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Dave's IMO: Is the running game broke?
David ThurmanSep 20, 2010
Dave Thurman (7:05 am)
When things are going well, we fans tend to get picky and look for things to criticize. Of course as we look ahead, it is easy to point out demanding games still to come, when weaknesses might get exploited, leading to potential losses. Without doubt the number one concern at present is the Buckeyes special teams, although the word "special" should not be attached to this facet of the 2010 squad. In three games OSU has managed to give up a punt return touchdown, a kick return touchdown, have a field goal blocked, and have a punt blocked. If that happened in a complete season of 13 games, we would be frustrated. But it has occurred in just three! Still, enough is being written about the abysmal special teams play, so let's move on to concern number two: what is wrong with the running game, and can it be fixed?
There is no doubt that the Buckeyes talented tailbacks have not put up the numbers to this point that fans expected . In fact, after an exciting start against Marshall, featuring a 100-yard performance from Brandon Saine, the backs have looked pretty average. But I contend that things aren't as bad as some would have us believe (yes, I'm talking to you Gerry DiNardo), and will get better in the weeks to come.
For starters, Ohio State is not going to feature one back, so nobody is going to to accumulate lots of carries, get into a groove and put up big numbers. Good running backs get stronger as the game goes on, and the line builds off that energy. But since the carries are being split between two or more backs, the odds of a player building momentun or breaking a long one are minimized. In addition, Terrelle Pryor is so talented as a runner, that the team will always rely on his legs, especially in big games, and that means fewer carries for the running backs. And, Tressel is trying to establish the passing game, at least in the early season games, which means fewer yards on the ground. But. that being said, there are still some issues that need to be addressed.
When things are going well, we fans tend to get picky and look for things to criticize. Of course as we look ahead, it is easy to point out demanding games still to come, when weaknesses might get exploited, leading to potential losses. Without doubt the number one concern at present is the Buckeyes special teams, although the word "special" should not be attached to this facet of the 2010 squad. In three games OSU has managed to give up a punt return touchdown, a kick return touchdown, have a field goal blocked, and have a punt blocked. If that happened in a complete season of 13 games, we would be frustrated. But it has occurred in just three! Still, enough is being written about the abysmal special teams play, so let's move on to concern number two: what is wrong with the running game, and can it be fixed?
There is no doubt that the Buckeyes talented tailbacks have not put up the numbers to this point that fans expected . In fact, after an exciting start against Marshall, featuring a 100-yard performance from Brandon Saine, the backs have looked pretty average. But I contend that things aren't as bad as some would have us believe (yes, I'm talking to you Gerry DiNardo), and will get better in the weeks to come.
For starters, Ohio State is not going to feature one back, so nobody is going to to accumulate lots of carries, get into a groove and put up big numbers. Good running backs get stronger as the game goes on, and the line builds off that energy. But since the carries are being split between two or more backs, the odds of a player building momentun or breaking a long one are minimized. In addition, Terrelle Pryor is so talented as a runner, that the team will always rely on his legs, especially in big games, and that means fewer carries for the running backs. And, Tressel is trying to establish the passing game, at least in the early season games, which means fewer yards on the ground. But. that being said, there are still some issues that need to be addressed.
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From the beginning of his career it has been obvious that Brandon Saine is not an elite runner. He has amazing straight line speed to go with nice size. But his vision is not good, and he tends to get happy feet when there isn't a big hole directly in front of him. At times Brandon runs strong and looks pretty good, and there is always the chance he will bust a long one. In addition he has amazing hands, and is like having an extra receiver in the game. The staff likes the fact that he rarely fumbles or misses an assignment. So, the senior is going to play as long as he is healthy, like it or not, Late last season it looked like the light had finally come on and Brandon had a string of good games, which leaves some to wonder if he has regressed in 2010. I contend he is the same running back he was last year, but isn't getting as many carries, since the team is not as committed to the run as they were down the stretch a season ago. He will, however, have some more good games this year and is a dangerous player, but Saine will never be a "great" Ohio State back.
Boom Herron is a coach's dream because he plays so hard, blocks with a passion, and gets the most out of his ability. The problem is that he is neither particularly big or fast. But he does hit the hole with a burst and is effective in short yardage situations. Since Herron rarely breaks a long run, he will never have a great yards per carry average, but he does all the little things well, and can be a productive back when given the opportunity. Like Saine, I think he will have some good games as the year progresses.
Many Buckeye fans, frustrated at less than stellar production the last two games (181 yards at 3.7 ypc against Miami, and 158 yards at 3.9 ypc versus Ohio) are clamoring for Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry. Without doubt Hall has more ability to make people miss than either of the veterans. And, Berry appears to have a combination of vision and speed unlike anyone else on the team. However, the young guys are a bigger risk, as there is always the chance they miss an assignment, fail to pick up a blitizing opponent, or lay the ball on the turf. .
In this classic high risk/high reward scenario, most fans would like to bet using Tressel's chips, opting for a gamble that has the chance of winning the jackpot. But the reality is that Jim Tressel is both loyal and conservative, and will continue playing the veterans unless they are injured or start turning the ball over. Still, all is not lost. As the Big Ten season begins, look for the team to start trying harder to establish the run. And, as long as Pryor continues to throw the ball like he did Saturday, opposing coaches will have to pick their poison. With a diversified passing game, Terrelle is a threat to pick you apart with short passes, or hit you with a bomb, or burn you with his dynamic legs. And when you start worrying too much about stopping him, JT will turn to the power game as he did late last season. So, don't despair - this is a team with many weapons, that will establish the running game when it is needed most.
Boom Herron is a coach's dream because he plays so hard, blocks with a passion, and gets the most out of his ability. The problem is that he is neither particularly big or fast. But he does hit the hole with a burst and is effective in short yardage situations. Since Herron rarely breaks a long run, he will never have a great yards per carry average, but he does all the little things well, and can be a productive back when given the opportunity. Like Saine, I think he will have some good games as the year progresses.
Many Buckeye fans, frustrated at less than stellar production the last two games (181 yards at 3.7 ypc against Miami, and 158 yards at 3.9 ypc versus Ohio) are clamoring for Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry. Without doubt Hall has more ability to make people miss than either of the veterans. And, Berry appears to have a combination of vision and speed unlike anyone else on the team. However, the young guys are a bigger risk, as there is always the chance they miss an assignment, fail to pick up a blitizing opponent, or lay the ball on the turf. .
In this classic high risk/high reward scenario, most fans would like to bet using Tressel's chips, opting for a gamble that has the chance of winning the jackpot. But the reality is that Jim Tressel is both loyal and conservative, and will continue playing the veterans unless they are injured or start turning the ball over. Still, all is not lost. As the Big Ten season begins, look for the team to start trying harder to establish the run. And, as long as Pryor continues to throw the ball like he did Saturday, opposing coaches will have to pick their poison. With a diversified passing game, Terrelle is a threat to pick you apart with short passes, or hit you with a bomb, or burn you with his dynamic legs. And when you start worrying too much about stopping him, JT will turn to the power game as he did late last season. So, don't despair - this is a team with many weapons, that will establish the running game when it is needed most.
Ant Daps Up Spurs Mid-Game 💀
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
