Ohio State-Marshall: 10 Reasons For Buckeyes To Be Encouraged and Concerned
A relatively ho-hum opener for Ohio State.
They took care of business, beating Marshall 45-7 in a game that was a stark contrast to last year's opener, in which OSU nearly lost to Navy.
It's hard to pick out the negatives in a 45-7 win, but there were a few notable mistakes by the Buckeyes.
All in all, a solid performance by Jim Tressel's boys and they look ready for next Saturday afternoon's showdown against the Miami Hurricanes.
Encouraged: Terrelle Pryor’s Performance
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Tressel turned Pryor loose, as the junior quarterback completed 17 of 25 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns.
While his numbers reflected the progress Pryor had made, his technique was also on display.
On multiple occasions, Pryor sat in the pocket and went through his progressions, often hitting his check-down receivers.
His footwork also looked improved, although he still occasionally throws off his back foot.
The only downfall of No. 2’s performance Thursday night was that he made a few poor decisions trying to hit the home-run pass.
Encouraged: Brandon Saine
2 of 10Saine made the most of the nine carries he got Thursday night, running for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
He appears to have taken over the featured back role from Boom Herron.
His most impressive run was a 45-yard touchdown sprint late in the second quarter that showcased his vision and breakaway speed.
It’s pretty clear that Zoom’s combination of running, passing and blocking skills have entrenched him as the Buckeyes No. 1 back.
Encouraged: Jamaal Berry
3 of 10Brandon Saine wasn’t the only Buckeye back to dazzle fans against Marshall.
Redshirt freshman Jamaal Berry, once a highly touted recruit out of Miami Palmetto High School, saw his first game action.
Berry finished with 80 yards on just seven carries.
While Boom Herron did not have a bad game by any means (seven carries, 44 yards), it’s just that Berry and Saine give the OSU offense more than just solid play.
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Encouraged: Jake Stoneburner
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The much ballyhooed debut of Jake Stoneburner took place on Thursday night, as the big tight end got his first start as a Buckeye.
While his numbers weren’t spectacular (three catches, 41 yards), it’s pretty clear he has a good rapport with Pryor.
Two of his catches came on third-down conversions and he provides a big target over the middle for Pryor to spot easily.
Encouraged: Offensive Line
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One of the bigger questions coming into the season was if the offensive line would finally gel as a unit. They delivered a job well done in the opener.
The hog mollies up front opened holes for the running backs and gave Pryor time to throw.
As a result, the offense was a well-oiled machine, putting up 529 yards of offense.
Let’s see if they can repeat this performance next Saturday against Miami, who boast terrors along their defensive front.
Encouraged: Defense
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Surprise, surprise, the Buckeye defense came ready to play and delivered another great performance.
There were stars across the board. Tyler Moeller, who missed all of 2009, led the team in tackles. Brian Rolle had a 30-yard interception return.
As a unit, the Silver Bullets held Marshall to a measly 199 yards of offense.
Their first true test of the season will come next week against Jacory Harris & Co.
Encouraged: Intangibles
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Short and sweet here. The Bucks had a plus-three turnover margin Thursday night, thanks to two forced fumbles and an interception.
OSU is 26-2 at home against non-conference opponents under Jim Tressel. That record will be on the line next week.
Concern: Emergence of a Third Receiver
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DeVier Posey (two touchdown catches) and Dane Sanzenbacher (113 yards, one touchdown) were their usual consistent selves. But questions remain as to who will step up into the No. 3 receiver role.
Taurian Washington had another drop and did nothing to inspire confidence.
Perhaps Grant Schwartz, who had three receptions for 20 yards, will see increased playing time?
Concern: Defensive Line Pressure
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Ohio State is still having trouble getting to the quarterback. Not having Nathan Williams obviously hurt, but the fact remains that OSU’s sack totals have gone down the past few years.
That won’t cut it next week against Miami.
If Jacory Harris has all day to throw against a defense whose strength isn’t predicated on pass defense, it could be a long day in Columbus for the Silver Bullets.
Concern: Special Teams
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A very un-Tressel-like job by the OSU special teams in the opener. A 53-yard field goal was blocked and returned 57 yards for a score.
There were two nearly missed PATs, and a 63-yard kickoff return by Marshall’s Andre Booker.
There were a few positives. One was supplied by punter Ben Buchanan, who pinned Marshall inside their own 20 twice.
Also, the kickoff coverage unit forced of fumble on the opening kickoff, which led to OSU’s first score.
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