The Ohio State Buckeyes moved to 12th in the AP poll after an at times lackluster win over UCF. Unfortunately, the move is little more than a default after Wisconsin and especially Arkansas decided to take a flying leap from the national college football discussion. Although there were bright moments in the win over UCF, the game also raised a number of concerns. Yes, Coach Urban Meyer’s comments about this team having a long way to go appear to be more than just smoke and mirrors.
How Much Can Braxton Miller Give?
Once again Braxton Miller put on an impressive performance scoring three touchdowns, going 18/24 for 155 yards passing and running for another 141 yards. Problem is, it took him 27 carries to do it. If my math serves me right, that means he got tackled 24 times not to mention the number of hits he actually took. Meanwhile it looks like Carlos Hyde is out with a knee injury and both Zach Boren and Rod Smith had problems holding on to the ball.
Chances are Miller is not going to get a chance to let up anytime soon.
Problem is we can see the toll this is taking on Miller. Midway through the third quarter against Miami, Miller was cramping up and not only did Miller look physically tired by the end of the UCF game, he appeared at the post-game press conference packed in ice.
So far Miller is breaking school records and putting in some impressive performances. Question is, what condition will he be in come November (or even October).
Hello…Defense…Anybody Home?
UCF’s weak point was supposed to be their offensive line. From what we saw Saturday, you’d never know it. Not only did the Buckeye defense fail to give UCF quarterback Blake Bortles much to worry about, the secondary didn’t do much better. Thankfully, although a number of UCF receivers found themselves wide open with room to run, they tended to feel that falling on the ball was a better option.
Actually, the secondary has pulled down five interceptions in two games. They should be able to increase that number against Cal.
So far the Buckeyes have only made three sacks this season and they are last in the conference in tackles for a loss. For a team that traditionally brings a power defense, they’ve got a long way to go before we meet up with Michigan State.
Offensive Line
Anyone notice the way the Buckeyes managed to control 340+ lbs UCF Offensive lineman Jose Jose. Although the offensive line broke down a few more times than I’d like to see, it was interesting to see the way they were able to turn Jose and open lanes.
Good Timing?
If the Buckeyes are going to run into trouble with the running game, this might be the week to do it. Cal is ranked 83 in pass defense.
Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Indiana and Ohio State.
Those are the only teams in the Big 10 still holding on to winning records. Michigan continues to prove themselves to be Michigan. Wisconsin blew it so badly against Oregon State that they fired their offensive coach. Nebraska bowed out to UCLA. Iowa continued to prove their ineptitude against Iowa State. Illinois got their asses handed to them by Arizona State. And of course the sob story at Penn State continues.
Purdue did put up a showing against a once again highly overrated Notre Dame. I think Purdue has potential but it would have been so nice to see them take down Notre Dame. Hopefully, Michigan State will pound them into the ground next weekend and in doing so put the proper perspective on the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game.
At least Northwestern took care of Vanderbilt.
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Yes they are running Miller to death, don’t know if he can keep up the pace. How long before teams put one or two players who’s job is to shadow miller, then what? The secondary had a lot of holes leaving receivers run wide open, most of the interceptions were tips. I’m afraid the secondary could be exposed this weekend against Cal. They put usp 50 points this weekend. The sack situation is a big problem, no pressure leads to lots of passes being completed.
Northwestern played a great game against Vandy. Michigan state romped, Wisconson got upset, Nebraska got creamed, Michigan was lucky to beat AirForce, and whats wrong with Iowa two losses in a row. Not looking good for the Big Ten my friends.
Arkansas went from 8 to out, Gonzo must be in hiding, maybe we need to rustle the bushes to see if he’s all right.
Go Buckeye’s beat Cal.
Peace out!
“If the Buckeyes are going to run into trouble with the running game, this might be the week to do it. Cal is ranked”
Why do I feel like this is an incomplete thought?
On first look one would think that it is an incomplete thought but even though it doesn’t appear on the page, I take comfort in the knowledge that I finished it in my head.
The point that I forgot to pass along is that Cal is ranked 83 in pass defense.
Here…let me go back and fix that…there you go.
What would you do without me, Jim?
You’d never guess that I write these in between distractions.
Hit publish and don’t look back.
I was able to watch the first half of the tOSU game and I am a little confused with what Urban Meyer is trying to accomplish. He is running a “no huddle” offense …… but using up the entire playclock. It did not seem as though the pace of the game was any quicker than a normal huddle. The two main objectives should be 1) tire out the defense – prevent them from being able to substitute. 2) Create confusion by quickly snapping the ball and not giving them enough time to set their defense or have a plan.
I noticed that also. There were a couple of occasions where they went no-huddle but almost ran out of time on the snap. Not sure what was going on there.
Cal runs a no-huddle also don’t they? Should make for an interesting, if not quick, game.
Jim…… I noticed that on at least one occassion they DID run out the play clock and had to call a time out.
I wouldn’t be concerned about CAL this week though. The Bears have under performed the last few seasons under Coach Tedford heis on the “hot seat”. They are pretty tough at home but don’t play extremely well on the road. This year doesn’t appear to be any different because they have already lost to Nevada. If they changed up their offense and gone “no huddle” this year ….. It is news to me. They were ESPN highlight material two seasons ago because they couldn’t keep up with Oregons fast pace and started feigning injuries to slow them down. At the Horseshoe ….. tOSU should win this game easily. This is CAL football – see youtube link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KzThMLSB44
If Ohio State doesn’t put up 31+ points on Kal, I will be… disappoint.
The other thing I forgot to mention in the post –
How about Joey Galloway in the announcer’s booth? He’s got a ways to go but it was interesting to hear that this was his first game back since he played at OSU.
Guess if you’ve got a NFL game every weekend, it get’s a little tough to get back for the Alumni game.
Coupla things..
I do see the no huddle creating problems for the defense even though they take their time at the line…It still prevents them from substituting. Once the offense comes to the line, the defense can’t substitute even if they have time.. they would get caught with someone out of position.
I think as the offense becomes more used to what they are running, they will be quicker as well.
Also.. don’t get down on the Big10. That’s no better than Gonzo running his mouth about the SEC. It’s about teams not conferences. I had no problem with the Big 2 little 8 years ago, and would have no problem with it again so long as the Buckeyes are contending, I could care less how the rest of the conference plays.
Biggest problem with the Big 10 having a bad weekend is that it makes it harder for the Buckeyes to stake their claim on a national level. Ideally, I want everyone we play to win until we get to them.
I also have no problem with Big 2 little 8. Problem is, I’m not sure who is No. 2 these days. The top candidates have failed to deliver.