Apologies for the tardiness, the “Fastest recap on the web” seemingly had the same issues that the Buckeye offense did today. These are my quick thoughts; Jim will bring more insight on Monday:
Defense
- From my vantage point (couch, 27 inch TV), the defense again played lights out. Other than the double pass back to Scheelhaase during the first drive and a few “long” (15-20 yd) runs by Leshoure, the Silver Bullets had their way with Illinois. The only scores came on the first drive and a short field situation following an interception.
- Following the first series, Scheelhaase was held in check running the ball. Kudos to the defensive gameplan and the work of the front four in containing a dangerous threat.
- Yet again, Ohio State did not allow a 100 yard rusher. Postgame snowcones for everyone.
- Christian Bryant filled in admirably for Tyler Moeller; Rumors are swirling about Tyler’s condition, tBBC will keep you updated once we get an official word, which will probably come after his MRI on Sunday.
Special Teams
- No coverage issues (must have been Rob’s videos), but the Buckeyes’ efforts on the kickoff team will greatly improve once the kicks themselves are consistent. Basil knocked some through the endzone and some to the 15 yard line- although the wind didn’t help.
- I was impressed with the blocking by the punt unit, especially since it seemed that Illinois was bringing consistent pressure. This was most evident during the punt backed into the endzone- solid job by the front, the wall, and Buchanan to get it away after a shortened approach.
- PAT blocked… sigh. Penalty… Huzzah! I didn’t catch it, but were the two correlated? Was the Illini who jumped offsides responsible for the penetration and block?
Offense
- Struggles running the ball continue, although it looks as if Boom Herron is going to be the feature back when the team needs hard yardage.
- However, the off tackle plays on the final drive were beautiful; set up by interior running making linebackers crash inside, Boom’s bounce to the edges were well designed.
- In addition, Zach Boren was destroying people on those runs as well. Please submit your thoughts for an appropriate nickname in the comments.
- I’m concerned somewhat about the return of “Good Tressel”; much like every female castmember of “Gossip Girl” (so I’m told), I prefer the bad boy we’ve seen the past few weeks.
- That being said, I’m OK with conservative play that keeps TP2 safe until he could be evaluated. The absence of the passing game worries me some, but a friend who was at the game said that the wind was pretty brutal. So there’s that.
- That’s all I’ve got. Any other commentary on the offense feels as if it would be doing this:
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