In what may have been a break out game for Terelle Pryor, the Buckeyes hushed the critics winning their first BCS game since 2005nd their first Rose Bowl since 1997. Pryor, who threw 23-37 for a total 266 yards (a career high) proved that he can be the dual threat quarterback we’ve all hoped he would be.
On Defense, the Buckeyes did a good job of turning Oregon into a one dimensional offense but not in the way I expected. Going into this game, I expected Ohio State to shut down the Oregon run but it was the Ducks passing game which suffered the most. Massoli was held to 9 out of 20 for a mere 81 yards. Oregon did gain 179 yards on the ground which is the second highest rushing yards allowed by the Ohio State defense this season.
Defensively, the Buckeyes did almost exactly what I expected them to do. For the most part, they manged to contain Masoli and the option, did not get sucked in by the deception and most important, kept the Oregon offense off the field. The Buckeyes held the Ducks to only 12 first downs the entire game.
Offensively, I think the Buckeyes surprised everyone. While I predicted long, slow, clock-eating drives, I thought they’d do it on the ground. Instead, Pryor found his passing arm and Tressel had the confidence in him to use it. Along with his 266 yards in the air, Pryor ran for a total 70 yards while Brandon Saine carried the ball 14 times for a 45 yards. I will say that the Oregon defense got through to Pryor more then I thought they would. They got some serious mileage out of the shoe string tackle.
Most telling though was time of possession. Going into this game, we heard an earful from the Oregon fans that the hurry up offense combined with a speedy, deceptive backfield would leave the Ohio State D huffing and puffing. Wasn’t a problem though as the Buckeyes controlled the ball for almost 42 minutes. It turns out the defense had more then enough time to rest and recuperate on the bench.
Oregon’s most dangerous weapon was their kick return. The Buckeyes had a hard time slowing both Barner and Harris who averaged around 28 yards per return. If the Buckeyes had performed better on special teams, this game might have been a much bigger Ohio State win.
In classic Tresselball style, the Buckeyes refused to put it away until late in the game. While I’m glad we one, I’ll also be glad when we stop relying so much on the field goal and start scoring a few more touchdowns.
For now though, the Buckeyes have proven themselves on the national stage. Pryor demonstrated that he can throw the ball as well as run. The Vince Young comparisons are obvious and Ohio State should start the 2010 season well suited for a national championship run.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like to say that I went to the game today, had a great time in our student section. Game was pretty well divided. Ducks fans were pretty honorable and hospitable, I actually scored a few beers (Coors Light, but I’m not complaining too heavily). I wouldn’t be surprised to see both teams in Glendale next year after everything I saw on the field today.
Oh, Tony, no hard feelings. You know, cause my school won and all.
“The Peoples Buckeye” …… absolutly no hard feelings. It was all in good fun. Sure wish Oregon could have made a better game of it though. In all reality…..it was a success for Oregon just to get to the Rose Bowl. They are returning almost all of their impact players next year…….so, there is a good chance we may be at this again next year. I think the Oregon football players will look back on this game with some regret. They did not execute their offense at all. This was definately a “missed opportunity”. Hopefully (for my sake) they will use this as a learning experience and come out strong next year.
Congrats on your win.
Word. Hope to see your boys in Glendale again next year. You have a year now to work on some better comedic material too, get to work.
LOL ….. will do
Thanks for sending me a picture of you …… it is great to put a face with a name.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/1230092joe1.html
See you next year.
just had to do it TPB ……. couldn’t let the pic go to waste. Now ….. If you were drinking a Micro Brew from the Northwest ……. they would have left you alone.
Here’s a reprint from a previous thread…but I wanted to make sure all tOSU fans knew my post game thoughts…
Well, I’m back….to offer congratulations. Duck fans faced some realizations today. JT coached a great game. Who thought Pryor would attempt 37 passes? Brilliant. I’m sure the Ducks spent 75% of their prep time on stopping the 3 yrds and a cloud…
Pryor… what a stud. The guy is “big game”. I’m sure tOSU’s future (and game plan) has been changed for the next 2 yrs. by this outing. We contained, but never shut the dooor in a clutch situation, therefore our O never got the momentum they needed to sustain any lasting high 5’s. I even saw some moments from tOSU where hurry up was used against us, effectively. Another great JT coaching moment.
The game pretty much went as I had suspected till mid-way 3rd quarter. The LB fumble was a momentum turner that I suppose was poetic justice of the early season event that provided such an NCAA media fiasco. All-in-all, the Oregon offense never really had a chance to establish anything close to what they really do well….ball control was well established all day by tOSU.
In the end, it was a pretty fair representation. Both teams showed up. There were certainly times when the balance was in question. However, tonight the best team won.
For those who say this was a meaningless game for tOSU, I disagree. Sure not NC, but I’m sure this performance will weigh heavily in the pre season polls next year. And there is a new wrinkle for tOSU, a new confidence in Pryor, and a new game plan priority.
For the Ducks, let’s hope this will make them hungrier. Their small senior class will be missed, but most skilled positions will be back, and if tOSU hasn’t progressed to loftier bowls, there is a good chance we could repeat this game sometime in the future.
It has been a pleasure to go back and forth with you this year on this game, and you deserve the accolades that all the tradition that exist at tOSU has produced. I’m sure that O knows (as do I) that we will have to step up a little, if we expect a better outcome. And of course, we do next time!
And lastly, this time will cause me to have a look at the game by game progress of tOSU next season, if only to be prepared for the banter in some upcoming year…..Good Luck tOSU!!
This game absolutely exemplified the saying ‘sometimes the best defense is a good offense.’
Not taking away from the defense at all though… Oregon’s second lowest point total all year and average drive start was their own 42. That is absolutely sick. Anyone who’s said anything bad about the Buckeye defense… you may repent now.
But I’d say the defense certainly should cover the offense’s tab tonight. And doubles for Jake Ballard… silent all day, but has arguably the biggest play of the game… very reminiscent of the Gonzalez catch against scUM ’05. Broken play on 3rd down, would have brought out the punt team and kept the margin at 2, makes an inhuman catch that leads to the dagger. That play, and this game, will not soon be forgotten in Buckeye Nation.
I couldn’t be happier for Pryor. This is the same guy who two weeks into the season after USC was dubbed, and re-dubbed after Purdue, as the biggest recruiting wash in the country. He pulls it together during the gauntlet stretch to close the season… then puts up career numbers and countless clutch plays in one of the biggest games in school history… with. a torn. knee. ligament. Take a bow, kid. And your place in school history.
Oh, and one last thing… in bowl season…
Pac 10 2-5
Big 10 3-2 (let’s get it done, Hawkeyes)
Looks like we can close the book on that one.
Total DOMINATION is what the Buckeyes did to the fizzling ducks. TP finally game of age.
Can you believe how lopsided the stats were. 419 total yards to 260, time of possession 41 minutes to 18, TP 338 total yard to Oregons 260. What a Humble guy he is. In the after the game comments, giving credit to the coaches, teammates, and of course the fans. You did not hear one I come from his mouth. What class act.
The defense was awesome shuting down this high octaine offense we have been hearing about.
I kept telling our duck friends they could not pass against our shutdown secondary. Do you think they believe me know. 81 passing yards, you can’t get a up of coffee with that number.
Lets see if the Duck fans who have been inundating the blog the past couple of months have the balls to come on today to humble themselves and say they were wrong.
Great year to be a Buckeye fan 11 and 2, and a great win in the Rose Bowl. Next year the BCS championship game.
The only bad thing is no more Buckeye football until next year, quess I’ll have to start watch basketball or what ever else is on the Big Ten Network. Maybe they will show a replay of the Rose Bowl every week.
Wow. You guys rocked the Rose Bowl this year. Nice work all around: Pryor sensational, defense relentlessly stout, coaching superb, great fan turnout (and lots of fun pre-game banter over what might/might not happen). My Ducks got beat by a better team. Congratulations on your decisive victory.
Let’s do it again next year!
You Ducks are some of the classiest fans I have ever seen. I enjoyed some good-natured banter with some of your fellow Ducks. Matter of fact I have had some email conversations with your offensive line coach, Steve Greatwood. What a good man and great coach! We Buckeye fans can learn a lot from fans like you. We need to keep our banter and cheering on a higher plain. Never do we need to dip to the depths that we go. That is………..unless we’re playing THAT TEAM UP NORTH (only kidding….I guess).
No…there are no rules when it comes to that team up north.
Carl, per your post directed towards me on the”arise young men” ….thanks for your suggestions.
I still stand by most of my “keys to the game” (dec 23). I said that if Pryor gets the green light to throw the ball and OSU gets both the running and passing game working together…..then Oregon would be in trouble. I also mentioned that turnovers would be a factor and Oregon would need to protect the ball (they didn’t). I believed that Tressel would play a conservative game (like he did the second half of the season). So, my worst fears were realized when he didn’t. The only key that I did not get correct was the fact that OSU completely shut down the Oregon offense. On Dec 24th I posted:
“I think OSU’s best chance at slowing Oregon’s offense down is to play conservative. Force Masoli to try to beat you in the air. He isn’t as good passing as he is running. This would also neutralize LaMike James. Limit Oregon to short yardage and get some stops. If this happens …… Oregon may bring in Blount and try to run it up the gut. But as I mentioned earlier …. Oregon’s offensive line is pretty small and OSU should be able to contain.”
This is exactly what happened. The only thing that I really got wrong was the tempo of Oregons game. I thought it would be a huge factor ……. Jim was correct when he posted that OSU’s offense would keep Oregons offense off the field. Jim was correct……and Oregon never got into a rythym. Also……I think I predicted a close game……..not a blow out.
Bottom line……Ohio State executed their plan better than Oregon.
Congrats to Ohio State Football and their fans on a very good game.
Cheers.
You’ve got to give Tony and the Oregon fans credit Carl. For the most part, they’ve been a class act.
Remember back to 03 when the Buckeyes beat Miami. Even after losing, as their quarterback who is so banged up he spent the night in the hospital, they continued with their crap about OSU not deserving to be on the same field with them. I was at that game and the Phoenix paper the next morning was filled with the talk of a team who failed miserably at losing.
And from the earlier comment thread, it’s not that Oregon was a bad team. They proved themselves this year as one of the top college football teams out there. I don’t doubt for a minute that they would have been a serious force in the SEC.
It’s just that the Buckeyes were that good.
Jim, thanks for your kind words……and on behalf of all of us Quackers …… thanks for letting us be apart of your blog.
Also …… Not Allan …… (posting on “Arise men of Ohio”) No apology needed for clockwork. I think his posts speak for themselves. Although, I think he passed the Mary Jane phase quite a while ago. Clockwork ……. if you are listening to me ……. Put Down The Crack Pipe!
It has been fun …… Thanks
Tony
Tony,
Wrong again fatty. Aren’t you getting tired of that? I stick strictly to the sticky-icky.
Clockwork ……
Trailer Park Rules:
1. No cars up on blocks for longer than three weeks.
2. You may have no more than 3 beer can wind chimes each only having no more than 6 cans each.
3. Drunkenness will not be tolerated in the streets prior to 10 am.
4. While outside of your trailer you must be at least partially clothed.
5. If you prefer to clean your trailer in the nude, please close the curtains.
6. When bringing in the Jerry Springer or COPS film crews, please provide the management prior written notice so that certain residents may be forewarned.
7. Empty beer bottles should not be discarded on the front lawn. However, they may remain there until you are sober enough to collect them with the understanding you will collect them within 7 days whether sober or not.
8. When bringing dates home to your trailer, please be advised that in the event the sidewalks need to be repaired or replaced due to the weight of your date, you will be responsible for all cost incurred.
9. All window cracks and repairs must be done within 7 days of last party using color coordinated duct tape whenever possible.
10. Lawn mower, car and truck parts are not to be displayed, advertised or kept in the yard for more than 30 days unless they are in original condition, this includes but is not limited to rust, dents, flat tires, broken windows and headlights, dull blades etc.
11. For sale sign must include real name, address, phone number (if any), price in dollars and cents,large enough to be read from the street while driving by with beer in hand.
12. All children found in yard after dark will be referred to the local tavern for collection.
13. Volume of TV will be kept at a reasonable level except where your neighbor’s television is broke and wants to listen to the NASCAR races.
14. Your neighbors dogs are NOT for target practice.
Congrats on the new house.
A final thought (Jerry Springer): Clockwork …….. You will never be the Man your Mother is.
Somehow ……. clockwork …… I don’t think I have been very wrong about you. Your original post was idiotic …… and you stuck true to form until the end.
Again thanks Buckeye Nation …….. and I am heading back to Duck Country.
Cheers
Tony,
Is the Dane Cook of message board posters. At least he thinks hes funny. Tony, for the record you haven’t been right about a single thing you have posted on the board, either about the Rose Bowl or Me. Do I have to point out that you were the one who knows the Trailer Park Rules. Thanks for educating me on lame jokes I guess. . . Like I said earlier Only B*tches talk shit. . . I did what i came to do. Told you the Bucks would win.
Yes Jim your right, Props to Tony and ShastaDuck for coming on the blog in a respectful manor.
Tony, the other post was frustration coming out, nothing more. I’m a die hard, homer, fanatic about my Buckeye”s. All the negative talk just pissed me off. Every time I turned the TV on a sports programs tjhey were bashing the Buckeyes. Yesterdays ticker said 78% of the fans thought we would lose. They proved them all wrong. No hard feelings I hope.
I didn’t care for the officiating by the Big Twelve refs. I thought the call on Chekwa on that pass interference call was terrible. I can’t remember the name of your receiver who caught that ball on the side lines in the first half, he had both feet in but did not have controlof the ball, no replay of course, and a few other calls were suspect.
Oh well wait till next year and we get to do it all over again. Have a great year and be safe.
Carl….All in good fun …. No hard feelings here, my friend. I love my Ducks and this was a tough loss. But, I am happy to see them get a little national attention. This has been a “stand up” and clean program for quite a few years. Unfortunately, in the Pac10 …. only USC get any recognition. I fully expect the Trojans to regroup and be back next year. Keep in mind ….. Teams like USC, Michigan, Ohio State get the top high school players every year. A Duck fan pointed out a few weeks ago that it wasn’t until recently that the NCAA started to regulate how many scholorships that each school could give out. This has evened the playing field considerably. But, there is still a division between the “haves” and the have nots”. Where as Ohio State has a very storied history ……. Oregon has yet to create one. I think this has more to do with the scholorships issue ……. than quality of program though. I hope that this trip to the Rose Bowl will help recruit some top notch talent into our program. But, I checked a few weeks ago …… and our recruiting class this year is ranked #6 out of the Pac10. So we obviously have some work to do here.
Again, good game….and we may be at it again next year.
Tony
I pretty much echo these sentiments. I’m one of those optimistic realists when it comes to the Buckeyes and I’m not a fan of any banter when they include promises of complete annihilation. No ill will towards any Duck fans too, except for the one that jumped on my back yesterday after the interception and the ten year old kid blasting the duck call in my ear (which his father told him to stop somewhere during the second quarter when Oregon finally tied).
All that said though, that Miami fan days ago can still go hang himself. I really didn’t care for him and his team proved that he wasn’t even worthy to be in a discussion of Bucks and Ducks… not that it was even needed.
I cannot believe all of the shallow, insecure people who want something percieved good that they can hang onto. Pryor was pathetic “again”!!!! The only reason Ohio State did not continue their bowl slump was because Oregon did not have a good defense. The best candidate for Rose Bowl MVP was Jake Ballard who covered Pryor’s backside when he went up and pulled down that lame duck which Pryor launched into coverage. Again Pryor stared his primary reciever right through the route. Again Pryor does not know how to lead a reciever with a pass. I am a dedicated Buckeye Fan, but I would have rather had a losing season and had an authentic person at quarterback who was willing to learn and truely care about his teamates. And thank goodness Jim Cordle is off of the team now!!!! Good riddance Cordle, you caused more problems with your whining wanna be character than you could ever be worth. Maybe Cordle can go back to pathetic Lancaster and be apart of Carpenter’s good ol’boy network. This pathetic “I” am the best cancer does not stop and Ohio State Football it has spread out into the basketball program as well. Another program where a coaching staff cannot teach a group of young men to play as a team???? Ever since Evan Turner went down they cannot even win against a poor Wisconsin basketball team. Well someday soon maybe there will be some integrity that returns to Ohio State football and basketball.
With fans like this …….. who needs Ducks …… lol.
Um, Vern, exactly are you getting at here? Quite an example of stream-of-consciousness rant.
Vern, you seem to be a very angry man! What’s wrong? Take a chill pill. Is it really that serious? I’m sure you’re a stellar athlete and coach. That’s why you’re busy blogging on this blog site; right?
Vern, WTF do you wan’t? I have never seen so much anger in a Buckeye fan???? before.
Perhaps you would like Cooper back, with Bellesari at QB. Perhaps some antidepresants might help. Cheers
Hey Fellow Buckeye Fans! I know I’ve been away for a while but now I’m back. I am so glad to be back. I’m speechless. I got so choked up watching those young men perform Friday evening that when my son turned to give me a high-five I was in tears. My son began to laugh! I’m sorry! This is what I have wanted to see from our offense for so long. We have so much talent and to see it utilized is a beautiful spectacle to behold. When Terrelle performs like that and makes the good decisions he made we will never be out of a game. Our defense was fabulous. If there is a better defense in the country I want to see them. I know some will argue that Alabama and Florida are better. Bring ‘em on! We won’t run from anyone. Our D-Line was fabulous! When I think about next year I begin to drool.
Let me apologize to Coach Tressel. I have bad-mouthed him quite a bit on his play calling but I’m beginning to see a method to his madness. When it comes to offensive philosophy I must agree to disagree. But he proves that there is more than one way to skin a cat. That’s why he is the coach of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. That’s why he gets the big check. What a masterfully called game.
I love Brandon Saine and to see him play this season without nagging injuries was truly a joy. He shows that there is a lot in his tank. He may have the best hands on the team. I love it when both he and Boom are in the game together. Defenses don’t know what is coming. Think about next year! When Roderick Smith, Carlos Hyde, and Jamal Berry come on board what a dynamic backfield we’ll have along with Boom, Saine, and Jordan Hall. Oh, I almost forgot…..what about Jameel (I know I spelled that wrong) Martin from Cleveland Glenville! That is crazy depth in the backfield. I wonder if some of these guys will go on the other side of the ball. I can’t say enough about our blocking fullback, Zach Boren. He’s a beast! Maybe we’ll reward him on occasion and see him run the ball.
Believe me! I think we’re going to see some real fireworks next season. I know………the season is barely over and I’m talking about next season. But next season is going to be truly awesome! Coach Tressel, you definitely have our undivided attention! GO BUCKS!!!!
Here here! Well said.
And good to hear from you again Boss.
It was so refreshing to see both Pryor and Tressel answer their criticism through the growth they both showed yesterday. I’m proud of them and for them, as well as, all of the Buckeyes. I’m wearing my Rose Bowl sweatshirt, just beaming around Saint Augustine. OH-IO! Go Buckeyes!!
I thought Tressel played it beautifully, perhaps demonstrating what a great coach he is in bringing out the talent of Tyrell Pryor. During the season, after the Purdue game, when a lesser coach might publicly embarrass his QB, Tressel brought in the reigns, protecting him as much as he thought he could get away with, all the while buying time to develop him in practices, and a little at a time in games.
Then, when he felt he was going to have to have TP throw, he must have worked his butt off in practices leading up to the Rose Bowl. It could have flopped badly, and really sent Pryor backwards in his development. But it didn’t. The rewards are not only a nice Rose Bowl Trophy, but a very good chance at having a really, really good QB for the next two years.
Keep that defense strong, develop some receivers, and OSU could be in “The Big One” real soon.