Ohio State Buckeyes: OSU vs. Akron - Yes, the Offense is Offensive
Posted September 9th, 2007 by George Thomas
See there, it wasn't two weeks for another post.
I didn't want to post just following the U of A-Bucks game yesterday because…well…I was tired as all get out. Last time I ever drive down there the day of the game. Plus I wanted to have a clear head when ripping the offense. Although I'm not really sure that's what was required given the debacle that was yesterday's game.
A 3-2 halftime score? C'mon. How pathetic was the Bucks' offense? They gave up more points than the D…that says it all. There are serious problems on that unit and Coach Jim Tressel and one of his captains - Kirk Barton - realize it.
I have never ever seen an athlete as ticked off as Barton was after yesterday's game. Lips pursed into a plastery, immovable scowl, he didn't even want to give opening comments it seems. And he was right. The Buckeyes looked out of sync and out of sorts. Receivers ran the wrong routes, they dropped balls and quarterback Todd Boeckman's decision making proved questionable. Had this been any team other than a MAC opponent, the Buckeyes would be 1-1 today.
To their credit they showed some signs of life after the half. Akron native Chris "Beanie" Wells played like he wanted to be there, eventually racking up 143 yards, but this kind of play will eventually come back to bite them in their hind parts. No doubt about that and they know it.
If the offense doesn't get its act together that could come this week. Why? Because Ty Willingham has the Washington Huskies ready to bite and they are looking to build on a 24-10 over the Boise St. Broncos from yesterday.
They can't rely on the defense to keep Jake Locker in lockdown the entire game. The Huskies QB is speedy, mobile, strong and the real deal.
September 9th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Am I wrong, or is "Beanie" Wells not nearly as good as his so-called reputation? I don't view him as a premiere OSU running back. I think Tressel got "Akron happy" in recruiting with Pittman and Wells, and overlooked the best of the lot: Tony Sutton (now at Northwestern). Pittman was also wildly overrated, and thought he was NFL-ready after 3 yrs. Guess that didn't work out so well, huh? Cut before Game 1. Anyone else share these realistic thoughts on Wells & Pittman?
September 9th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
All I know is the guy's name is Chris Wells. Pet peeve, nicknames imposed upon sports fans. If I wanted lots of Beanie, I'd watch a Browns game while eating cabbage. Well, actually maybe those pills are called Beano, not Beanie. Well, whatever it's called, it's besides the point. Can't stand sports nicknames anymore. Chris Berman has ruined it for me, ruined it for everybody.
George, I'd let you sleep in my basement on those nights before Buckeyes games, but that would mean I'd have to move my parrots into another room. Sorry, bub, ain't gonna happen. Nina and Julio move for nobody. Accordingly, I suggest that you get the Beacon Journal to pay the tab for the Courtyard at 35 W. Spring Street. Granted, it will be a titantic struggle to also shakedown the BJ bean counters for reimbursement of your $15 on-site parking fee, but it's still your best bet. They've got the free whirlpool and buffet breakfast, and then you can get to the stadium relatively quickly by bolting west on Spring and heading north on Neil and avoiding the freeways. The traffic is still there, but you can avoid the majority of it. That's my travel agent tip of the day.
September 9th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
By the way, I couldn't disagree with you more regarding Lloyd Carr. No way in hell he will be "leaving on his own terms." That National Championship has become irrelevant. After the Endust Dust Bowl, or whatever the hell bowl game they end up playing in, he's gone.
September 9th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Alan:
Notice when I wrote that. It was before Oregon quacked them. I'm tending to agree with you right now. I think I am more shocked by that pounding than I was Appy State.
September 9th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Alan:
Driving down on game day was my choice so I'd have time to spend with my kids on Friday. I cancelled a hotel reservation for Friday to do it. If nothing else I owe my children some consideration. However, we'll give it more thought the next time.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:35 am
George, if you remember Heldenfelds over in the entertainment bureau, he knows a good hotel in Columbus.
Most surprising to me about Michigan were the weird press conference clips on television. Carr sounds like he's lost it and Mike Hart talks like he's taking over.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:08 am
This Heldenfelds dude sounds very knowledgeable. I thought I know Columbus, but I've gotta admit that any newspaper guy who works in a "bureau" must really know his stuff.
Hey, George, now that you're making treks down to the Capitol for legislative duties, perhaps you and Tom Reed can hook up in the Brewery District on those Friday nights. Maybe kick back a few beers and talk old times. "Thomas, I drove to Toronto for that lazy slob Windhorst, and then those cheap BJ bastards wouldn't even reimburse me for the Milk Duds I bought at the Flying J!"