Ohio State Football: The 5 Biggest Obstacles to Gridiron Dynasty
The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most prolific teams in college football history. Over the last decade, Ohio State added to their storied history with three National Championship Game appearances (winning one) and seven BCS bowl appearances, going 4-3 overall.
Despite their success, the Buckeyes have barely tapped into their vast reservoir of potential. By making the five following tweaks, the Buckeyes could establish a gridiron dynasty.
Offensive Line
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The Problem
The Ohio State offensive line is not terrible. They have improved throughout the year, particularly in run blocking, and are among the Big Ten's best units.
However, the O-line consistently underperforms, especially given the talent (two 5-star and two 4-star players). Against teams with equal or greater talent, the O-line has been exposed. In games against Florida, LSU and USC, the offense gained far fewer yards on the ground while highlighting suspect protection. QB Terrelle Pryor's scrambling ability and mediocre opponents mask the flaws but they exist.
Verdict
Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman gets the axe. He has been the coach of underperforming lines for years.
Offensive Game Plan
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The Problem
Coach Jim Tressel's offense relies on a strong running game and two wideouts to provide threats on the edge. Against better defenses, the offense stumbles. Imagine Ohio State in a game against an opponent with a strong defensive line and two All-Americans in the secondary. Does the 2007 National Championship Game against Florida ring a bell?
The Gator line absolutely savaged the Buckeyes for five sacks on mobile Troy Smith (Didn't I talk about the OL the previous slide?), while the secondary, which included All-Americans FS Reggie Nelson and CB Ryan Smith, limited Smith to a dismal 4/14, 35-yard performance.
The most recent game against Penn State further illustrates this point. When QB Terrelle Pryor had trouble finding WRs DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher in the first half, the offense sputtered.
Verdict
Ohio State did not roar back to beat Penn State because of Pryor's arm, they did so because of commitment to the run game. In the second half, they adopted a run-first philosophy and scored three TDs.
In the game against Wisconsin earlier this year, Ohio State came out as a passing team and was mauled 21-3 in the first half. After making the switch to a ground-based assault, they scored TDs on their first two second-half drives. During those scoring drives, RB Dan "Boom" Herron carried the ball 14 times, though he had just 19 carries on the night.
Coincidence? I think not.
The Buckeyes should not run on every play. However, they should be run-oriented. It's in their team DNA and plays to Pryor's strength (legs) instead of weakness (arm).
When they do pass, Ohio State should adopt a game plan that includes quick passes to receivers with last names other than Posey or Sanzenbacher. In particular, TE Jake Stoneburner supposedly has good hands. Too bad he hasn't had a chance to prove it, with just 12 receptions on the year.
It's fine that Posey and Sanzenbacher are the main targets but Ohio State needs to have other options should they disappear. In Tressel's offense, the passing game tends to disintegrate when the top two targets are taken away, and having an extra weapon would counter that threat.
Defensive Aggression
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The Problem
For years, the Ohio State defense has operated under a "bend but don't break" mantra. With the talent they have on defense, should they have to bend?
Let's take another look at the Penn State game. In the first half, the line did not pressure Penn State QB Matt McGloin and the corners gave wide cushions. With quick passes and an effective running game, the Nittany Lions stormed to a 14-3 lead.
Against better offenses, Ohio State might not be able to recover.
Verdict
When the D-line finally stepped up and the CBs tightened their coverage, the results were telling: Penn State scored zero points and was outscored by the Ohio State defense, which returned two interceptions for TDs.
The 2009 defense was special. They were not that spectacular statistically, but became the first Buckeye defense since 1996 to pitch two consecutive shutouts and played tough in out-of-conference games against USC and Oregon.
This stands in stark contrast to the 2006, 2007 and 2008 versions, which were abused on the national stage by Florida, LSU and USC, respectively.
The 2009 defense stood above the aforementioned ones due to exceptional D-line play. The front four could generate pressure and stop the run, allowing for versatile coverage depending on the situation.
This year's defense is not as good, mostly due to the dropoff in line play. They give up more points (13.6) with a noticeable drop in sacks (16) compared to last year's unit, which allowed 12.5 ppg with 30 sacks.
The solution? I will not call for Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock's head given the adjustments he has made, particularly with the creation of the "star" position.
He needs to be more aggressive, though. If the DL can't bring the pressure, he needs to bring it from somewhere else. Allowing the opponent to systematically drive down the field not only tires the defense but keeps the offense off the field.
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Special Teams
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The Problem
If you've watched Ohio State at all this year, especially in the Miami and Wisconsin games, you know they have issues on special teams.
This isn't a new phenomenon, either.
Even in the Rose Bowl win over Oregon, the special teams play was atrocious. Given Tressel's emphasis on playing smart and gaining good field position, the special teams have come as an unpleasant surprise.
Verdict
The Buckeyes don't have an official special teams coach. Maybe it's time to plaster "Help Wanted" ads in USA Today, and pronto.
Mentality
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Problem
Ohio State comes out flat more than they should. This is the single biggest reason for their defeats at the hands of Florida, LSU, USC in 2008 and Wisconsin. Ohio State also came out flat against Penn State, though that game ended on a happier note.
Verdict
Failure to prepare the team falls directly on the shoulders of Coach Tressel. The "it's just another game" mentality should not be applied to National Championship games and BCS bowls because they're not ordinary games. They are the measuring stick by which the country judges Ohio State football, for better or worse.
In the NCGs against Florida and LSU, he kept the team from getting too excited but didn't pump them up enough in the process.
In less significant games, Tressel needs to do a better job of keeping the team focused. For a second consecutive year, Ohio State lost to a team they should have beaten (Purdue and Wisconsin respectively).
If Tressel can keep the team focused throughout the season while placing special emphasis on big games, the Buckeyes will lay far fewer eggs.
Conclusion
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Jim Tressel has been a godsend for The Ohio State University. He restored pride that was lost in the John Cooper era and took the program to new heights, winning a national championship and keeping the Buckeyes in contention for another nearly every year.
The big question for Ohio State fans is whether Tressel can elevate the program further. If he plays his cards right, he can attain a dynasty that is within reach.
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