Oil and Water
Things that don’t mix for $500 Alex. Oil and water, bleach and ammonia, beer and heat. This can sum up the Buckeyes offensive woes. I’ve sat and licked my wounds over the weekend like a whipped dog. I needed some time to cool off so I can approach this topic with a better mind-set. It would be easy to say it was all Terrelle Pryor’s fault. You can even place the blame at coach Tressel’s feet. Unfortunately it goes deeper than that. Where do I even begin? Let me start with the offensive line, which has adopted an open door policy to all defenses. Am I being a little harsh? Maybe, but this o-line is, needless to say, a work in progress. It’s an offensive line that features three sophomores, three highly recruited linemen at that. So does this mean that either a) they really aren’t that talented or b) the coaching staff can’t spot real talent? Personally I don’t agree with that assessment. I see it as three young men having to be the anchors of the line. I see three young men getting baptized in the fires of the gridiron. Yes they’re not the dominate line that buckeye fans are accustomed to seeing. Give it time! These young men will gel and become hardened veterans. Look at it this way, three juniors starting on the o-line next year.
Now that we’ve blamed it all on the offensive line, let’s shift the blame and point fingers. All eyes are locked on you, Terrelle Pryor. Playing the quarterback position is undoubtedly the hardest position in the game. So it’s easy to blame you, Terrelle Pryor. It’s quite obvious that Pryor hasn’t come around or broke out this year like OSU fans hoped, and predicted, he would. His mechanics look horrendous. Not setting his feet, throwing off-balance, not looking off the defenders, etc. etc. Who’s to blame? Is it a lack of understanding, or lack of coaching? I think it’s a combination of both. Pryor was so hyped upped before he even signed with OSU, I think he really let it go to his head. In high school he was a man playing amongst boys. He’s found out the hard way he’s not going to be the most talented player on the field all the time. As for the coaches, I just don’t know. Why can’t they figure out the best way to utilize his skills? How much “experimentation” do you need before you make a decision and go with it? Either they can teach this kid how to be a great quarterback, or they can’t. We’ll find out with the remainder of this season, and next. It’s my belief that Pryor has enough talent and athleticism to become a better player.
I could be killed for saying this, but I’m sure the buckeyes will lose another game, maybe two. But I kind of hope they do. Hear me out now, think about it. Take all the pressure of having to win because it’s Ohio State. I guarantee that the playbook would open up then. Ah! The playbook! That brings our scouring gaze upon you, Coach Tressel. The walls have closed in quite a bit on coach. Gone are the days of seemingly endless admiration and respect. Now there are grumblings and hushed whispers, questions without answers. Tressel has always prided himself on “micro-managing” the game, Tressel Ball as we call it. That style of play has been stomped to an ugly death. So where does he go from here? Will he admit defeat and release the reigns by signing an offensive coordinator? Or will he stay the course and ride it out till its inevitable end? The way I see it, coach adapts, or he dies. There’s a huge amount of pressure coming from the boosters, alum and fans alike. The way this team has played is unacceptable. Tressel knows he’s behind the gun, on the hot seat, or whatever you prefer to call it. Have faith Buckeye Nation. Last weekend was a time for mourning, but there is no need to despair! Tressel has been outclassed, beaten, and embarrassed. But he’s no fool. Jim knows it’s time for a change. I believe deep down inside that coach has the intelligence and testicular fortitude to make those changes. There are big things on the horizon folks. Like the Phoenix from the ashes, we will be reborn!