It's been almost two days since Ohio State lost a last second thriller to Texas in 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Fans and the media swiftly divided into two camps, with blistering the Buckeyes for another BCS loss that cemented the legacy of this senior class. The other lauded OSU for a great game against an elite team, and credited the coaches and players for scaring the daylights out a team that was thisclose to playing for the national title.As usual, I think the truth belongs somewhere in the middle. For Buckeye bashers, does this game even remotely resemble the embarrassing losses to USC, LSU or Florida? Ohio State stared down the Longhorns powerful offense, led at half, led with two minutes to go, and just ran out of gas at the end. Who would you have preferred here - Boise State? And don't forget in a season of declining bowl ratings, the Feista Bowl scored an outstanding 11.6 overnight rating.
For the scarlet and gray apologists, there's got to be some soul searching. Yes, this program is the class of the (down) Big Ten and is dominating its (down) rival Michigan. But you can make a persuasive case that Ohio State has lost six consecutive big games, including three bowl games in a row. We some some offensive innovation, but we also saw some mind-numbing play calls, including repeated momentum killing runs after big plays in the first half. This had all of the elements of past losses to Texas and Penn State, trying to win with field goals and not capitalizing when opportunities are there. Ohio State dominated the first half but led just 6-3. That trick might work against Minnesota or Purdue, but against top competition, OSU needs to step on their throats when they get the chance.
I don't have the heart to rewatch this game for a real breakdown. Things I'll take away:
*I'm happy for Todd Boeckman and glad he got to play a big role. it would have been fitting for a classy captain to go out as the hero. But here's hoping he's got a little Matt Cassel in him.
*If Beanie Wells goes pro, which seems like a foregone conclusion, he career had a fitting end. He was the most dynamic force on the OSU offense, and should never EVER be lumped into any conversation about how the Big Ten doesn't have the athletes to compete with the SEC. But after 100+ yards in a little over a half, he got injured. I hope he can stay healthy for a few years and really strut his stuff in the NFL.
*If Beanie Wells goes pro, which seems like a foregone conclusion, he career had a fitting end. He was the most dynamic force on the OSU offense, and should never EVER be lumped into any conversation about how the Big Ten doesn't have the athletes to compete with the SEC. But after 100+ yards in a little over a half, he got injured. I hope he can stay healthy for a few years and really strut his stuff in the NFL.
*The offensive line played better than it had in other big games. But there were still struggles with speed rushes off the edge, and they have a very hard time getting a consistent push on interior runs. It will be interesting to see the revamped line next season, with as many as four new starters.
*Terrelle Pryor played a lot like you would expect from a stellar freshman - poised at times, and showing his youth on others. Some of his scrambles were dazzling, even when he inexplicably ran out of bounds (twice) when more yardage could have been gained. His development as a passer will be THE story of the offseason in my opinion. We have talent in spades at receiver, but he needs to improve on reads, accuracy, and touch.
*The defensive line got pushed around against USC and LSU, but that was not the case against Texas. The Buckeyes pressure McCoy much of the night, but seemed just a step short on most blitzes. Still, you can't fault the effort of players like Nader Abdallah, Thaddeus Gibson and even Nathan Williams.
*Chimdi Chekwa will probably want to forget this one as soon as possible. With Malcolm Jenkins on the other side, Texas picked on him quite a lot. To be fair, OSU's defense is designed to allow a lot of 7-9 yards gains rather than giving up the big play (hear that Anderson Russell?) But if Chekwa is really going to be the projected #1 CB heading into next season, as seems possible, it could a long year defending the pass.
*I hate fans who endless complain about the officiating (yes I mean you, Penn State supporters). But virtually every close call went against Ohio State. Do you seriously expect me to believe Texas passed 59 times and never held once? The second roughing the passer call against Thaddeus Gibson was extremely weak as well...the spot on the fourth down call...it goes on and on. If OSU wins, these plays are forgotten before dawn. But when desperately need some good luck, it really stung. Thanks a lot Big East.
*Terrelle Pryor played a lot like you would expect from a stellar freshman - poised at times, and showing his youth on others. Some of his scrambles were dazzling, even when he inexplicably ran out of bounds (twice) when more yardage could have been gained. His development as a passer will be THE story of the offseason in my opinion. We have talent in spades at receiver, but he needs to improve on reads, accuracy, and touch.
*The defensive line got pushed around against USC and LSU, but that was not the case against Texas. The Buckeyes pressure McCoy much of the night, but seemed just a step short on most blitzes. Still, you can't fault the effort of players like Nader Abdallah, Thaddeus Gibson and even Nathan Williams.
*Chimdi Chekwa will probably want to forget this one as soon as possible. With Malcolm Jenkins on the other side, Texas picked on him quite a lot. To be fair, OSU's defense is designed to allow a lot of 7-9 yards gains rather than giving up the big play (hear that Anderson Russell?) But if Chekwa is really going to be the projected #1 CB heading into next season, as seems possible, it could a long year defending the pass.
*I hate fans who endless complain about the officiating (yes I mean you, Penn State supporters). But virtually every close call went against Ohio State. Do you seriously expect me to believe Texas passed 59 times and never held once? The second roughing the passer call against Thaddeus Gibson was extremely weak as well...the spot on the fourth down call...it goes on and on. If OSU wins, these plays are forgotten before dawn. But when desperately need some good luck, it really stung. Thanks a lot Big East.
We'll check in on the '09 recruiting class and start sizing up next year's Buckeyes in the next few days.
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