Across the Border: A Michigan Fan Recaps Ohio State-Ohio University

What I Saw

The Ohio State offense looked nearly as bad as Michigan's (self-zing!).  Of course, Ohio State's problem was that their best player and starting running back was injured for the game, and Michigan's problem is that their best offensive player and starting quarterback suits up in scarlet and gray each week.

On the other side of the ball, I saw a predictable opportunistic defense cause several turnovers, without which the Buckeyes probably wouldn't have won this game.  This could have been a black eye for the Big Ten had Ohio not coughed up the ball enough to give the Buckeyes several chances to keep the game close in the first half.

Of course, since it was close late, the superior talent of OSU was able to take over in the fourth quarter for the win.

I also saw a big play on special teams seal the win for the Buckeyes, as Ray Small took a punt to the house, providing the eventual 26-14 margin when the game was still in question.

What I Didn't See

Ohio State run a MAC opponent off the field, like any Mythical National Championship Contender should do.  They were down in terms of yardage, first downs, and score into the third quarter, and maybe the Illinois game from last year still lingers: It appears that OSU really can't defend a spread offense very well.

A clear frontrunner for Beanie's backup did not emerge either.  Boom Herron did the most effective of work, but Tressel was subbing like a madman and didn't really allow any of the RBs to get a solid rhythm going.

Who I Watched

After last week's fairly poor showing, I paid particular attention to the offensive line.  They were allowing a lot of pressure even against a I-AA foe, and that got even worse when they faced up with a MAC team.

At this point in the season, I'm curious if they'll either put it together before the Big Ten schedule, or falter when they go up against some real competition.  Of course, before they see any Big Ten teams, it'll be USC, which is very bad unless the OL makes huge strides this week.

Of course, I paid attention to Terrelle Pryor (let me break the suspense: I'll watch him every game this year, even if he's just sitting on the bench).  He was far less impressive than he was last week, though of course the level of competition was slightly better.

And finally, I paid particular attention to Beanie's backups.  They don't exactly form Beanie-by-committee, and I think it might have been more effective for them to play in longer segments to establish a rhythm.

What I Expect Next Week

A completely different Buckeyes team to hit the field.  Make no mistake, Ohio's upset bid came mainly on the basis of scheduling.  They were the beneficiaries of a classic "trap game" for Ohio State, as the Men of the Scarlet and Gray were looking ahead just a little bit to their showdown in LA next week.

The Buckeyes match up much better defensively against a pro-style offense like the Trojans, so while it is likely that USC will put up more points than Ohio did this week, it will be because of vastly superior talent, not some sort of possible deficiency in the Buckeyes' scheming or matchups.

Offensively, Beanie Wells should be back.  That should say just about enough, though I would expect to see a more inspired performance from the O-line, who were pretty bad against the boys from Athens.  With Beanie behind them, even their subpar plays can be positive, and their well-blocked schemes can be big plays.

What This Can Tell Us About The Game

Not much, really.  Again, Ohio State faced a team that was nothing like Michigan, and the level of competition was very low.  Unless Beanie's foot injury is a lot more severe than the public currently is aware (which I doubt), Michigan will not see an Ohio State team that is minus its offensive catalyst and best player.

However, the pass protection problems persist from last week.  Maybe with a more reliable running threat to take some additional heat off the QB, the Buckeyes will be able to settle down and protect the passer, but for now, I wouldn't be confident they can do this.

Of course, Michigan's offense is terrible bordering on pitiful, so it is likely that, even if Michigan finds itself with a lead in the Shoe on Nov. 22, Jim Tressel will keep pounding away until third and long.  With little threat of Michigan building (or extending) a lead, Tresselball will likely be in full force for the greatest rivalry in all of sport.

The other thing noticed was the success of the Bobcats' spread offense.  Even with a backup quarterback in the game (note: still better than either of Michigan's starting QB options), the OU offense ran pretty smoothly, carrying an upset bid into the fourth quarter.  Of course, Jackson could run and not throw, and Michigan's QBs can hardly do either.

Is OSU the new Michigan in terms of inability to defend the spread?  Wolverine fans are certainly hoping so.  Also, they are hoping that their own offensive line stops sucking.