Featured Video
Ant Daps Up Spurs Mid-Game 💀
Records, Injuries, & Sloppiness Mark Bobcat Beatdown
David ThurmanSep 18, 2010
Drew Thurman (10:15 am)
The only concern heading into the in-state showdown with Ohio was that the Buckeyes may come out sleep walking. Well, the staff had this team in attack mode from the opening kickoff, and the Bobcats did very little to put up a fight. After a Moeller interception on the opening drive, the Buckeyes put up 17 points in the first quarter and never looked back. When the dust settled, it was a 43-7 victory for the boys in scarlet and gray.
The score doesn't do this game justice though, because there were a ton of storylines in this game. At moments the Buckeyes look like a juggernaut, ready to head to Glendale tomorrow, while at other moments they showcased the same frustrating tendancies as in previous games. Let's look at some of those storylines...
- Pryor was the main story this afternoon, as he will be most Saturdays this fall. He came out hitting on all cylinders early on, and all I could think about was how far he had come from a year ago. He looked so comfortable and composed in the pocket, and was working the ball around wonderfully. He actually went onto break an Ohio State record with 16 consecutive passes in the first half (previous record was 12). It was a masterful stretch for Pryor, as he controlled the tempo and showcased all his progress in the mechanics department.
Unfortunately for Pryor, his day didn't end there. He made his first mistake of the game at the close of the second half, forcing a throw that resulted in his first interception of the season. After that, he never really got his mojo back. In the second half it felt Tressel forced the offense to end Pryor's day on a positive note, and the a reverse result would end up happening. Pryor threw another INT, was sacked, and tok a lot more hits than anyone would like in a blowout. It left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, but Pryor's day was still solid. He finish 22/29 for 235 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
- The defense looked stellar again on Saturday, as they forced five more turnovers along with a safety. I am so impressed with how this defense brings it play after play, no matter what. As the lead progressed you could see the offense lose its focus, but the defense never lost its intensity. The first string offense has only given up 10 points through three games, you can credit the rest to special teams and the second string defense. This unit is the real deal.
The only concern heading into the in-state showdown with Ohio was that the Buckeyes may come out sleep walking. Well, the staff had this team in attack mode from the opening kickoff, and the Bobcats did very little to put up a fight. After a Moeller interception on the opening drive, the Buckeyes put up 17 points in the first quarter and never looked back. When the dust settled, it was a 43-7 victory for the boys in scarlet and gray.
The score doesn't do this game justice though, because there were a ton of storylines in this game. At moments the Buckeyes look like a juggernaut, ready to head to Glendale tomorrow, while at other moments they showcased the same frustrating tendancies as in previous games. Let's look at some of those storylines...
- Pryor was the main story this afternoon, as he will be most Saturdays this fall. He came out hitting on all cylinders early on, and all I could think about was how far he had come from a year ago. He looked so comfortable and composed in the pocket, and was working the ball around wonderfully. He actually went onto break an Ohio State record with 16 consecutive passes in the first half (previous record was 12). It was a masterful stretch for Pryor, as he controlled the tempo and showcased all his progress in the mechanics department.
Unfortunately for Pryor, his day didn't end there. He made his first mistake of the game at the close of the second half, forcing a throw that resulted in his first interception of the season. After that, he never really got his mojo back. In the second half it felt Tressel forced the offense to end Pryor's day on a positive note, and the a reverse result would end up happening. Pryor threw another INT, was sacked, and tok a lot more hits than anyone would like in a blowout. It left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, but Pryor's day was still solid. He finish 22/29 for 235 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
- The defense looked stellar again on Saturday, as they forced five more turnovers along with a safety. I am so impressed with how this defense brings it play after play, no matter what. As the lead progressed you could see the offense lose its focus, but the defense never lost its intensity. The first string offense has only given up 10 points through three games, you can credit the rest to special teams and the second string defense. This unit is the real deal.
- Speaking of special teams, the Buckeyes found a way to add a few more blunders to the season total. Not only did the Bobcats return a kickoff return to the house that thankfully got called back, but Buchanan would also get a punt blocked. Not exactly what we were looking for after the Miami special teams diaster a week ago. The returners have been solid and Barclay has held his own in the kicking game, but everything else still needs work. The punting game continues to be a mess, a lot of which can be contributed to Buchanan's disappointing season. Kick/punt coverage is still a huge question mark, and it's not fun when fans are holding their breath against Ohio. I just have a feeling this is going to cost us a game at some point, but I sure hope I'm wrong.
- There were a lot of injuries, especially in the secondary. Devon Torrence was gimpy in the first half after helping to cause an interception, and looked a step slow though he return later in the game. Donnie Evege (arm) and Travis Howard (shoulder) both were carted off the field, leaving the Buckeyes very thin at corner. Most thought this was the thinnest place for the Buckeyes entering the year, and now the two-deep may have been rocked.
- The running game will continue to be a center of conversation as Saine has not separated himself from the other backs. He had 10 carries for 48 yards, and his ability between the tackles was pretty limited. He did catch another touchdown ball and we all know he is a long play threat, but he doesn't seem to ever fall forward or fight for those extra yards. Boom Herron, who is option No. 2, will never be the premiere back at Ohio State but does get the tough yards, I really like him around the goal line. So, I wonder when Tressel will finally let Hall and Berry get some more carries. Both are explosive when they touch the ball and may be needed to take some pressure off of Pryor.
- Jake Stoneburner continues to be a huge part of the offense and had 5 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. It was actually the most production from a Buckeye tight end since the Hartsock days. He is an offensive difference maker, and in all reality he has helped Pryor become a more complete quarterback. Let's hope the offensive experiment for Tressel continues.
- Finally, the Buckeyes committed no penalties today. It was the first time that has happened in over two decades.
- There were a lot of injuries, especially in the secondary. Devon Torrence was gimpy in the first half after helping to cause an interception, and looked a step slow though he return later in the game. Donnie Evege (arm) and Travis Howard (shoulder) both were carted off the field, leaving the Buckeyes very thin at corner. Most thought this was the thinnest place for the Buckeyes entering the year, and now the two-deep may have been rocked.
- The running game will continue to be a center of conversation as Saine has not separated himself from the other backs. He had 10 carries for 48 yards, and his ability between the tackles was pretty limited. He did catch another touchdown ball and we all know he is a long play threat, but he doesn't seem to ever fall forward or fight for those extra yards. Boom Herron, who is option No. 2, will never be the premiere back at Ohio State but does get the tough yards, I really like him around the goal line. So, I wonder when Tressel will finally let Hall and Berry get some more carries. Both are explosive when they touch the ball and may be needed to take some pressure off of Pryor.
- Jake Stoneburner continues to be a huge part of the offense and had 5 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. It was actually the most production from a Buckeye tight end since the Hartsock days. He is an offensive difference maker, and in all reality he has helped Pryor become a more complete quarterback. Let's hope the offensive experiment for Tressel continues.
- Finally, the Buckeyes committed no penalties today. It was the first time that has happened in over two decades.
