It’s been a hectic couple week’s here at the BBC, but not hectic enough to keep us from jotting down a couple of wishes for this weekend.
Eric
An offense. Let’s just start this out with the obvious. I would give anything to see a functional OSU offense take the field against this tough Blackshirt’s defense. The lack of Herron and Posey will make that more difficult than originally expected for this point in the season, but you have to be able to perform even when you’re missing guys. That’s one of the key differences between “good” teams and “great” ones.
Me not jinxing the OSU offense by asking for silly passing numbers. This one says it all, I think. I won’t be asking for that crap until next season. Maybe.
A pick six. We have been awfully close to a few big pick sixes in both of our losses. We’re going to need them if this team is ever going to win some of these tough games. This is a lot like 2002 – except for the fact that we got those interceptions when we needed them back then (cough cough Penn State).
Taylor Martinez – Wisconsin Version. He threw three picks to the Badgers. Can he be equally accommodating to us? That would be awfully generous of him. Heck, if he plays his cards right he could be the best Ohio State quarterback in the game!
The return of the aggressive, angry offensive line. They looked like deer in headlights against Michigan State – no thanks to the play calling and some wonderful defensive strategy from Dantonio’s crew. It would be nice to see these guys plowing the road for Jordan Hall again.
Joe L
Completions. I just want to see us be able to pass the ball, I don’t care if it is down the field or for 5 yards.
An offensive gameplan that doesn’t look put together by a midget football coach. Ed. – Or a Walrus.
Linebacker play that stops the run and gets after the quarterback.
Us shock the world and beat the Cornhuskers.
JoeD
An Open Playbook. The only way to get this offense going is to find some sort of identity. Right now, the offensive scheme is very predictable for opposing offenses. It’s okay to throw on first down. It’s alright to run to the edge and use Jordan Hall in the slot. Mix it up already.
Use a trick play. Want to open up the field a bit? How about some trickeration? We haven’t seen it yet this year, but we have the speed and talent to do it. I’m not picky, but how about trying to set the defense off-balance somehow.
Defensive pressure. I’ve been impressed with the Buckeye front so far this season, but they’ve got to get to the quarterback this week. Taylor Martinez is bound to make mistakes if you can flush him out of the backfield or take him down in it. Massive pressure will keep the running game in check by shutting down any chance of moving the football down the field in the air. If the Buckeyes can do that by blitz or pressure up front, they have a better chance of winning the ballgame.
Shut Down the Big Play. Nebraska has 27 plays of 20 yards or more this season. The Buckeyes have to shut down the big play or their defense is going to wear down quickly, considering the offense gives Ohio State no chance to win.
Jim
Braxton Miller in the open field. Last week he was a sitting duck in the face of a non stop pass rush. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that he does his best work in the open field, roll him out of the pocket, let him run…
Mike Adams and Andrew Norwell on the left side. Will Mike Adams return instantly improve the offensive line? or will he be rusty and take some time to catch back up to game speed? If Mike Adams hasn’t missed a beat, the left side tandom between him and Norwell could be a lot of fun to watch.
Turnovers and Points from the Defense. Nebraska has a QB with a weak arm, Ohio State has an offense that can’t score points… is it too much to hope for some defensive touchdowns? Absolutely, but that is what I’ve been reduced to with Bollman in charge.
Chris
QB runs. Let’s actually have a game plan that features plays for a quarterback who can run the football
Screen plays. Nebraska is going to load the box again. Let’s use screen plays to Hall and the wide receivers in space.
Make Taylor Martinez throw. Yes everyone knows he can run the football, and he can’t throw. Take a page out of Dantonio’s playbook and make them pass to win.
A spirited effort from the offense. The Buckeye O can’t sustain another lifeless performance.
Halftime adjustments. If things aren’t working, I have an idea. Let’s make some adjustments that will be successful.
Mali
A Touchdown. I never thought I’d be at the point in my career as an Ohio State fan where begging for a non-field goal score would be a reality, but here we are. If it’s a passing TD, all the better.
Protection. We’ve re-shuffled our OL with the return of Mike Adams, and the unit we’ll see on Saturday should have been the starters from day one. Against the Blackshirts, this will be the tallest of orders, but we need to keep our QB vertical.
Creativity. Run, Run, Playaction/seven step drop pass, punt. That just ain’t gonna cut it. Let’s switch things up- vary the snap count, move the pocket, throw quick passes to uncovered receivers… wacky stuff like that.
Forced Turnovers. Martinez will give the ball away; let’s take advantage. Still waiting for the first pick six of the year, too.
The Usual. I’m not going to even say it… perhaps that will take the jinx away. Ed. – He’s not going to say it, but he’s going to strongly imply it. Yea, that’ll work.
Husker Hospitality. Coach Fickell said that playing in Lincoln will be a lot like a trip to Madison or Happy Valley. I certainly hope not, and am looking forward to seeing the “friendliest fans in the nation”.
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