current playing calling has changed to allow a sophomore quarterback, with untapped potential, to run around until someone gets open.  This is not the way to win, Tressel knows because he has been here before.

In 2004 he had an athlete emerge as the top quarterback for his team.  This player did not even start his career at Ohio State as a play-caller, but as a return specialist.  He was nervous, fleet-footed, and always looking to run and make a play with his legs, rather than his arm.  His throwing skills were questionable at best. 

However, Tressel trusted in him, and taught him by establishing the run.  Two years later, he led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season, a national championship game, won the Heisman, and led one of the nation's most potent offenses.  His name was Troy Smith.

The best thing about Tressel during this time period was that he refused to give in to the pressure of having an athletic quarterback.  During the Troy Smith era, Vince Young was revolutionizing the quarterback position in Texas. 

However, Tressel refused to leave his path.  If you ask Troy, it was for the best.  He has shown flashes of brilliance when given the chance to play behind Joe Flacco in the NFL.  However, when the Buckeyes lost the big game and lost Smith to the NFL, it seems Tressel's identity graduated with him.

Now Tressel faces the same situation as he did in 2004.  The national championship cannot be reached until next season.  He has a nervous, fleet-footed, sophomore quarterback that people all over the nation are questioning.  It is now time for Tressel to regain control of his team and re-establish his identity. 

Pryor could great, but only if Tressel shows him the way; just like he showed Troy Smith.  Tressel ball calls for the run to establish the passing game, and it is time to get back to this philosophy before the Pryor era and another year of lofty expectations go up in smoke.