When I look at this edition of Ohio State football, in terms of winning a possible Big Ten championship (without even mentioning a run at the bigger title), there is one glaring area in need of vast improvement:
I think the Buckeyes’ offensive line needs its collective rump kicked by a coach or two. Strictly in motivation terms, of course.
Going back to November, Ohio State had cruised to a 12-0 record and was virtually unstoppable on offense (the Illinois game not withstanding).
So this is a problem that goes back only two games.
I still maintain the crux of the problem on Jan. 8 in the shocking loss to Florida was an offensive line that was unprepared, out-of-shape and “fat-headed” — as Woody used to say — after a 51-day layoff. Florida’s defensive linemen blew by Alex Boone and mates as if they were standing still.
And at times, they were, turning to watch Troy Smith run for his life.
Expecting to see a new offensive line that was in great physical condition in Saturday’s opener after nine months of seeking redemption, Buckeye fans saw anything but.
The Buckeyes’ OL had trouble moving Division I-AA Youngstown State’s defensive line off the ball.
Several times in the red zone, Chris “Beanie” Wells had nowhere to run. He finished with only 48 yards on 16 carries to average 2.9 yards per carry. The state’s newspapers wrote sidebars asking, “What’s wrong with Beanie?” and to his credit, he didn’t point five fingers at those who line up in front of him.
“Today in the first half I got off real slow. I didn’t do things. I had a bad day today,” he said. “The fans, the team, everybody deserves to see me do my best. That’s something I didn’t do today. I felt it coming on at the end, but by the time I felt I got a groove in the game it was too late, I was sitting down in the fourth quarter.”
Let me tell you, Jim Brown in his prime wouldn’t have gained much yardage with the lack of daylight Beanie saw. The OL did open a few holes for freshman Brandon Saine, although those were not in short-yardage or goal-line situations, either.
In short, this offensive line needs to get quicker, stronger and more cohesive if Ohio State is to have a chance at a big season.
There is one problem with that: Most of those goals are supposed to be accomplished during the off-season — not during the season.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Filed under: Football by Jeff Snook
Jeff Snook has written 25 posts. Read other posts by Jeff Snook.
Related Posts:
All eyes are on Terrell Pryor going into...
Needless to say I was very nervous about...
As of Saturday, it will be 235 days sinc...