Here's some interesting facts on OSU's rebuilding/transition(?)year. Might be something to remember come bowl time.
TOUGH TIMES Ohio State has floundered when facing top-five opponents since 2005, posting a 3-5 record. The losses have been by an average of 16.5 points.
2005 No. 2 Texas, L, 25-22 No. 5 Notre Dame, W, 34-20
2006 No. 2 Texas, W, 24-7 No. 2 Michigan, W, 42-39 No. 2 Florida, L, 41-14
2007 No. 2 LSU, L, 38-24
2008 No. 1 USC, L, 35-3 No. 3 Penn State, L, 13-6
Ohio State was the pick by almost everybody to win the Big Ten. Why not? The defense was loaded, returning nine starters from a unit that led the nation in 2007. The offense teemed with potential, led by Heisman-contending running back Chris Wells, a line with four returning starters and a wide receiver corps returning its top four players. The only question? Quarterback. And that's why Ohio State finds itself in this uncomfortable and unfamiliar spot.
Pryor's inability to consistently throw downfield has hampered the offense. Ohio State has had just two pass plays of more than 50 yards, and just one more that went for more than 40. The lack of a vertical attack has allowed defenses to bunch the line, sneaking an extra defender into the box to shut down Wells. That never was more evident vs. the Nittany Lions, who held Wells to a season-low 55 yards - on 22 carries.
Slowly, Pryor has developed as a runner and passer, showing why so many dubbed him the "next Vince Young" when he was the No. 1 recruit in America last season.
"Every experience you have is one you can really grow from," said Tressel, whose team has been held without an offensive touchdown three times (USC, Purdue and Penn State) this season.
All I can say is that I hope Pryor can catch passes or his playing days are over after college. With all this returning team experience, Pryor should have been better.
Why did Boeckman get left out of this year's equation?
TOUGH TIMES Ohio State has floundered when facing top-five opponents since 2005, posting a 3-5 record. The losses have been by an average of 16.5 points.
2005 No. 2 Texas, L, 25-22 No. 5 Notre Dame, W, 34-20
2006 No. 2 Texas, W, 24-7 No. 2 Michigan, W, 42-39 No. 2 Florida, L, 41-14
2007 No. 2 LSU, L, 38-24
2008 No. 1 USC, L, 35-3 No. 3 Penn State, L, 13-6
Ohio State was the pick by almost everybody to win the Big Ten. Why not? The defense was loaded, returning nine starters from a unit that led the nation in 2007. The offense teemed with potential, led by Heisman-contending running back Chris Wells, a line with four returning starters and a wide receiver corps returning its top four players. The only question? Quarterback. And that's why Ohio State finds itself in this uncomfortable and unfamiliar spot.
Pryor's inability to consistently throw downfield has hampered the offense. Ohio State has had just two pass plays of more than 50 yards, and just one more that went for more than 40. The lack of a vertical attack has allowed defenses to bunch the line, sneaking an extra defender into the box to shut down Wells. That never was more evident vs. the Nittany Lions, who held Wells to a season-low 55 yards - on 22 carries.
Slowly, Pryor has developed as a runner and passer, showing why so many dubbed him the "next Vince Young" when he was the No. 1 recruit in America last season.
"Every experience you have is one you can really grow from," said Tressel, whose team has been held without an offensive touchdown three times (USC, Purdue and Penn State) this season.
All I can say is that I hope Pryor can catch passes or his playing days are over after college. With all this returning team experience, Pryor should have been better.
Why did Boeckman get left out of this year's equation?