It’s hard to imagine that the hopes and dreams of the entire 2008 season depend on the big toe of one player. But that’s how Buckeye nation seems to be treating Beanie Wells’ injury. After bitter disappointment in the last two National Championship games, this was supposed to be the year of redemption. The Buckeyes didn’t just return twenty starters from a one-loss season. They re-loaded with legitimate stars and future first-round draft choices. And, of course, Wells was supposed to be the workhorse on his way to the Heisman.

On a meaningless play in a lopsided game, Wells went down after feeling a pop in his right foot. And the crowd gasped in horror. Did all that 2008 talent go to waste? Did Jenkins and Laurinaitis pass up the big money for nothing? <sarcasm>I know it’s unlike the Buckeye faithful to overreact</sarcasm>, but let’s all take a deep breath and reflect on the depth of talent on the Ohio State roster. Collectively, this is the most talented team in recent history. Virtually every position, including the kicker, has a legitimate spare. If Beanie’s injury turns out to be long-term, a trio of very good running backs will step up and contribute.

And don’t forget that the smartest coach in college football has the ability to adapt to his available personnel better than anyone in the game. Watch how the offense adjusts to Beanie’s absence and relies more on a veteran quarterback and explosive receivers. Expect to see a few new wrinkles with the rookie quarterback as well.

My report card on the 2008 Youngstown State game:

  • The Opponent - D. I understand why Ohio State plays these in-state games. I don’t like it. But I understand it. I’ve argued before that, in light of a relatively weak Big Ten, the Buckeyes need to play a tougher non-conference schedule if they want to compete against the best in the SEC and PAC 10. YSU has a solid program in the Football Championship Subdivision, but they’re not going to give us the look we need to get ready for USC and Florida. Compounding the problem, the 2008 Penguins are in a rebuilding year and weren’t as competitive as they’ve been in the past.
  • The Defense - A-. An impressive start for the season. Even if YSU couldn’t offer much competition, Ohio State’s defense showed speed and aggressiveness. Lawrence Wilson played very well at defensive end and Marcus Freeman showed that he’s in the same, elite class as Laurinaitis. Ohio University might press the defense a little more than YSU, but it’ll be hard to gauge the real ability of this defense until they face Pete Carroll’s offense in Los Angeles.
  • The Offense - B. A solid but uninspiring performance for a high-octane offense. Even without Beanie Wells, the running game showed it can move the ball with Herron, Saine and Mo Wells. Boeckman displayed maturity and poise, but we won’t know if he’s going to look like the early or late season Boeckman (2007 edition) until USC puts the heat on. Pryor showed why he was the number one recruit in the country, but he still looked a little like a kid who’s trying to find his classroom on the first day of school. The receiving corps was very impressive. Hartline and Robiskie will carry the load, but also keep your eye on DeVier Posey. He has a nice burst and great awareness. The Buckeye offense will need to tighten things up against the Bobcats and score more touchdowns if they’re going to have a chance against USC.
  • The Special Teams - A-. A flawless game for Pretorius. I criticized the kicker a little last season for his low trajectory. It looks like he’s getting a little more air under the ball this season, and he showed that he can put the ball through the uprights from difficult spots on the field. I also like the Ray Small’s performance on punt returns. He showed more confidence against YSU and appears to have become more patient. Not every punt has the potential for a long return.
  • My Favorite Play. As usual, I have a receiver bias in my favorite play selection. This week, I’m going with Hartline’s first-quarter reception deep down the left sideline. He did a nice job of running full speed through the catch and extending his arms at the last moment. Young receivers often run with their arms outstretched while trying to catch a long ball, which has the effect of reducing their speed and taking them out of the play.
  • Game Ball. Ryan Pretorius.

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