OSU vs. Minnesota 2nd Half

Defense came out a bit lethargic again. Simply need to maintain a level of consistentcy in intensity on that side of the ball. The upperclassmen on the Buckeye defense seem to be too quiet and really not top level leaders. It seems that a lot of the spark and emotion not only on defense but on the team as a whole seems to gain their emotion, intensity and leadership from the youngsters on the team. They have given up scores to Minnesota and it is a bad way to go out of a game giving up points like that. It is nice to see that at least the Gophers had to pull a rabbit out of their hat in order to make some of those plays so I can live with the points a bit. I know there are a lot of youngsters and backups in the game right now but Heacock needs to get the defense as a whole to play more consistently. They have a big game next week in Camp Randall... need to get the defense to finish the game on a high note, not with their hands on their hips.

I think Tressel realizes this and he simply seems to be more fired up on the sidelines. It is nice ot see coming from the usually ultra conservative Tressel. Now I'm not going to lie and say I really like his offensive play calling but he being more vocal and emotional on the sidelines is the kick in the pants that both sides of the ball need.

Boom Herron: Is a good back who has filled in well in the absence of Chris Wells but it seems as if he runs with a style that doesn't suit his body type. I think he has speed and he should use it more. Instead Herron being the youngster that he is tends to dance a bit too much instead of just hitting the hole like an experienced guy like Chris Wells does. Once Herron learns more of the nuiances of the offense and simply gets more confident in himself out there he could be a really good back for the Buckeyes. Right now it seems he plays a step too slow and tries to just run over people. In high school that worked... in college where everyone is as big if not bigger than you it doesn't work so well.

Offensive Line: They continue to play an up and down game. From series to series or play to play even they are great or not so great. They really need to develop some consistency on the offensive line. If the offensive line can get things pulled together on a consistent basis then the sky is the limit for the Ohio State offense. They still have far too many penalties at costly points of the game. Even had two illegal substitution penalties. Granted some of that is because they are getting some youngsters in the game but they need to get more consistent. The supposed leader of the Ohio State offensive line, Alex Boone, had a costly false start penalty on a 4th and short in the red zone. Lead to them having to try for a field goal that kicker Ryan Pretorius missed... speaking of which.

Kicking Game: Time for a competition to kick field goals. Time to get Pettrey a try! Pretorius is simply not getting it done on a consistent basis which is simply unacceptable for a Jim Tressel coached football team. This is going to rear it's ugly head later in the Big Ten season if this is not corrected now.

Defensive Line: I also like to see the changes being made on the defensive line. Thaddius Gibson is really developing into a dangerous player on the line. Nice to also see Robert Rose in there and whereas I haven't heard his named called all that much he seems to be starting to get back into things. He has really amazing talent he just needs to get the light in his head to go on. The defense as a whole played a good game but simply they too have to be more consistent.

Todd Boeckman: What a classy guy I really can't say enough about him. Let's face facts, Pryor is the better quarterback for the Buckeyes right now. He simply provides options and I dare say makes better decisions at times than Boeckman. However Boeckman gets out there and does what he has to do. He is a good leader and I dare say a lot of Pryors success can be attributed to the mentorship of one Todd Boeckman.

Chris Wells: Yeah... he is kind of good. He isn't playing at 100% nor is he getting a full load of carries but with ease he goes over 100 yards rushing. It is safe to say that it is nice to have him back in the game.

Jermalle Hines: Continues to impress and the sky seems to be the limit for this player. He is going to be something special.

Minnesota Safety Tramaine Brock: So much for your smack talk earlier in the week.