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Topic: The Love is NOT HAPPY
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Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/18/2010 8:48 PM
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This is a traditional post, so I thought that I'd start it.

I was there, I saw it, I'm sunburned and, to start, I am NOT HAPPY.

OUr coaches failed the team today.  Before the classic, could-you-be-stupider deep handoff call that led to the safety (see Flomo's fine and appropriate blast in another thread), there was THE FETAL POSITION.

Our team, doubtless in a fragile state of mind from last week's Toledo debacle, was coached to fear, to cave in.  Witness the two first half third and about 8 calls from deep in our own territorye.  The call in each case?  The qb pump fakes to--well, I'm not sure what.  Some miscellaneous area on the field.  Then he tried running up the middle of the buckeye defense.  Gets a yard or two or whatever before falling down in THE FETAL POSITION.  These were plays NOT IN ANY WAY DESIGNED TO SHOW BALLS OR HEART OR TO GET A FIRST DOWN.  They were give ups so that we could turn it over on the next down by punting.

Sheesh.  Yeah buckeyes are better than us.  They generally have better players.  But our guys are okay.  Our O-line was not near as bad as I thought.  Our offense needs to feel the coaches' confidence.  Not the coaches' fear that something bad will happen--so don't even make a legit effort on third down in the first half to go for the first down by passing the ball downfield.

Horrible.
Last Edited: 9/18/2010 8:49:29 PM by Monroe Slavin
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/18/2010 8:53 PM
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Didya see that 53 yard punt that Weller BOOMED.  buckeye player had to catch it going out of bounds, I believe.  Tremendous.  Also two other punts downed deep in their territory.

But that doesn't absolve our give ups and the STRESS THEY PUT ON OUR DEFENSE--which, despite getting about zero pass rush most of the time and being on the field a lot, played quite well overall.

Second bitch about the coaching staff.  Sorry.  But we have only one quarterback who can pass.  I don't care how bad he was against Toledo, Franshaw needed to be in that game no later than the start of the third quarter.

At least one of the turnovers was because of this fear the coaches put on the offense:  the sorta panicked option pitch out.

Look, if we're gonna get blown out, let's play with heart and gusto.  Franshaw brought that.  He threw 2 or 3 downfield passes that were zipped right to wide open receivers.  When he was in, we had spirit.

The second half of today's game could be the start of our season.  It will be very big if we can beat stupd cow.
Last Edited: 9/18/2010 8:54:34 PM by Monroe Slavin
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/18/2010 9:01 PM
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Near the end of the first half, we have 4th and short near midfield.  Turned to the guy above me (I was in the lime green, short sleeved shirt...I'm betting that you're on this board...we were right by the guy in the OU hat who yakked twice in the first quarter--disgusting) and said that we'd run Bates up the middle and it wouldn't work.  We did, but timeout was called  before the play was completed.  Then, if I remember, after the timeout we ran....the exact same play and Bates didn't get it.

Horrible calls.  It was so obvious we were going to do that.

Damn it.  Stop showing fear.  When Bates was in we hardly tried to throw it downfield.  I'm guessing that over about 10 possessions in the first half, we had one of six plays and all the others were 4 or less.  That is stress on the defense.  Because we didn't show confidence enough in our O-line to let them try pass blocking for downfield throws.

And Franshaw should've been in.

Gawd, losing is bad.  But I can live with it.  But having the coaches show so little faith in our guys--pathetic.  Whatever happened to 'No Fear' and 'Don't Flinch.'

I'm not saying that we had a good chance to win.  But I'm not that impressed with the buckeyes.  Oh, they're good.  But them having so many 'short fields' made it easy.  'cause we played fetal position fear offense.

One good call.  On the drive on which we scored, we went for it on 4th and 1 at about their 6.  We made it.  I loved the two back set--so finally the buckeyes couldn't key on one guy.

I know that it wasn't like we were running wild on these guys, but we seemed to get some yards on them when we ran straight ahead.  Shoulda tried it more from two back sets.

Last Edited: 9/18/2010 9:02:02 PM by Monroe Slavin
BobcatSports
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Posted: 9/18/2010 9:04 PM
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Absolutely nothing surprised me today from us - nothing! I'm assuming Monroe you were not at our first 2 games. Our Wofford win was uninspiring which I tried to convince myself it was first game type stuff,it was a "Love" adverse opponent etc., however those thoughts were totally dispelled when we got "Rock-eted" last week. NOTHING surprised me today.
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/18/2010 9:05 PM
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Which leads to another gripe.  How many times in the 2nd half did we run for 2-3 yards on first down and, then, run again for about no yardage on 2nd down.  Meaning we had to pass on third down.  Why did we never pass on 2nd down then?  That played right into the buckeyes hands.  We weren't going to run on them effectively enough to keep moving the ball downfield for many first downs in a row.   So, okay, run for a few yards on first down to keep them honest, to set up 2nd and not too many to go.  Then, at least some of the time, pass on 2nd down.

Also, seemed we should have had more 3 receiver sets with an extra lineman or running back to help in pass protection.

It didn't have to be near as bad as it was today.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that I think that we can have a pretty fair season from here on out.  If the coaches master some of the obvious things..which also include playing Boykin and passing to the tight end.
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Posted: 9/18/2010 9:19 PM
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Paul Hershey is the punter. He had several good punts.  The off ense has no imagination.  To easy to read.

I am still worried about our intensity.  Athletes not playing with confidence. Our defense was not that bad, but watching the replay tonight, we were terrible in the middle. The LB's were in no site on three/four of the over the middle defense.  We may have been in a LB rush with the DT hanging back.  Could not really tell.
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Posted: 9/18/2010 9:34 PM
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We clearly have a QB issue with this team.  Boo did play better today than Bates.  However, we had an opportunity to see what Boo could do last week.  This was Bates first debut with some legit playing time.  Difficult to fully judge vs. possibly the nation’s best defense…but based on what I seen today; I would move him to RB and if he does not like it he can hold the clipboard.  Time to give TT a chance at the helm.  He could not possibly do any worse than Boo vs. Toledo or Phil vs. OSU.   

I was really excited for the season with both these QB’s.  However, two games of watching them repeatedly hand the ball to the other team inside the 20 is enough evidence try someone else.  The coaches are not the ones that turned the ball over five times each in the past two games. 

perimeterpost
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Posted: 9/18/2010 9:59 PM
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There's several things the team needs to work on, here's a call out on two-

Passion:
We need a Tim Tebow moment. Somebody, preferably  Bates or Boo) needs to step up and and commit to leading this team and commit to giving it 110%. They look scared, timid, and uninspired. Light a fire!

Turnovers:
vs. Toledo- 4 turnovers (3 int., 1 fumble). Points scored off of turnovers- 13. TD both TD drives totaled 7 yards. OHIO loses by 7.

vs. A&M- 6 turnovers (2 int., 3 fumbles, 1 safety). Points off turnovers- 19. OHIO loses by 36.

We likely still lose without turnovers vs A&M, but the score would probably be a lot closer. We've got to hold onto the ball better.
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/18/2010 10:36 PM
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And another thing.  About which I know that most of you will think I'm a whack job.

Remember the old Dallet Cowboys offensive line under Tom Landry.  How in unison they'd get half set with their elbows on their knees, then they'd rise up in unison, then they'd settle into their three point stance in unison?

Our O-line should do that.  First, I think it'd give them some identity and some pride in a unique look.  Second, I think it will give them some rhythm, some way to build it as a unit.


I'm surprised that I think this way after today.  But if we correct the stupidness and start running better sets and plays and playing the right players (good to see Dallas Brown running some), then I think we can start playing OHIO ball again and still have a good season.

Don't forget our identity:  We have fine wideouts and we throw it on you.  Along with some smash mouth runs.
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Posted: 9/18/2010 11:46 PM
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From the upper deck today this is what I saw.

Bates: he has some real nice speed once he finds a lane running.  That may work in the MAC vs defense that our line can matchup with.  But Ohio State was too fast and there were no holes against OSU first team defense.  Can't tell If Bates can throw the ball or not very few long balls or slants called. Screen passes aren't fooling Wofford, Toledo or Ohio State. He wasn't help by some drops, but e missed bad on too many.  Best pass he thru was to scarlet jersey unfortunately. Are we a running team or a throwing team? Seems were trying to drift to a running game, but our best asset is our recivers. This explains Boo looking a bit better as we were playing to our strength and not our weakness. To be fair to Bates playing calling didn't help him much.  If we are throwing the ball Boo needed to be in.  Only 17 pass attemps in the game vs 31 runs.  Odd numbers considering the score.

Running backs. Davidson not strong or fast enough to be primary back. Dallas Brown was a little stronger but the two backs combined for 3 fumbles.  Not a good day for those two.  

Wide Receivers. Dumlap had a nice catch with the slant for a first down from Boo and Mccrae with the smooth catch for the TD.  Brazile was a non-factor most of the afternoon. Consider the play calling and the terrible throws that was no suprise.  

o-line: false starts are killing this team.  Lack of focus from this unit.  They didn't block anything all day in the running.  No sacks were overated stat today because we were calling plays that could no result in a sack.  Ohio State had penetratation on almost every running play.   
Defense: I thought our tackling was fine, however we took some poor angles on a few big plays.  We didn't put pressure on Pryor and he picked us apart. Second half we got some pressure and better results.  I think our lack of pressure in the first quater killed us.  It was pretty much a tough matchup as we couldn't cover both pryor and the receivers. He showed great poise in waiting for us to breakdown.  He looked worthy of the hype today.  

special teams: Pretty good job. blocked punt. We had good kick coverage, Kickoff returns were ok, but not great. Punting was our best aspect of the game today. Hershey played and excellent game. 

   
bobcatgrad
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Posted: 9/19/2010 1:20 AM
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I know a lot of people are calling for putting Tettleton in this year, but I don't see it happening unless we get REALLY desperate. Solich said that he wants to keep Tettleton out this year to give him a true redshirt season after pulling him out of a redshirt season last year. Seeing as this will probably be our last chance to do so, I would have to agree with his decision.

I think another issue going on with our QBs is not enough playing time in the case of Bates. Remember how bad Bower was in 2006 after Everson got injured in the Akron game when we won the MAC East? Seemed to be throwing picks every other play. The next year, he had a one break down against Toledo with tons of INTs, but over all he was much more improved and played really well at times. I have got a feeling that Bates is the same type of situation. I don't think he will ever be an excellent passing QB, but I think combined with his running ability, he can be a weapon for us at QB. Ohio State whooped us because they had their experienced QB. That is what we are going to need if we are going to consistently be the best team in the MAC.

As for all the Boo detractors on this board. One horrible performance does not a season make. Boo had a lot of picks his first year too, but he also made a lot of plays and broke Ohio passing records. Do not give up on him either. He is great at of making something out of nothing and if he can keep on improving his condition coming back from his injury and/or adjust his game to figure out how to be effective as he finds his limitations in playing with his injury, then it is too early to give up on him. Heck, just for his ability to improvise, his experience, and his experience playing in the horseshoe alone, I thought he would have been the starter on Saturday, but I cannot argue with the coaches' decision because he did nothing to earn his spot last week. All I can say for Boo this game is though, thank you for throwing that touchdown pass to McCrae. A shut out against the bucknuts would have about pushed me to my limit on how much I can stand.
Last Edited: 9/19/2010 3:44:58 AM by bobcatgrad
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 9/19/2010 11:31 AM
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Well said grad.....I too think Boo is the answer at QB.

What's amazing is that in practice and practice games Bates looks like he can throw the ball.....the signing of Roback for next year may be larger than we thought.

Hopefully Boo's arm strength will get better.



20 Random Thoughts:

*Brown over Davidson at RB looks like an answer this year

*Hilton Dawson's name was called a bunch yesterday

*Jones looks like he will help the d-line this year and next

*3 new offensive lineman next year all may get a chance to start

*Hammonds and transfer Blankenship may get a shot as newbies next year at RB

*We may have found a punter

*Why isn't our starting d-line playing better this year?

*Is injury the only thing wrong with Brazil?

*I think our CB's wil be great the rest of the year

*Did Eric Benjamin get hurt yesterday?

*Donavan Fletcher is da man

*Why was my wife wearing an OSU jersey?

*Will we ever throw to tight ends?

*Start Jon Lechner at right guard

*Turn Alphonso Lewis loose more

*Throw the ball a bunch towards Bakari Bussey

*Jay Edwards will fight for the MLB position next year

*Use Mario Dovell in the wildcat as a RB/WR/QB

*Why am I  so pi$$ed at all my friends and relatives that root for OSU

*Riley Dunlop needs more touches


Last Edited: 9/19/2010 11:57:11 AM by Doc Bobcat
Bobcat321
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Posted: 9/19/2010 2:09 PM
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What a ripoff. I clicked on this post ready for the analysis of Bobcat Love, and this post has no contribution from him.

Pretty weak to trade on someone else's name. 

At this point, the best thing to do is for you to add a self-bump later on. Keep it fresh.






Last Edited: 9/19/2010 2:10:58 PM by Bobcat321
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Posted: 9/19/2010 3:18 PM
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Why do you think the Love is not happy? This is the kind of game he wants to see more of. Wofford is the kind of game he doesn't want to see.
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/19/2010 5:21 PM
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A specific memory.  I may be mixing up games.  But on our first play did we put a wide receiver in motion, then have him sorta run/stop in place just off tackle so he could be an extra blocker for that running play?

Truly a stupid conception.  Have a 195 pound, built for speed receiver trying to block the big guys on the buckeye's (or anyone's) front line.  Just put an extra lineman or bigmanTightEnd out there if you're gonna run it.  Get beef on beef--especially at that point when we had a chance to bust them one in the chops at game start to establish that we were in the house and that they were gonna have a game on their hands.
John C. Wanamaker
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Posted: 9/20/2010 8:11 AM
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Monroe Slavin, CPA wrote:expand_more
A specific memory.  I may be mixing up games.  But on our first play did we put a wide receiver in motion, then have him sorta run/stop in place just off tackle so he could be an extra blocker for that running play?

Truly a stupid conception.  Have a 195 pound, built for speed receiver trying to block the big guys on the buckeye's (or anyone's) front line.  Just put an extra lineman or bigmanTightEnd out there if you're gonna run it.  Get beef on beef--especially at that point when we had a chance to bust them one in the chops at game start to establish that we were in the house and that they were gonna have a game on their hands.


You truly do not understand some of the finer points of football.
Robert Fox
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Posted: 9/20/2010 9:30 AM
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So you think you may remember something--but not too sure. And you are willing to label it (at least as you remember it) stupid?

Something tells me you don't understand the play AT ALL, but that's not stopping you from reaching a final decision on it's value.
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Posted: 9/20/2010 1:47 PM
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I know what he's talking about. Didn't Lavon Brazil go in motion then line up beside Bates, and take a handoff between the tackles?
Pete Chouteau
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Posted: 9/20/2010 8:17 PM
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I suppose one could watch a replay on BTN for specifics...

Or one could do this:
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 9/21/2010 3:39 AM
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Wanamaker and Fox--what a pairing of ingenuity thinking--you two think that running a wide receiver up the heart of the  buckeye defense on the first play of the game was a good way to set the tone?  Was that a good way to start--by sending a rather lightweight guy known for his receeving prowesse (not his running power) up the middle of a stout #2 in the nation defense?  Was that the way to punch 'em to let 'em know that we conceded nothing to their power and that we had come to play?

I'm trying to think if there was a less well-suited play and player which we could've run up the heart of their defense to start the game, to set the tone.  Let me do a few weeks worth of research; maybe I'll have a whisper of an answer by then.
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