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Chapman's Game-Saving Play 😱
Big Stage! Big Pressure! Big Win!
David ThurmanJan 5, 2011
Dave Thurman (4:44 pm)
With the entire sports world watching, with critics abounding, and with the added pressure of carrying the torch for the Big Ten, Ohio State held on to win a huge game in New Orleans. As big as every BCS Bowl victory is, this Sugar Bowl win was much more. It was the Buckeyes getting the 0-9 monkey off their back, proving that the Big Ten isn't slow and weak, and showing that they truly did have team unity after the TatGate scandal. In a very long game that proved to be a roller coaster for the emotions, here are the things that stood out to me.
1) Finally a Good Start - Most of the year, Ohio State struggled to get out of the blocks against good opponents or in big games: at Illinois, at Wisconsin, Penn State & Michigan. But on this night they came out on fire. After stopping Arkansas' initial drive, the offense attacked with passion and creativity and it was a beautiful thing to behold. In fact, I have never seen a better called half of football in the Tressel era, and it included excellent diversity. The Buckeyes used the tight end so much in the first half you would have thought it was Wisconsin not Ohio State. Although Tressel took his foot off the gas too quickly, it sure was nice to see the team get off to a fast start.
2) The Defense was Hungry and Well Prepared - As Buckeye fans we take for granted that the defense will perform well and bail us out in a pinch. But this was a really good Arkansas offense led by a strong armed quarterback and a very skilled running back. Still, the Silver Bullets came out locked and loaded, and took it to the Hogs from the start. The line, in particular, played their best game of the year, and just destroyed Arkansas at the point of attack, in spite of continual holding by the Razorback o-linemen. Then, even after losing their best cover man in Chekwa, and dealing with multiple minor injuries and cramping, the defense continued to play with passion and maximum effort. Their second half performance demonstrated amazing leadership, heart, and coaching prowess.
With the entire sports world watching, with critics abounding, and with the added pressure of carrying the torch for the Big Ten, Ohio State held on to win a huge game in New Orleans. As big as every BCS Bowl victory is, this Sugar Bowl win was much more. It was the Buckeyes getting the 0-9 monkey off their back, proving that the Big Ten isn't slow and weak, and showing that they truly did have team unity after the TatGate scandal. In a very long game that proved to be a roller coaster for the emotions, here are the things that stood out to me.
1) Finally a Good Start - Most of the year, Ohio State struggled to get out of the blocks against good opponents or in big games: at Illinois, at Wisconsin, Penn State & Michigan. But on this night they came out on fire. After stopping Arkansas' initial drive, the offense attacked with passion and creativity and it was a beautiful thing to behold. In fact, I have never seen a better called half of football in the Tressel era, and it included excellent diversity. The Buckeyes used the tight end so much in the first half you would have thought it was Wisconsin not Ohio State. Although Tressel took his foot off the gas too quickly, it sure was nice to see the team get off to a fast start.
2) The Defense was Hungry and Well Prepared - As Buckeye fans we take for granted that the defense will perform well and bail us out in a pinch. But this was a really good Arkansas offense led by a strong armed quarterback and a very skilled running back. Still, the Silver Bullets came out locked and loaded, and took it to the Hogs from the start. The line, in particular, played their best game of the year, and just destroyed Arkansas at the point of attack, in spite of continual holding by the Razorback o-linemen. Then, even after losing their best cover man in Chekwa, and dealing with multiple minor injuries and cramping, the defense continued to play with passion and maximum effort. Their second half performance demonstrated amazing leadership, heart, and coaching prowess.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
3) Oh No, We Suck Again! In case we thought the team had exorcised their special teams demons, they let us know that's not the case. Where to start. Lousy kick returns in the second half. Either a botched onside kick or the worst kickoff in history. Failure to field punts. Weak punting climaxed by a blocked punt at the worst possible time. It wasn't pretty. Thankfully, Devin Barclay did make a big field goal in the second half and the kick coverage was good, but while Arkansas' special teams were solid all night, Ohio State's very nearly cost them the ballgame.
4) Sweet Redemption for the Prize Peddling Penta-Cons! The five who were guilty of selling their wares in the now infamous TatGate accounted for themselves quite nicely. Terrelle Pryor used his arm in the first half and his legs in the second to earn the game's MVP trophy (which I am sure he will hold on to); DeVier Posey caught three passes including a 43-yard touchdown; Mike Adams did a solid job blocking on the left side; Boom Herron, in spite of losing a fumble, had 87 yards and a touchdown; and, Solomon Thomas (the forgotten man of the group) came up with the game saving interception. You have to think these guys are feeling a whole lot better than they have in a long time.
5) Chippy Play and Lousy Officiating - Arkansas came out especially chippy and at times was downright dirty in their play, but somehow was never flagged for a personal foul. Of course, the same officials that overlooked the cheap shots, also closed their eyes to some blatant holding, especially in concern to Cam Heyward, who took out his frustrations on Ryan Mallett. I was impressed by the first couple of reviews, as the guys in the booth got both right (one to OSU's benefit and the other to Arkansas). But what in the world were the officals thinking on the supposed safety? After his forward progress was stopped there should have been a whistle, and even though Boom did eventually scoot free, it shouldn't have mattered. That was a terrible call and cost the Bucks five points.
6) A Return to Tresselball - Yes, I was screaming at my television and sharing my frustrations on the live blog. I thought the first drive of the second half would set the tone and wanted to see Ohio State continue to attack. Once they buttoned it up, momentum was lost. In Tressel's defense, field position was abysmal for most of the second half, but there were opportunities to use play action and open things up. While his record is amazing when playing with a lead, this time Tress was pretty lucky.
In the end, though, Ohio State was able to overcome Tressel's conservative ways, the officials blown calls, and the injuries to the defense. Kudos to a group of unified players who followed the lead of a great senior class. It sounds weird, but it sure feels good to be 1-9!
4) Sweet Redemption for the Prize Peddling Penta-Cons! The five who were guilty of selling their wares in the now infamous TatGate accounted for themselves quite nicely. Terrelle Pryor used his arm in the first half and his legs in the second to earn the game's MVP trophy (which I am sure he will hold on to); DeVier Posey caught three passes including a 43-yard touchdown; Mike Adams did a solid job blocking on the left side; Boom Herron, in spite of losing a fumble, had 87 yards and a touchdown; and, Solomon Thomas (the forgotten man of the group) came up with the game saving interception. You have to think these guys are feeling a whole lot better than they have in a long time.
5) Chippy Play and Lousy Officiating - Arkansas came out especially chippy and at times was downright dirty in their play, but somehow was never flagged for a personal foul. Of course, the same officials that overlooked the cheap shots, also closed their eyes to some blatant holding, especially in concern to Cam Heyward, who took out his frustrations on Ryan Mallett. I was impressed by the first couple of reviews, as the guys in the booth got both right (one to OSU's benefit and the other to Arkansas). But what in the world were the officals thinking on the supposed safety? After his forward progress was stopped there should have been a whistle, and even though Boom did eventually scoot free, it shouldn't have mattered. That was a terrible call and cost the Bucks five points.
6) A Return to Tresselball - Yes, I was screaming at my television and sharing my frustrations on the live blog. I thought the first drive of the second half would set the tone and wanted to see Ohio State continue to attack. Once they buttoned it up, momentum was lost. In Tressel's defense, field position was abysmal for most of the second half, but there were opportunities to use play action and open things up. While his record is amazing when playing with a lead, this time Tress was pretty lucky.
In the end, though, Ohio State was able to overcome Tressel's conservative ways, the officials blown calls, and the injuries to the defense. Kudos to a group of unified players who followed the lead of a great senior class. It sounds weird, but it sure feels good to be 1-9!
Chapman's Game-Saving Play 😱
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
