Saturday’s 24-17 victory over Michigan State seemed to be another Buckeye blowout until late in the third quarter when for the first time this season, Ohio State quarter back Todd Boeckman actually started to feel some pressure.
For three consecutive offensive possessions, the Buckeye offense looked to be in trouble. First, the Buckeyes through an interception that resulted in a Michigan State touchdown. Then, Boeckman was sacked deep in Ohio State territory, fumbled and MSU scored. The next series, Chris Wells managed to recover his own fumble resulting in a giant sigh of relief heard throughout the Buckeye state.
The Buckeyes had their first scare of the season and it came entirely from defensive touchdowns. For the first time in a long time, I was hoping the defense could stay on the field for a while — at least long enough for the offense to come down and regroup.
So what did we learn?
The Buckeye offensive line has been tough all year and Boeckman hasn’t felt much pressure all season. When he did, the offense showed signs of falling apart.
Practice this week should focus on two things:
Pressure Boeckman and Wells. Practice with only two or three offensive linemen. Make every play feel like a blitz. Put Boeckman on his heels so when he faces that type of pressure again, he doesn’t lose his head. You know that every team we face will be watching film of those three plays over and over again. Fill in the holes starting Monday. Learn and grow before we are really tested.
Get ready for the Penn State white out. This actually has nothing to do with the Michigan State game but we all know it’s coming. When we traveled to Penn State in 05, the “white out” thing was new. The Buckeyes had never seen anything like that before and they weren’t prepared. This year, thanks to what I believe is a new “Virtual White Out” practice field buried deep within the Ohio State training facility, they will be ready.
I don’t have details on the practice facility yet but I have people investigating as we speak and will update as soon as information becomes available.
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You’re absolutely right on pressuring Boeckman, but you need not worry your pretty little head this week. Penn State blitzes about as much as Iowa. That is, not much at all. Yet another reason why I don’t think PSU can win this week.
I got to tell you man, I yearn for the return of Iowa football. The old Ohio State/Iowa matchup was always a great game. I always had a lot of respect for the Hawkeyes.