As Michigan fans everywhere try to console themselves in the fact that the OSU/Illinois game was closer than expected, and ESPN U lables the win a “scare,” never during Saturday’s game did I feel a sense of concern.
There was something about this game that looked like a practice. The first half started out with a quick drive styled in a fashion we have seen before. But wait, what’s this…is Troy Smith running the ball? It’s like Deja Vu all over again.
Before you know it, the Buckeyes are running Smith on designed plays. Smith is scrambling like the Smith of the ’05 season. It was almost as though Tressel wanted to remind Smith that he can do it if and when he needs. Although it was hard to put my finger on it, I had this sense the first half that this was a practice game. The Buckeyes were moving the ball but there was something different about the way they were moving the ball.
Then came the second half. Talk about running it up the middle. I don’t have the stats, but it did seem that every play was a classic, “three yards and a cloud of dust” hand off jam right up the middle.
I can’t believe that during the first half, Tressel wasn’t doing a little testing and when the Bucks got up by 17, he hid the play book. I’m sure that Lloyd has enough trouble getting the Beta Max to work as it is. If he only has one half to go on, all the better.
I don’t think we have to worry about looking past Northwestern. Their win over Iowa last should give Tressel enough to motivate the players for one more win before the big one.
And unlike UM and Ball State, Illinois is in the Big Ten and they were never ahead (or in a position to win the game). Illinois is a young team with plenty of talent. Look for them in a year or two.
Let’s just hope UM can get past them next weekend. I’m sorry, but I just don’t have any faith in Lloyd Cooper.
