Comments on: USC Didn’t Win, OSU Lost

By: Terrelle Pryor, Coaching, and a Game Against Toledo | The Buckeye Blog

Terrelle Pryor, Coaching, and a Game Against Toledo | The Buckeye Blog — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:45:30 +0000

[...] it’s taken me a couple of days to bounce back from the loss against USC. Sure, I offered my post game thoughts, but like the rest of Buckeye Nation, I’m just now getting to a point where I can move [...]

By: Mark Sarro

Mark Sarro — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:15:59 +0000

OSU offense HAS to be turned over to someone that can CREATE smart play calls and use our talent and skills to the fullest. The offense against usc was like watching paint dry, and easy for usc to defend and confuse Pryor. We need a smarter defensive coach as well. Our D played great all game and then the last drive, we leave the middle open to be exploited by usc with smart play calls. There was 3 minutes, plenty of time, and usc runs a draw and a short pass to RB over the middle. We needed to stay with pressure, or at least have someone with speed that can hit to cover the middle. usc took control from there, mixing run and pass against a tired defense and scored. We had them 2nd & 19 and the coach should have gone for the kill.

By: Annapolisbuckeye

Annapolisbuckeye — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:20:42 +0000

I’m with you Dave. One of the things that makes Ohio State such a great program these days is that it is a class act turning players of class. We can thank Tressel for that. He is a great mentor.

I like the term “evolve.” That’s exactly what needs to happen. I do think though that it’s time for Tressel to consider turning the offensive play calling over to a top quality offensive coach. It may or may not be Bollman.

Tressel has proven his ability to put together a top notched defense. Now he needs to let the offense do their thing.

By: Dave Smith

Dave Smith — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:12:14 +0000

Talk about a half empty kind of guy.
First of all he’s a college football coach, not pro. So mentoring and turning out decent folks certainly is a HUGE part of his job.
Secondly, top 20 team?
Since 2002, this is how the Buckeyes have compared to the “elite” programs:
USC average final ranking – 2.5
Buckeyes average final ranking – 6
Texas average final ranking – 7
Florida average final ranking – 14

Hardly a “top 20 program”.

Tressel ball needs to evolve, and it will.
A Pryor(Like Troy Smith) type of quarterback lends itself to more agressive play calling, and I think it will eventually.
I hope it evolves sooner rather then later..but be careful what you ask for..
We do not need another John Cooper at the helm.

By: Mike from Chillicothe

Mike from Chillicothe — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:06:47 +0000

9 and 3 or 10 and 3 may work for a while but his days are numbered. I LIKE him too, but this is not about mentoring and being liked. Its about winning football games. “OK” is not OK.

By: Annapolisbuckeye

Annapolisbuckeye — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:49:03 +0000

So if we get rid of Tressel, what’s the answer. We’ll find ourselves in the Earl Bruce situation where we fire a coach with a strong winning record. Who’s going to take his place? I think Tressel is great as a college coach. He seems to be a good mentor and really looks out for the best interests of his players.

Instead of firing Tressel, it’s time he turns the play calling over to a strong offensive coach. This means of course that Bollman may have to go. I think Tressel is a good man for the top position but he needs to find an offensive wizard and let him run the offensive game.

Balance strong offensive coaching with our traditional strength at defense, of which Tressel does deserve credit, and I think we’ve got an unstoppable team — now and in the years to come.

By: Mike from Chillicothe

Mike from Chillicothe — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:42:38 +0000

Overall, I agree with much you’ve said. But in the end you revealed yourself to wear the same blinders that Tressel wears. Keep him if you are happy with a top 20 program. He will never achieve the success he seeks, nor will OSU ever be a top tier program. Tressel seemingly can not coach ” on the fly”. He often does not recognize who is happening now or think ahead 2-3 plays about consequences of his calls– think the last offensive series of first half. I’ve always been a Tressel fan but I want OSU to get to the next level. I am convinced that Tressel’s time has come and gone. Time to move on. Don’t wait till Michigan returns to its former greatness. We have been deluded the last 4 years into thinking we are invincible but Rick Rod is coming!!