Ohio State 20, Wisconsin 17 (Oct. 4)

[generaladm]

I just re-watched the game a couple of times, and all you can really say is we stole a road game where we lost the turnover battle (until the last play). Classic OSU/UW game, two teams beating the [censored] out of each other for two halves. It's the same whether it's football or basketball. Both teams were nearly equal in the number of good plays and bad plays on either side of the ball. If the WRs on either team had managed to hold on to one of the many dropped balls, the outcome could have been very different. The difference in the game was the Buckeyes ability to make big plays. Beanie's 33yd TD run, and 54yd run to set up a FG were the longest plays of the game, but for Jefferson's 35yd catch at the end on the half. Trapasso's fine punts helped the D keep Wisky's snail attack from putting TDs on the board.

Youngsters continued to impress. Brewster played very well. Homan had the best game of his career. Sabino keeps making outstanding plays on special teams (great block on MoWells KR), they need to find ways to get him on the field more. Sanzo looked good until he got hammered. B. Smith is proving to be reliable. And, of course, Pryor.

I was watching the D-line more closely, and only came away more confused. For a while, I thought it was less a problem witht the players themselves, but with the preparation and coaching. Most of the time there are no stunts, no crossing, no moves, just...nothing. Four guys bullrushing straight into the O-lineman's chest and not getting anywhere. By the time our DL would try to spin off their blocks, they play was past them. After the first few drives, it looked like there was a lack of effort by the front four. I saw several times where a DL would take 2-3 steps in, and then resigned to just holding position. I think that UW's O-line is probably the best we will see all season, but something needs to be done, fast. Teams with good O-lines will not have to plan for us, no double teams are needed, no special schemes, just man up. There are many technical problems, they aren't even able to get on an inside or outside shoulder. The OLs were able to keep their center of gravity, for the mast part. I wonder exactly what they work on in practice. TBF, they did show some improvement in the 2nd half. There were plays where they were at least close to touching Evridge, but we can't play at that level for the rest of the season. It sounds crazy, but we really missed Nate Williams' presence in the game. I'm thinking it may be a good idea to burn Goebel's redshirt, or anyone else who can try to prove themselves. We may not have the talent that we've had in the past on the line, but they need to find a way to make up for it in some way. More intensity and effort would be a great start. Perhaps a new strategy would help create that.

It was a fun game to watch, but it does not exactly make me feel great about the upcoming games. There were some bright spots, most notably Beanie returning to form. I can't say that Pryor passed his first big test with flying colors, but he made up for his mistakes with a great finish. As long as we stay in games until the 4th quarter, I have no doubt that Pryor can lead us to victory. Call me crazy, but I'd like to see MoWells get the ball more (not on 4th and 1, obviously). He always gives max effort, and has looked good the few opportunities he's had. His senior leadership is something this team needs, when Beanie leaves the field. I think he deserves 5-7 touches a game. Good comeback win on the road for the Buckeyes. Half way thru the season, and we control our destiny in the conference race, with our toughest test (PSU) at home. I'm hoping for some improvement next game, mostly from DL and WR, and continued dominance from Beanie and TP. Did anyone else get a tinge of what you felt during all those great 02 games?

[Buckrock]

Originally Posted by generaladm

I just re-watched the game a couple of times, and all you can really say is we stole a road game where we lost the turnover battle (until the last play). Classic OSU/UW game, two teams beating the [censored] out of each other for two halves. It's the same whether it's football or basketball. Both teams were nearly equal in the number of good plays and bad plays on either side of the ball. If the WRs on either team had managed to hold on to one of the many dropped balls, the outcome could have been very different. The difference in the game was the Buckeyes ability to make big plays. Beanie's 33yd TD run, and 54yd run to set up a FG were the longest plays of the game, but for Jefferson's 35yd catch at the end on the half. Trapasso's fine punts helped the D keep Wisky's snail attack from putting TDs on the board.

Youngsters continued to impress. Brewster played very well. Homan had the best game of his career. Sabino keeps making outstanding plays on special teams (great block on MoWells KR), they need to find ways to get him on the field more. Sanzo looked good until he got hammered. B. Smith is proving to be reliable. And, of course, Pryor.

I was watching the D-line more closely, and only came away more confused. For a while, I thought it was less a problem witht the players themselves, but with the preparation and coaching. Most of the time there are no stunts, no crossing, no moves, just...nothing. Four guys bullrushing straight into the O-lineman's chest and not getting anywhere. By the time our DL would try to spin off their blocks, they play was past them. After the first few drives, it looked like there was a lack of effort by the front four. I saw several times where a DL would take 2-3 steps in, and then resigned to just holding position. I think that UW's O-line is probably the best we will see all season, but something needs to be done, fast. Teams with good O-lines will not have to plan for us, no double teams are needed, no special schemes, just man up. There are many technical problems, they aren't even able to get on an inside or outside shoulder. The OLs were able to keep their center of gravity, for the mast part. I wonder exactly what they work on in practice. TBF, they did show some improvement in the 2nd half. There were plays where they were at least close to touching Evridge, but we can't play at that level for the rest of the season. It sounds crazy, but we really missed Nate Williams' presence in the game. I'm thinking it may be a good idea to burn Goebel's redshirt, or anyone else who can try to prove themselves. We may not have the talent that we've had in the past on the line, but they need to find a way to make up for it in some way. More intensity and effort would be a great start. Perhaps a new strategy would help create that.

It was a fun game to watch, but it does not exactly make me feel great about the upcoming games. There were some bright spots, most notably Beanie returning to form. I can't say that Pryor passed his first big test with flying colors, but he made up for his mistakes with a great finish. As long as we stay in games until the 4th quarter, I have no doubt that Pryor can lead us to victory. Call me crazy, but I'd like to see MoWells get the ball more (not on 4th and 1, obviously). He always gives max effort, and has looked good the few opportunities he's had. His senior leadership is something this team needs, when Beanie leaves the field. I think he deserves 5-7 touches a game. Good comeback win on the road for the Buckeyes. Half way thru the season, and we control our destiny in the conference race, with our toughest test (PSU) at home. I'm hoping for some improvement next game, mostly from DL and WR, and continued dominance from Beanie and TP. Did anyone else get a tinge of what you felt during all those great 02 games?

Great post. The Defensive problem is the scheme IMHO. We have the talent but do not stunt or blitz enough. We we go base or vanilla defense we are in trouble. There need to be some changes in the off season. Maybe not a new D Coordinator but some creativity. I would go with a 3-4 and utilize Rolle and Sabino.

[3074326]

I agree, adm.

To add, I've said this before, but we need to disguise our defense better. You know when we're blitzing most of the time. Pretty basic defenses from what I've seen. We don't seem to confuse the QBs much, but luckily, our secondary is playing pretty well and we're doing fairly well in coverage (except USC..). But that exception tells me a lot. The elite teams recognize what we're doing and aren't thrown off at all.

[billmac91]

Originally Posted by Smooth Olaf

Actually, I thought he scored a TD on that play. The ball crossed the line. Once it does, it's a score.

The ball crossed the goalline but not in his possesion...He was either down, or a fumble......but he certainly did not have possesion of the ball as it crossed the goalline.

[3074326]

Originally Posted by billmac91

The ball crossed the goalline but not in his possesion...He was either down, or a fumble......but he certainly did not have possesion of the ball as it crossed the goalline.

Looked like a fumble on my DVR.

But we won, so I don't really care.

[generaladm]

Originally Posted by Buckrock

Great post. The Defensive problem is the scheme IMHO. We have the talent but do not stunt or blitz enough. We we go base or vanilla defense we are in trouble. There need to be some changes in the off season. Maybe not a new D Coordinator but some creativity. I would go with a 3-4 and utilize Rolle and Sabino.

Originally Posted by 3074326

I agree, adm.

To add, I've said this before, but we need to disguise our defense better. You know when we're blitzing most of the time. Pretty basic defenses from what I've seen. We don't seem to confuse the QBs much, but luckily, our secondary is playing pretty well and we're doing fairly well in coverage (except USC..). But that exception tells me a lot. The elite teams recognize what we're doing and aren't thrown off at all.

Agree with both, with one caveat: We do blitz, but with no disruption from the D-line, it's very easy for a RB or TE to pick up the blitzer. Showing the blitz early doesn't help, either. From what I've seen, and I'm no expert on line play, the D-line is not able to get penetration, create double teams, or collapse the pocket enough to affect the plays. I think it's a combination of execution, technique, and scheme. I just don't see the DTs taking angles, making moves (swim, spin, arm under, etc.), or getting good leverage. If that is how they are being coached, then that needs to be changed. The edge rushers are not beating their man to the outside, and I can't recall seeing an outside/inside move. As long as the O-line is confident that they can control the rush man up, blitzing will be ineffective unless we bring three or more guys (which I'd be willing to try once in a while). I was particularly disturbed with the plays where the D-line pushed for three steps, and then stood watching the play. We all remember the 02 D-line, they never stopped on a play. I'm willing to believe that a scheme that produced better results would jumpstart the DLs morale. The part that worries me is that were halfway thru the season, and I haven't seen much improvement, despite the personel changes. Hopefully Larimore, Williams, and possibly someone who hasn't gotten a chance to play will get in there and cause a stir. The team really needs to address this before we play MSU and PSU, who will run it down our throats if they have the chance. I still think the explosiveness of the O and the strength of the rest of the D can win games, but that was not supposed to be the script for this season, and we will struggle against elite teams with that kind of fundamental flaw.

[lexco44]

Highlight video of the game...

YouTube - Ohio State VS. Wisconsin 2008 Highlight...

[DaddyBigBucks]

Originally Posted by Yertle

... I still remember your punk ass players dancing on the O in 20011999.

FIFY

[BuckeyeNation27]

Originally Posted by Bleed S & G

I don't follow..

If PSU beats Wisky, then we beat PSU.. we accomplish both goals (national perception & Big 10) in one swoop.

yes, but you're forgetting [censored] PENN STATE.

[BuckeyeNation27]

Originally Posted by Smooth Olaf

Actually, I thought he scored a TD on that play. The ball crossed the line. Once it does, it's a score.

so when we have the ball on the 50 yard line....we should just have Pryor heave it through the end zone? once it crosses the goal line it's a TD.

[jimotis4heisman]

Originally Posted by Mr_Burns

While he was busy picking apart what the refs did and didn't call throughout the game, I'm hoping someone brought up the play before Hill's touchdown when it looked like the ball carrier fumbled out of the side of the endzone. I was disappointed that the booth didn't feel it was close enough to take a look at it.

I wouldn't have guessed Bielema was the type of guy to play the blame game.

he was marked down. i watched it a couple of times, it appeared he was down prior to the fumble (his knee touched)

[Bleed S & G]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNation27

yes, but you're forgetting [censored] PENN STATE.

good catch, my bad

[censored] PENN STATE

[buckeyesin07]

Originally Posted by Yertle

I still remember your punk ass players dancing on the O in 2001.

Wisconsin did it again when they won in 2004 at the Shoe--I had the unfortunate circumstance of watching it from C deck. That program just oozes class.

[smithlabs]

Originally Posted by 3074326

I agree, adm.

To add, I've said this before, but we need to disguise our defense better. You know when we're blitzing most of the time. Pretty basic defenses from what I've seen. We don't seem to confuse the QBs much, but luckily, our secondary is playing pretty well and we're doing fairly well in coverage (except USC..). But that exception tells me a lot. The elite teams recognize what we're doing and aren't thrown off at all.

Series one and two we just lined up and went after them with good results. Then we started to moved around on D before the snap and bad things started to happed. I like concept of the D disguising schemes and all but it just didn't work well last game.

[BB73]

Originally Posted by Onebuckfan

Bret better get ready for PSU...or he will lose 3 ina row..I wonder the last time Wisc lost 3 conf. games in a row

They lost the last 2 Big Ten games in '05 and their opener in '06.

The last time for 3 straight in one season was in 2003, though, when they lost to Purdue, at NW'ern and at Minny.

At the start of the conference schedule, in 2002 they lost to Penn State, at Indiana, and at home to tOSU.