I think a big part of your frustration is caused by small yardage on 1st down.  I haven't seen any stats (the NCAA doesn't keep that sort of thing) but it seems to me that a large majority of the time we get less than three yds on 1st down.  Then if we don't get at least five yds on 2nd down, we're looking at 3rd and long. 

As for the red zone issue, according to the NCAA we scored on 49 of 62 trips to the red zone last year (79%), and were tied for 77th in the country.  Our TD/FG ratio was just over 2:1 (33:16).  I don't know what the preferred ratio is, but it's probably 4:1 -- that's what most of the teams ahead of us were hitting. I think we tend to go a little conservative (more than usual) in the red zone, so that magnifies the need to get good yardage on 1st down.

EDIT:

Had a chance to look at the play-by-play over lunch.  Not counting the two plays at the end of the half and the kneel-down at the end of the game, vs. NT we had 28 sets of downs and got three yds or less on 1st down in 11 of them (39%) which isn't as bad as I imagined.  Of the 11, we wound up getting 1st downs on our own on five (45%) -- including Boykin's TD -- and got one by a penalty.  We were 3rd and more than 3 on seven of them (64%), converting once (the TD).  On the other hand, we got 4-6 yds on 1st down seven times (25%), converted four of those on our own (57%) and one by penalty.  We were third and more than 3 on four of them (57%), and converted none on our own (one by penalty). 

And if Marshall doesn't sit on that flanker screen for a pick six then they are just not paying attention.  For the love of God and the sake of my heart, STOP IT!

It all starts up front. If the line is dominating, then everything works, and Albin is a genius. It they are being dominated, then nothing works, and he's a goat.

Sir Classmate. Right now, with a slew of weapons around TT he can be most effective as the point guard distributing the rock to others.  2013 is not 2011. Ohio will be more effective when TT is 100%, as in the bowl vs less than 100% as after Marshall last season.  Let us have TT healthy thru the season. 

What weapons do we have on this team that we did not have an equivalent of in 2011? Apart from Cochran and Boykin, does any offensive skill player look better than expected through 2 games? When you're down 4 with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, what weapon should Tettleton look to?

In 2011, Tettleton was the spark in crunch time. It's not the same anymore. Is our QB flinching or are the coaches holding him back? I really don't know...I have some speculative thoughts, but that's it. Whatever it is, I'd really like to see it fixed soon. Like, this week. This team has been missing an identity for a year....we do a lot of things fair to good, but nothing great.

It's fair to note that our line is developing--sophs at center and both guard spots last week.  I think we could be pretty monster on the O-line by the end f the year.

But the eyes do not lie.  Qb's gotta play more fearlessly.  No one wants him hurt but he's at his best..so much better..when he's bringing it.  I believe that Vick is eminently capable as a back-up.

But, the vanilla.  On too many first downs and third and shorts, we run the "nothing" play up the middle from the same formation.  No two back sets (hint: it means the D can't know for sure who will get a handoff).  Not eniough four wide out sets.  Not enough sprint options.  Not enough men in motion or shifting of personnel once at scrimmage.

The fake run to a pass (one instance: first play 75 yarder) helps...and is, in turn, helped by, a more imaginative run game.

And, of course, run the true hurry-up more often.

I think that we only had 7 yards of offense in the first quarter vs. N Texas apart from the first play TD.  If that happens against stupd cow,  it could get ugly fast.

We will have to agree to disagree. Ohio has lots of fine athletes and the key is to get them the ball in space with room to create.  There was a time when TT on a read option was one of the best available plays.  With increased talent, OL, around TT and his own level of experience Ohio can have a better year without needing him taking hits on a regular basis.  Similarly I would hope BB achieve 1,000 yards, but, not the 1,600 of last year if Mr. Boykin can have 1,000 too.

Paul:  Without creating another massive "quote", I agree with you.

Paul. OK let us really look at the shredding of Marshall by Harden, Brazill and Bates in 2011. First of all props to the D for the six turnovers, four interceptions; two by Carrie and one by Hughes who return by the way. Also Carpenter's fumble recovery helped too. During one stretch the D created turnovers on five of six Herd drives.  Turns out Mr. Boykin ran for 135 and a TD, he also added 20 receiving. Harden helped with 42, rushing, 45 receiving and a very good 74 yard KO return.  Boykin 155 yards and a TD, Hardin 161 yards. This time around Ohio will have Boykin and that returning 1600 yard rusher BB.  LaVon caught 4 passes for 26 yards and 2 TDs, 2 returns for 14 yards. Bates added 85 receiving/returning with one TD. Eight receivers not named LaVon/Bates/Harden caught passes.  TT did a fine job getting 279 passing.  I do believe, given protection, TT and Donte, Chase, Matt, Talbert, Hill & Daz etc. can cover those numbers.  The difference will be Cato's development. At this point in 2011 he was green as grass and they still averaged >5 per play gaining 336 total.  Both teams are better. The key will be if Ohio can excel in all phases like 2011. 

You're missing the point. Boykin is a great athlete but not a game-breaker type like guys we've had. Most of his yards in that Marshall game came in the second half when we went conservative. He barely played in the first half.

In general, what I'm saying is that we don't have the offensive weapons we've had in recent successful years. What we're missing is:

(1) A back that can catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into big gains (Harden)

(2) An electric receiver with big time speed (Brazill)

(3) A QB that can beat you with his arm or his legs (Tettleton)

We do have two great backs (BB and Boykin) running behind a line that is still finding its groove. And some capable receivers...but no one in the class of Brazill, Price or even Dunlop. Cochran is getting better but is still pretty 1-dimensional.

The real frustration is that (3) is still an option for us but we seem to be choosing not to pursue it. We don't have the offensive firepower to not use Tyler as a running threat....and frankly the guy is a very good duel threat QB but not a very good pocket passer type.

I'd say its more 2011...which didn't yield any offensive firepower other than Landon Smith who hasn't seen the field for quite some time.