GIVE OHIO STATE's OFFENSE A BREAK!

GIVE OSU's OFFENSE A BREAK:

Earlier this season I wrote an article about giving TP a break after many people were complaining of his terrible play. It's now become popular and cliche to bash OSU's O for everything that ills OSU, however, it's time to take an honest look at some simple facts about OSU's offensive effectiveness, especially these last four games. 

1.  OSU's OL LINE: Not only is this line young, but had to deal with injuries, illness and and inconsistencies in starters and chemistry due to these reasons.  However, this line is coming into its own the past four games.  They have done an adequate job of protecting TP, but more importantly they have allowed for over 200 yards rushing in each of the last four games. While many say that's easy against MN and NM ST., OSU has rushed impressively for nearly 500 yards against the stout D's of IA/PSU which have been very stingy against the run.  Due to the line play, TP was only sacked twice in key wins over PSU and IA and OSU dominated in the time of possession these wins.   

2. OSU'S RB's:  Boom Herron has been injured for a significant part of the year and Saine has been knicked up as well. That has left youngsters Hall and Martin to help carry the load. As Boom has gotten healthier, Saine has run with confidence, and OSU has opened up the play book, these running backs have been effective. They are quietly becoming home run threats, making wise reads and cuts and always run for maximum yardage. Any time RB's average 200 yards per game, controlling the ball and the clock, that's an effective offense even though it's not sexy or stylistic to many.

3.  OSU's QB: Arguably the greatest improvement for OSU's O has been the play of TP. Not that he has blistered opponents or rolled up awesome stats, but he seems to be playing within himself and the greatest improvement has come from his mind.  His mechanics are much better, he's making much better reads, but most importantly, his decisions have been impressive.  He's making sharp reads and using his legs to convert key third downs and keeping drives going. Additionally, in the past few games he's made sharp key passes either burning opponents deep or keeping opposing D's honest scattering the ball to either Posey or Sanzenbacher.  The greatest improvement since OSU's debacle in Purdue is that he has reduced his turnovers, not having any against PSU and IA.  Remember, this guy is a true Sophomore and his starting record is only a meager 18-3, not bad!

4. OSU's SCORING EFFECTIVENESS:  OSU is near the Big Ten in scoring, an amazing stat considering how many believe that this offense is inept.  Let's take a look at the scores from OSU's last four games, and two have been against Big Ten leaders, PSU/IA.

*OSU over MN 38-7

*OSU over NM ST  45-0

*OSU over PSU 24-7

*OSU over IA 27-24

Not bad over the last two games against PSU and IA, securing a coveted Rose Bowl bid. Take also into fact that Tressel has throttled the O late when some of these games were well into hand.

5.  CONSERVATIVE CRITICISMS:  OSU's O seemed to hit a low against Purdue, it appeared to be simple and easily defended.  Since then, the game book has opened and OSU has been improving showing diversity in the wild cat, screens, flares and reverses. Some of these improvement may have come due to criticism other has come due to the improvement and health of the OL and TP's competency.   Against IA, many criticized Tressel's conservative play late in the fourth.  Remember, it was primarily the O that built a 24-10 lead with nearly 10 minutes left. With a TD lead Tressel went back to his successful formula of running , special teams and D. Should OSU have kicked a FG to build a 10 pt. lead, kept IA's Special team from scoring a TD, this discussion would not be taking place. 

6. ROSY EYES:  No doubt, OSU to win big games will need to open up the play book more and hit for extra bases. No doubt, OSU's O needs to begin performing like its national title contending Defense should Buckeye fans see OSU again in the title game and compete competently in it.  Should OSU's O performed better earlier there is no reason why this team shouldn't be undefeated.   But keep in mind CFB fans, this is a young offense, and Tressel plays the odds safely using his talented D and solid special teams to secure wins. These past four games I have little qualms against OSU's young Offense and very pleased in their performance against PSU and IA which in many ways has lead the way to Pasedena.  Let's not be too harsh, 5 straight Big Ten titles and BCS bowl bids is pretty good and deserves some respect!  Thanks to the play of OSU's solid D and emerging O we Buckeye fans get to see OSU in The Rose Bowl, something most CFB's fans seriously doubted after The Bucks loss in West Lafeyette!