Ohio State's Big Victory, How Pryor Was The Main Difference!

The experts were correct; quarterback play was the key difference as Ohio State won arguably the marquee match up on Monster Saturday as Ohio State beat The Hurricanes of Miami 36-24. Let's take a look at 5 things we learned from Saturday's Ohio State Victory;

1. Pryor's play was the difference:   His first quarter was sluggish and as OSU trailed 10-3, one felt the game slipping, until Pryor made two dazzling down field throws against The Canes who were strangling the Buckeye's running attack. In two deadly throws, TP, Posey and Saine equalized the score in just under 40 seconds!  Pryor gained over 330 yards by himself and lead OSU's charge to 36 points. He got away with some bad throws early, and made some bad scrambles. TP didn't play as well as he did in the Rose Bowl, but he got sharper and grew in confidence as the game went on and without him, Miami may of easily left 'The Shoe with a win. He carried the day for OSU.

2.  Harris play was costly to Miami.  His four picks, 2 of them tipped picks were killers!   Harris made some nifty scrambles and some nice throws, but unlike his victorious counterpart, he had some terrible throws that were picked and OSU always cashed in!   The main difference between JH and TP, was that TP had faster legs and made better decisions. It didn't help that his receivers dropped key passes or the passer was instantly greeted by a nasty hit that seemed to jar the ball lose. For Harris to win future big time clashes he needs to get more consistent! 

3.  Defense wins championships.  OSU's D only gave up 10 points and for the first half OSU outgained MIAMI by nearly a 250-100 yard advantage.  OSU's D yielded 350 yards, but was bend and not break, espcially in the 3rd quarter as the Canes had the ball for nearly 12 minutes. The Canes came away empty handed during that stretch, making mistakes as OSU pulled away by 10 points giving OSU a 36-17 bulge heading into the last quarter .  The D avoided the huge play, and through tips and being in the right place at the right time made 4 key interceptions. OSU's DB Chekwa had 2 picks, 6 tackles, one for a loss, that typified OSU's D dominance. 

4.  MIAMI is Fast:  OSU could of easily lead by a much greater margin if it wasn't for Miami's impressive speed. Time and time again, Miami's D closed holes and chased down ball carriers whether on a TP scramble, or on a screen to Saine, or Boom Boom running lose downfield in the 3rd quarter from a nifty TP shuffle pass.  Miami's D caught OSU' Hines as he miraculously escaped on a return and ran down defenders who were looking for a pick 6 following any of Harris's interceptions.  Miami's speed was seen most clearly on their 2 kick off and punt returns for D that gave Miami a short 10-3 lead and kept them in the game narrowing OSU's lead to 20-17.  As their talented players grow, this is going to be a team to be reckon with, even USC nor OR showed the overall speed that The Canes showed against OSU.

5.  A teacher learns a lesson.  The Buckeye's special teams need work. In Tressel's first 9 years at Columbus OSU only gave up 4 kick off returns for scores and no punt returns for scores.   On Saturday alone, OSU gave up two, one being a punt return. Also on an exchange of defensive punts, The usually stout Buckeye Special teams gave up 36 yards leading to a Miami FG to pull ahead 10-3.  The teacher, Tressel, who preaches solid special teams, needs to right the ship or it may be costly as trips to Madison and Iowa City loom.  Similarly, the week before against Marshall, the only points given up by Ohio State was a blocked FG attempt returned for a TD. Saturday, OSU defenders over ran, were out of place, left their assignments and lanes, and didn't make the tackles needed to avoid costly special team play.  Some starters were even in on those plays. Whether its scheme or player discipline and skill, it's costing OSU points, momentum and field position.  Watch for a very painful and difficult week of practice and review for The Buckeye's special team coaches and players!

Congratulations to both teams for an enteraining game, but it was TP's arms and legs that won the day and gave OSU an early head start to the 2011 BCS Title game!