OHIO STATE 21 MICHIGAN 10

[mister b]

OSU runs a Pro style offense. TP went there to prepare himself for a life in the NFL. (which remains to be seen if that is going to happen as a QB). Most NFL teams run a ball-control offense through their passing game, using the run to keep the defense honest with a dominant back, which OSU lacks at this time.

You can successfully control the ball and thus control the flow of the game with a passing game were pass plays out number the running plays. Ball control does not neccessarily mean pound, pound, pound with the run. OSU lacks the ability to do this, in my opinion, because of their O-line, especially in the red zone.

[seofan_via_dublin]

You can successfully control the ball and thus control the flow of the game with a passing game were pass plays out number the running plays. Ball control does not neccessarily mean pound, pound, pound with the run. OSU lacks the ability to do this, in my opinion, because of their O-line, especially in the red zone.

Ding, ding, ding we have a winner.

This is why the Buckeyes couldn't move the ball effectivly for the first 7 games.
This is also a great contributing reason that they pulled back the offense and bacame
a running power again.

They needed to get the pressure off of Pryor both physically and mentally, they needed
to limit the turnovers, and they needed to get consistant play and group play out of
an O-line that has been horrible for 2 years now.

They went to a running game focus, got the O-line blowing people off the line, got the safties and linebackers thinking run stop, instead of QB pressure, and won the Big 10 conference because of it.

We need to go back to last season, when the D-Line was a major problem area. They had great linebackers, and a very good secondary, but couldn't get pressure with their
front 4. They continued to rotate players in, until they found what worked and then they
bonded them as a unit. Now they have one of the most dominate D-Lines in college football, and they get tons of pressure with their front 4.

The O-Line has grown as a unit over the past 5 games, they have developed solid run blocking strategies, and they have developed a trust between them and Pryor. This sets them up great for next season, when they return all but 1 lineman, and also return every backup on the O-line. The experience and growth that they have gained ove rthe season,
will be the primary factor in the increased quality of play from Pryor and the increased production in the offense next year.

[OZZIEOHIO]

The biggest joke in college sports is the idiotic OSU fans that want to get rid of one of the most successful coaches in DI. Compare JT's record (winning %, Big Ten titles, Natl Championship game appearances and those won) and pro rate it out since he hasnt been in DI as long as most of the legends like WWHayes, The Bear, Darrell Royal, Joe Pa, etc and he doesnt have to take a back seat to any of them.

I agree 100%

[beaverlover]

There's one major flaw in the "OSU-chokes-in-the-bowls" theory, but it IS understandable. I think too many OSU fans believe the national championship is their birthright and anything less than that is unacceptable. Therefore when the Bucks lose, someone has to be held accountable.

Look at those three losses to Florida, LSU, and Texas. Did it ever occur to anyone that just MAYBE those teams were better than Ohio State, and it just might not have anything to do with the SEC is better than the Big Ten, but rather Florida, that year, was better than the Bucks? Where is the shame in losing the National Championship game or in being considered the second best football team in Division I?

Going to play in a bowl automatically assumes that one team MUST win and one must lose regardless of how good either or both teams are.

The biggest joke in college sports is the idiotic OSU fans that want to get rid of one of the most successful coaches in DI. Compare JT's record (winning %, Big Ten titles, Natl Championship game appearances and those won) and pro rate it out since he hasnt been in DI as long as most of the legends like WWHayes, The Bear, Darrell Royal, Joe Pa, etc and he doesnt have to take a back seat to any of them.

Outstanding Post!!!


I also agree 100%!!!

[seofan_via_dublin]

If you ask coach Bruce, who was an assistant when Woody was fired,
he'll tell you thet Woody was already on his way out and was to be let go after the
1978 season due to his 3 straight loses to Michigan.

His reaction on the sidelines in the Gator bowl just gave the University a chance
to do it and not disclose the Michigan reasoning.

I've read these statements, and actually heard him tell the story with my own ears.

Earl was brought in and went 5-4 against Michigan, but was not "Woody" so he
was railroaded out. Then carried out of Michigan stadium after beating them on his last game,
after being fired the monday of Michigan week.

Coop, didn't win right off the bat, and it took him 6 years to get his first 10 win season.
He had a horrible record against Michigan and in bowls, but he was saved many times from
being fired because University President E. Gordon Gee didn't want the Buckeyes to be looked
at in much of the same light as what Notre Dame is looked at now with their coaching situations,
and as an NFL factory.

Tressel, compared to Woody, has a better winning percentage, and better results against Michigan, all while having less scholarships, and more teams with greater talent on the schedule.

Success breeds high expectations, and without the success that he has achieved he wouldn't have people talking bad about the play calling. Without the success he would have just been canned.

[mister b]

JT could really benefit from having a Orlando Pace or a Jim Stillwagon type of lineman to build his O-line around.

[bigtimehitter]

JT could really benefit from having a Orlando Pace or a Jim Stillwagon type of lineman to build his O-line around.

what coach in the country wouldn't??