What's Wrong & How to Fix It (Merged)

LordJeffBuck · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 08:47 AM

Obviously, over the past few days, many posters have expressed opinions about what is "wrong" with the 2005 Buckeyes, but very few have had any constructive solutions on how to "fix" the problem(s). Well, here's your chance. I've come up with several areas which might be sources of concern:

1. Coaching

a. Instruction (technique, for example)
b. Game planning & schemes
c. Adjustments during the game
d. Overall philosophy

2. Talent

a. Physical ability
b. Execution
c. Chemistry
d. Intangibles (mental toughness, for example)

If you propose a solution, then please be specific. If you think that the Bucks need an offensive coordinator, then who's the guy to hire. If the schemes are not working to your satisfaction, then what would you do instead. If the Bucks don't have enough talent, then how can the staff recruit better, or be better teachers of their current players. This is not another thread to whine about a tough loss, but a chance for you to express some well-reasoned opinions about a team which is struggling a bit right now.

vrbryant · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 09:26 AM

I would say that unless you have a phenomenal talent behind center, you don't fuss with this sort of offense wherein the quarterback is encouraged (or not discouraged, even) to 'make plays' with his 'feet'. I think Smith's play versus Michigan last year gave a lot of people the idea that he had Josh Harris or even Vince Young-type skills, and it's just not the case. Personally I would prefer that the offense throw the ball twelve to fifteen times per game, spending the remainder of the time in 'big' sets designed to grind the ball. Yes, Ginn and Holmes are talented, and it would be fantastic if we still had a field marshal like Krenzel who can simply get the job done without trying to (or needing to) be the star of the game. In terms of 'fixing' things, I simply hope that in two years, when (presumably) they hand the reins to Boeckman, that somehow Ginn has decided to stick around and the defense reloads. A more traditional pocket passer with one stud wideout to work to and an offense built on running the ball - all combined with a shut down D? Sounds like 2002 to me.

sandgk · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordJeffBuck

Obviously, over the past few days, many posters have expressed opinions about what is "wrong" with the 2005 Buckeyes, but very few have had any constructive solutions on how to "fix" the problem(s). Well, here's your chance. I've come up with several areas which might be sources of concern:

1. Coaching

a. Instruction (technique, for example)
b. Game planning & schemes
c. Adjustments during the game
d. Overall philosophy

2. Talent

a. Physical ability
b. Execution
c. Chemistry
d. Intangibles (mental toughness, for example)

If you propose a solution, then please be specific. If you think that the Bucks need an offensive coordinator, then who's the guy to hire. If the schemes are not working to your satisfaction, then what would you do instead. If the Bucks don't have enough talent, then how can the staff recruit better, or be better teachers of their current players. This is not another thread to whine about a tough loss, but a chance for you to express some well-reasoned opinions about a team which is struggling a bit right now.

Well I am somewhat surprised no-one has piped up with constructive suggestions. I'll give you my two cents worth - which opinion is likely properly valued

1. Coaching

a. Instruction (technique, for example)
On instruction one area I believe can be improved is to bring in a high quality running back coach to replace Dick Tressel. However, my reasoning for this is not just because of a desire to see a state-of-the-art running attack, it is to eliminate having a family member be part of the Head Coaches staff. Suggestions - bring in a RB coach of the level of Eddie Gran (presently RB coach Auburn). Next on the list might be an ex-Buckeye who knows the ins and outs of how to play RB, Byars or Eddie George either would be good additions.
b. Game planning & schemes
OK - I guess this is the area in which everyone's favorite fix (a new OC) might go.
This one area for improvement in which I am heavily conflicted. More so because we know from all the JT has said in the past that the real reins of power would still be in his hands - thus which incoming OC would willingly put their career in idle mode while essentially playing the role of OC? In addition, you have the issue of timing of such a hire. A fix this big will not happen until the bowl games are done. That said I propose 2 candidates. First on my list would be Gregg Brandon of Bowling Green - want more wide open offense, he can scheme it for you. Second on my list would be an out-of-the-box pick, Mike Locksley, presently with Illinois. He would bring an added benefit of strong recruiting connections in the South (particularly Florida) and East Coast states. Locksley could be considered a safe pick for RB coach, though he might look at that as downgrade in position title, versus an upgrade in program and overall national standing.
c. Adjustments during the game
The ability to adjust I believe is fine on the Defensive side of the ball - it is on the Offensive side that we need extra work. Bring in one or more of the OC or RB candidates above and I think Offensive adjustments improve.
d. Overall philosophy
We must recognize that JT's current philosophy is safety first, scores and glitz second. Even if a new OC comes in I don't see that changing anytime soon in a big way. However, JT might find a way to loosen the reins and get more out of this offense. In big bowl games he has done just that. He could help our cause by letting the Offense live more up to its potential.

2. Talent

a. Physical ability
We have plenty of talent, with great physical ability. I think we should be forward looking here and address the issue of "those that got away." I.e., recruiting. Our recruiting is much better than adequate, though it gives the appearance of being too selective on an academic basis. Still that is something up with which we shall have to learn to put. Ohio State is not going to risk returning itself to the days of 0.00 GPA's for its football players (Germany anyone?). APR demands careful attention to a player's academic prospects. This year and next it will seem that Ohio State is putting up too much of a barrier to entry. Look back in say 5 years and I think we will all be very glad that the coaching staff and internal academic screening insists on recruiting good scholar athletes. Why, because it will preserve future scholarships - AND smart players are exactly what you want. That is it is not just about pure physical ability - of which, to re-state, we have an abundance.
I might also mention again that a Locksley hire as OC would give us an improved in-road to the Southern States -- and its abundance of prep talent.
b. Execution
Execution is something that can always be improved or honed.
c. Chemistry
I think the team chemistry is fine with Smith as signal caller. For the future Boeckmann seems to work very well with the O when given reps.
d. Intangibles (mental toughness, for example)
The only intangible about mental toughness with a single player that comes to my mind is whether Ginn is presently fully into the games. His apparent desertion of a North-South running style, turn on the jets and juke the safeties at speed, is perplexing.
A team mental toughness issue could be argued to exist for
Night games, on the road, after a Bye week.. Does it help that Tressel explicitly comes out and say that he really does not like night games at all?

jwinslow · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 09:36 AM

The talent is not the problem. Roy Hall is a pretty great jump ball WR, and the others are dynamic speedsters (and there are 3 of them). The problem is the QB. Boeckman may be good due to years in the system, but I like Robbie's pure talent a lot better. He impressed me live at the N/S game, and blew me away at the Big33. That is not a guarantee of success, but I like his arm better than Boeckman's.

Coaching is a huge problem here. Troy was a lot more effective pre-UM last year. He was inconsistent, but he was very good at turning good coverage into a 7 yard gain on the ground. Now, he is terrified to run b/c of all of the coaching. While this is good, last game we saw that he is not the best QB at going thru his progressions. It might be a lot more realistic to have him look for two options and then have freedom to take off.

He throws an outstanding ball on the run... sometimes better than in the pocket. We have not designed enough plays around him rolling out threatening to run or pass.

We desperately need an OC, if only so we can get the play to the line of scrimmage. We won games, so I could look past the horrendously stupid method of running the QB to the sidelines every game, but saturday was a prime example. Our last drive, he got there with few seconds, and in front of a hostile student section, he ended up having to take a timeout. That timeout would have given us the ball back. I like the BG OC idea, I'm gonna agree with you. We have obviously recruited for a spread offense, now we need to execute.

We do not need an OC to put up huge numbers. We need one that gets us to the line with 20 seconds left on the playclock. That can run a conservative offense that isn't predictable all of the time. We need one that any other major university in america would be interested in hiring (we don't have that).

Quote:

Originally Posted by vrbryant

it would be fantastic if we still had a field marshal like Krenzel who can simply get the job done without trying to (or needing to) be the star of the game. In terms of 'fixing' things, I simply hope that in two years, when (presumably) they hand the reins to Boeckman, that somehow Ginn has decided to stick around and the defense reloads.

IMO people have a very idealized memory of Krenzel. He would get it done with this offense, and we would probably win both close games this year. But he struggled a lot with his passing too. He just didn't make mistakes, or take big sacks, like TS. He wasn't that great of a passer either (McMullen fits that bill). Also, there's no way Ginn's going anywhere until he starts getting the ball with space to run.

osugrad21 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 09:52 AM

I have some concerns about player development at various positions and the OL scheme/philosophy...

When this offense is executed...it is effective and sometimes even exciting. When it isn't, it is ugly as sin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwinslow

We do not need an OC to put up huge numbers. We need one that gets us to the line with 20 seconds left on the playclock.

That is as much Bollman's fault as JT's...the eyes upstairs are responsible for defensive personnel changes, tendencies, etc. If he is not getting info in fast enough and tOSU is not making their personnel changes quick enough, it is an issue.

As for the QB coming to the sideline every play, that is pretty commonplace. If you are not substituting players every down, you either run the QB over or send in hand signals...which are usually deciphered by midway through the first quarter.