I’m guessing that you can figure out how this is going to go- a lot of early dissatisfaction tempered by late developing joy. I like to think that Tress was reading our “Wish list” as he was “Firing up the troops” at halftime.
Mali
- Pennsylvanian Buckeyes Representing Well – Hall and Bell were both solid in the kicking game, although Terelle had a below average day behind center. We didn’t get much from Philly, but there are better things to come.
- No Place Like Homan –You could almost sense the difference, both in the run game and in the “attitude” of the defensive front. Good to see “Russ” back with the Silver Bullets.
- More Posey, Please! – Opened up well, and made a great saving catch during the early drive in the second half.
- Remember Who You Are- McGloin played exceptionally well in the first half, and fell apart when the Buckeyes got serious about disguising their coverage. You’ve also got to wonder if his hand injury made a difference as well. At any rate, the Lions have a QB controversy on their hands for the coming years.
- Style Points – Nope, the Buckeyes didn’t hang 83 points on anyone, but they showed real moxie (sorry, couldn’t resist) and the type of “don’t quit” that championship teams have to have. And, to be honest, one that the Buckeyes haven’t shown under Tressel- mostly because they haven’t needed to.
- No False Starts – Three. Three fricking false starts. At home. I’ll chalk it up to aggressiveness, and just rock myself to sleep.
Joe
- A healthy Pryor – Even though it came back, you could tell from his long run in the 4th quarter that his leg is much better. Bad news for Iowa and Michigan…
- A decisive victory – Ended up that way, didn’t it? The Bucks even covered “the spread”, whatever that means…
- A great fall November Day in Columbus – Gorgeous day, flyover, tribute to veterans… win all around.
Jay
- We must protect this house –It took a half, but Ohio State rose to the occasion and defended their honor.
- Efficient, precise offense – Um… not at first. I’m not sure why the Buckeyes are so dedicated to coming out with something other than what we know works (bludgeoning running game)- but that’s probably why I’m not a coach.
- Pass coverage – Again, great after McGlointSpread had some early success. It was promising to see the coaches open the playbook and trust their players to make things happen in the second quarter.
Eric
- Jump out to a big lead -Nope. In fact, the Buckeyes had to overcome the largest deficit they’ve ever done in the Tressel administration.
- An increased role for Philly Brown – Again, not really.
- Another 100 yard game for Dan Herron – How does 190 grab you? Yeah, I thought you’d approve.
- Improvement in the special teams – Night and day different. The Lions were leading the Big T1e1n in return yardage, and were held almost ten yards below his difference. The Donnie makes all things better.
Jim
- A confused, disoriented, ineffective Penn State offense – Sure thing, especially if you skipped the first half.
- A warm welcome for Matt McGloin – Well, we toyed with his emotions a bit, let him get excited, and then welcomed him to the “Anthony Morelli” club. Lifetime membership.
- Improved reactions in the secondary –You could tell why Tress hates bye weeks- everyone was flat and flat footed, especially in the secondary. However, there were two halves played..
- Players stepping up on defense –None bigger than the 4th and one stop; I’m not sure the Buckeyes could have come back from a 21-3 deficit at the half.
- An effective offense imposing their will – Once we decided to run over the Lions rather than around them, things improved greatly.
- A team that looks like they are ready and able to win a championship –As funny as it sounds, championship teams need this type of win. Think of Purdue in 2002… it really does build character- and reveal it.
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