MEMBER SINCE August 17, 2013
OSU grad, from Cincinnati, now living on west coast.
Yes, that was a hard hit on Smith and could have been called. But the refs seemed reluctant to call penalties on the Ducks.
My takeaways:
OSU needs to work on tackling
Agreed.
Football is a fickle and unforgiving bastard of a game sometimes. Bounce of a ball here or there and it’s a different story.
What is it — bad karma? Ohio seems to be unlucky in football (injuries, bad calls, etc), basketball (injuries, bad calls, etc), and … lookout Guardians!
it’s not just the end of the game defense, it’s the lack of stops throughout the game that are just as problematic.
There have been some stops during the game, but your point is taken.
I would like to see OSU’s defense force more three and outs, which helps with field position.
But then, I’d want to see less cushion given, more pressure on the quarterback, and much better tackling.
I’d also like to see passing routes of seven or more yards, at least past the yard to be gained, and punting on fourth down. Perhaps that would emphasize to the players they have just three downs to get the first down yardage.
I am just Woody and Tressel old school, I suppose.
And, IMO...
Ohio State fans should be forgiven/tolerated for feeling the Buckeyes got robbed by the refs, who...
Of course, the Buckeyes could have played better in the 4th quarter and left no doubt. But...sheesh!
I heard that the penalty was different if 12 players participated in the play (15 yards) vs if a player was running to get off the field and not participating (5 yards).
Is that correct?
If so, the penalty should have been 15 yards.
The refs blew it.
What was the situation when Larry Johnson left PSU? He wasn't getting the opportunity he felt he deserved?
Does Johnson feel HE should be running the Defense, rather than Knowles?
He wouldn't be sabotaging Knowles, would he?
Coasting ... will get you nowhere.
Or worse. (This also reminds me of The World According to Garp, book or film.)
I've seen the Buckeyes coast a lot over the years, and sometimes get edged out in the end by doing so.
In my view, if you're going to coast, then "Grab some pine, meat!" Send in the reserve(s).
IMO, Ramzy's most important observations are these:
Since Day was never a head coach of a lesser, underdog team trying to upset a much more talented one, he seems to lack the strategy and ability to get his guys to show big game opponents that "We're just as good as you today, or better" and TAKE the game away from the opponent. All game long.
“…Jim Knowles defenses never seem to be able to stop anyone when it matters most…”
It sure seems to happen against the top teams. I miss the aggressive old days.
Klatt’s right about poor tackling, and not just the missed ones. Are Buckeye defenders taught to go for the legs? Grabbing the ball carrier around the shoulders, as pictured above, seems to often let him grind out more yards downfield.
Did you notice that the Ducks were grabbing legs and spinning/twisting them to upset the Buckeye ball carrier’s balance? Nearly always dropping them on the spot?
When poor tackling is combined with “keeping everything in front“ (too much cushion) against good teams, the results are troubling.
Buckeyes need to IMPROVE PASS DEFENSE AND TACKLING.
Agreed.
Pass Defense: With inadequate DL pressure, a lot of receivers are fairly open — we've seen this in a lot of OSU games this year. Either OSU gives them too much cushion, or they blow right past DB's without help over the top. How is it that Oregon DB's were able to stay with OSU's receivers, but OSU can't cover the Ducks?
Tackling: How is it that Buckeye defenders are trying to tackle ball carriers by their shoulders, rather than their legs? With the ball carriers gaining 3-10 more yards before going down?
Is this apparent bend-but-don't break strategy working? Especially in big games?
Come on Bucks, get it together.
You can do this.
Paul Keels said he saw a lot of Buckeyes in Eugene today.
Where, oh where are OSU's huevos on offense?
Excellente, Kyle! Loved the analysis, arrows, circles identifying players, etc.
Please keep these coming!
Thanks
Even the Buckeyes have 2 players at 7'1" and Parks at 6'10"
I'm hoping that by season end, Ohio State has more than one men's hoops player named All Big Ten.
C'mon Buckeyes! You CAN DO IT !
Does this scholarship apply only to an athlete (football player?) attending grad school at Ohio State?
Or can they go elsewhere with the $18,000?
Can it be used by someone playing football as a grad student? And getting NIL?
Trey Henderson surpassed Keith Byars to move into 10th place for rushing yards at TOSU. Next up on the list are Carlos Hyde and Tim Spencer.
See SportsRef for the list.
stopping their QB
runwould be nice
Yeah, the Buckeyes need to make their QB have a bad night.
Yep, Six seasons averaging a million dollars or more can really set one up for life (if one is smart/reasonable with money).
Conley to Bates-Diop to net!
Sure seems like the biggest test will be our probably/maybe (very) good O line v the #1 sacking d line.
One hopes OSU's game plan includes getting quick passes off — in 2 seconds. Slants & screens?
I was disappointed in the defense's first half performance: 200 yards and 2 TD's. Marshall's last possession of the 1st half was troubling.
Their 2nd half performance was better. But I would have liked to see adjustments happen faster.
I count 6:
2 short punts (net)
1 muffed punt
3 kick-offs out of bounds.
As Ryan Day has said, this Buckeye team is "nowhere near where we need to be."
Way too many mistakes.
