Ohio State and Navy met for their first regular season game since 1931 on Saturday afternoon. The college football season kicked off at the Horseshoe and ended with what OSU head coach, Jim Tressel, termed a “dazzling” fourth quarter. Navy quarterback, Ricky Dobbs trimmed the Ohio State lead to two with 2:23 remaining in the game. Dobbs ran up the middle for a 24 yard touchdown to put the Midshipmen in position to tie the game on a two-point conversion. The Buckeyes led 29-27 when Brian Rolle intercepted a potential game-tying two-point conversion in the closing minutes. Rolle returned for two points the other way to preserve the Buckeye lead. The Bucks weathered the storm against a pesky Navy team in their 2009 home opener. An estimated crowd of 105,000 fans turned out at Ohio Stadium, the largest ever to see the Buckeyes open a season.
Rolle’s pick at the one-yard line was the game-saving play, but the contest featured other notable highlights from both sides. OSU’s second year quarterback, Terrelle Pryor was a respectable 14 of 21 for 174 yards. Pryor ran for a touchdown and passed for another to help Ohio State slip past the Midshipmen 31-27. Dan Herron led the Buckeye rushers with 72 yards and a touchdown, and Brandon Saine pounded out 53 yards in the backfield. Ohio State established an early 7-0 lead on their opening drive. The Buckeyes held the ball for just under seven minutes on a 15 play first quarter scoring drive. Pryor swiftly spiraled a 38 yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for the first OSU touchdown. Navy scored on the ensuing possession after converting four third downs. The Buckeyes evidently were troubled by the diverse and complicated Navy offensive formation. Dobbs rushed for 16 yards up the middle on a third and two to even the score. OSU place kicker, Aaron Pettry added a 23 yard field goal late in the quarter to put the Buckeyes back on top by three points.
The second quarter began sloppily for both teams. Ohio State overcame a few penalties and a fumble. The Midshipmen also fumbled, but were unable to recover their own ball. Instead, the stalwart OSU defense returned in time and the Buckeyes capitalized on the turnover. Kurt Coleman viciously knocked the ball from Mario Washington, and Ross Horman fell on the loose object. The splendid subsequent drive resulted in a touchdown for the scarlet and gray. Pryor scrambled to the left side of the endzone for the six points. Backup quarterback, Joe Bauserman completed three passes just before the half for Ohio State. He rushed for six yards to the Navy eight yard line before Tressel called their final timeout. Pettry footed a 25-yarder with .58 ticks on the clock to give his team a 20-8 halftime lead. Although not commanding, the Buckeyes did a good job handling Navy in the first half.
The only scoring in the third quarter was from the visiting team. Navy scored just before the end of the quarter on a 15-play drive that set up Marcus Curry’s 16 yard touchdown reception. The slim Ohio State lead was increased by three on Pettry’s third field goal of the game. This time, the slick kicker planted a long 52 yarder between the posts for a 23-14 Buckeye lead. Herron ran six yards for a touchdown on a quick but effective Ohio State drive. Pettry missed the point-after as the ball bounced off the right upright. The PAT wasn’t good, but Ohio State still held the advantage. The 29-14 home team lead would remain for just five minutes, however. Dobbs completed an unfathomable 85 yard pass to Curry on the one play for the Midshipmen. The noxious Navy pair was thorough through the air, but it was Navy’s defense that made this opener a game. Navy never folded, and their flexbone triple option offense rocked the Horseshoe in the second half. Curry beat the one-on-one coverage of OSU safety, Anderson Russell and outran him to the endzone. Dobbs lofted the perfect spiral to Curry, and in doing so completed the third longest pass play in Navy history. The Horseshoe crowd stunningly saw Dobbs throw for 156 yards and two scores. The Navy signal-caller completed 9 of 13 passes on the day. Curry finished with just over 100 total yards.
Ohio State limped through the remainder of the fourth quarter. The lowlight came on Pryor’s intercepted pass by Navy safety, Emmett Merchant. Merchant returned the ball 28 yards to the OSU 33 yard line with four minutes left in the game. Dobbs faked a handoff on third down and sprinted straight up the middle for another Midshipmen score. This is where the missed PAT could come back to haunt the Buckeyes. Navy went for the two-point conversion and the tie. The attempt was fruitless. The junior Buckeye, Rolle, thundered up the Navy sideline 99 yards to give the home crowd something to cheer about again: a 31-27 Buckeyes lead. OSU recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to notch their first victory of the year. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for my beloved Buckeyes. They welcome their Hollywood opponents, the Pete Carroll-led USC Trojans on September 12th. The game is sure to rate, but will the actual product on the field show value?
Parting points: Does this game bring new meaning to the term “pick and roll(e)?” Gosh, I love this game. Is there anything better than college football?
Showing posts with label Navy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Navy. Show all posts
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Beginning Buckeyes
The countdown commences to Saturday, September 5th at noon. Ohio State tackles the Midshipmen from Navy in the hailed Horseshoe season-opener. Buckeye football begins with the building blocks of last season and a refined, refreshed, rebuilt and retooled team. I equate Jim Tressel with success and he returns as the play-calling head coach. Tressel faces a challenging 2009. He has endured harsh criticism over the years for his bland Buckeyes’ failure to win the big games for a football frenzied Columbus city. Tressel takes on the task of tailoring his offense to fit his players’ talent this year.
This Fall’s Buckeyes are Terrelle Pryor’s team now. The number one recruit a year ago returns to command in Columbus as the full-time signal caller. He will do so without the help of a bright backfield now that Beanie Wells bolted to the defending NFC champion Arizona Cardinals of the professional game. The Bucks must groom a new running back to carry the football similar to the way the big, bruising Beanie did. Pryor is moving Ohio State’s offense to a spread option unit instead of the traditional I-formation imposed by previous teams. Quick and agile backs are an important component in competing with a cutting offense. The primary back must be able to get to the corner and sidelines with a swift stride. Brandon Saine, the junior with blazing speed, is a good fit for the role. His first two seasons in scarlet and gray have been littered with injuries. Saine’s timing as a tailback has been tested and he needs to display more visceral vision as an illustrious runner. Dan “Boom” Herron played backup to Beanie but Tressel will give him an open shot at a starter’s role this Fall. Jaamal Berry is an incoming freshman protégé poised to push his place as Pryor’s prime right-hand man in carrying the ball. Unfortunately, Berry became Tressel’s fifth athlete charged with a felony during the coach’s tenure with the headset. Berry was arrested in Miami a few weeks ago and faces a July 2nd arraignment. The 18 year old recruit was charged with felony drug possession after police discovered over 20 grams of marijuana in his car. Berry and Florida running back, Carlos Hyde, have been expected to compete for playing time right away. The blue-chip back from Palmetto High reported to OSU on Monday and planned to start summer school today.
The Big Ten’s Newcomer of the Year, Pryor, was Ohio State’s first true starting freshman quarterback since Art Schlichter in 1978. Pryor’s 8-1 record was an impressive as his league-leading passer efficiency rating of 60% in 2008. The dynamic tosser will have to accelerate his game this season. He threw for 1, 311 yards and rushed for 631 his first season. The dual-threat Terrelle totaled 18 touchdowns as a young Buck. He’s expected to do even more with less skill and talent around him this year. Pryor trotted out a pistol formation with little success last season but might find it more effective with the 2009 squad.
An inexperienced receiving corps includes sophomore standouts, Devier Posey and Lamaar Thomas. Dane Sanzenbacher is another deep threat and Duron Carter is a newbie with a flair for the spectacular. If Carter catches anything like his father, former Buckeye Cris, the OSU offense will be quite thankful for the sparkling ball snagger. Justin Boren joins a revamped offensive line. The Michigan transfer will occupy the guard position and brings instant credibility to the job. He also adds experience to a young entity.
Michael Brewster will play center to secure the new offense at the line of scrimmage. I was high on Brewster a year ago and feel a year later, he will be ready to take charge. The tackles should also all be better this season. Mike Adams is mystifying and should be able to boost the beaten Buckeyes blocking bunch. With a healthy J.B. Shugarts and Bryant Browning moving to the inside guard job, the positive protection of the passer will prevail.
Defensive fundamentals have been a long standing Buckeye tradition. The staple of the team has always been a stout D line. Leaders, James Laurinaitis and Malcom Jenkins were the statistical stars last year. Tressel must fill their voids vocally with equitable shoes. On the field, Austin Spitler and Tyler Moeller show they are capable and are both in line to be adequate replacements. Spitler has been in the shadow of Captain Laurinaitis and Moeller has been outshined by Freeman. Both players flew under the wings of the premier players but are now ready to be starters themselves. Their flexible and versatile bringing are understated assets.
Ken Niumatalolo will send junior, Ricky Dobbs to the center of the Columbus Horseshow universe on September 5th. Dobbs debuted against SMU with a four touchdown performance and 224 yard game in 2008. OSU hopes he doesn’t have that kind of day next Fall. Navy’s greatest strength last season was their offense, led by Eric Kettani and Shun White. Fullback, Alex Teich, steps into Kettani’s place and linebackers, Tyler Simmons and Clint Sovie should prove key Midshipmen defensive players. Dobbs is an exciting talent when he runs his triple-option show. Navy led the nation in rushing for the 4th straight year last season, but begin this September’s campaign minus 12 rushing touchdowns produced by Kettani and White. Captain and leading linebacker, Ross Pospisil anchors Navy’s defense and Niumatalolo’s crew is much improved in that area.
OSU’s Thaddeus Gibson and the defensive ends will have a relatively easy time stopping an undeveloped Navy offense. Gibson is a pounding passer and rusher. He led the Bucks with five sacks a year ago. Navy’s progress on defense is Pryor’s number one priority as the schedule peeks out him in the not too distant future.
Two other interesting OSU football notes--one about a former Buckeye and one about a future.
Former quarterback, Todd Boeckman, signed a free agent deal with Jacksonville. Boeckman went undrafted and tried out with Cincinnati, but will suit up for the Jaguars to start his NFL career.
OSU cornerback, Devon Torrence, was scouted and drafted by the Houston Astros in 2007. The Canton outfielder spent two summers swatting in single-A Greeneville, Tennessee. The junior is making the switch to football now and is pushing Andre Amos for a starting secondary sport.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Wake Me Up When September Comes"- Green Day
This Fall’s Buckeyes are Terrelle Pryor’s team now. The number one recruit a year ago returns to command in Columbus as the full-time signal caller. He will do so without the help of a bright backfield now that Beanie Wells bolted to the defending NFC champion Arizona Cardinals of the professional game. The Bucks must groom a new running back to carry the football similar to the way the big, bruising Beanie did. Pryor is moving Ohio State’s offense to a spread option unit instead of the traditional I-formation imposed by previous teams. Quick and agile backs are an important component in competing with a cutting offense. The primary back must be able to get to the corner and sidelines with a swift stride. Brandon Saine, the junior with blazing speed, is a good fit for the role. His first two seasons in scarlet and gray have been littered with injuries. Saine’s timing as a tailback has been tested and he needs to display more visceral vision as an illustrious runner. Dan “Boom” Herron played backup to Beanie but Tressel will give him an open shot at a starter’s role this Fall. Jaamal Berry is an incoming freshman protégé poised to push his place as Pryor’s prime right-hand man in carrying the ball. Unfortunately, Berry became Tressel’s fifth athlete charged with a felony during the coach’s tenure with the headset. Berry was arrested in Miami a few weeks ago and faces a July 2nd arraignment. The 18 year old recruit was charged with felony drug possession after police discovered over 20 grams of marijuana in his car. Berry and Florida running back, Carlos Hyde, have been expected to compete for playing time right away. The blue-chip back from Palmetto High reported to OSU on Monday and planned to start summer school today.
The Big Ten’s Newcomer of the Year, Pryor, was Ohio State’s first true starting freshman quarterback since Art Schlichter in 1978. Pryor’s 8-1 record was an impressive as his league-leading passer efficiency rating of 60% in 2008. The dynamic tosser will have to accelerate his game this season. He threw for 1, 311 yards and rushed for 631 his first season. The dual-threat Terrelle totaled 18 touchdowns as a young Buck. He’s expected to do even more with less skill and talent around him this year. Pryor trotted out a pistol formation with little success last season but might find it more effective with the 2009 squad.
An inexperienced receiving corps includes sophomore standouts, Devier Posey and Lamaar Thomas. Dane Sanzenbacher is another deep threat and Duron Carter is a newbie with a flair for the spectacular. If Carter catches anything like his father, former Buckeye Cris, the OSU offense will be quite thankful for the sparkling ball snagger. Justin Boren joins a revamped offensive line. The Michigan transfer will occupy the guard position and brings instant credibility to the job. He also adds experience to a young entity.
Michael Brewster will play center to secure the new offense at the line of scrimmage. I was high on Brewster a year ago and feel a year later, he will be ready to take charge. The tackles should also all be better this season. Mike Adams is mystifying and should be able to boost the beaten Buckeyes blocking bunch. With a healthy J.B. Shugarts and Bryant Browning moving to the inside guard job, the positive protection of the passer will prevail.
Defensive fundamentals have been a long standing Buckeye tradition. The staple of the team has always been a stout D line. Leaders, James Laurinaitis and Malcom Jenkins were the statistical stars last year. Tressel must fill their voids vocally with equitable shoes. On the field, Austin Spitler and Tyler Moeller show they are capable and are both in line to be adequate replacements. Spitler has been in the shadow of Captain Laurinaitis and Moeller has been outshined by Freeman. Both players flew under the wings of the premier players but are now ready to be starters themselves. Their flexible and versatile bringing are understated assets.
Ken Niumatalolo will send junior, Ricky Dobbs to the center of the Columbus Horseshow universe on September 5th. Dobbs debuted against SMU with a four touchdown performance and 224 yard game in 2008. OSU hopes he doesn’t have that kind of day next Fall. Navy’s greatest strength last season was their offense, led by Eric Kettani and Shun White. Fullback, Alex Teich, steps into Kettani’s place and linebackers, Tyler Simmons and Clint Sovie should prove key Midshipmen defensive players. Dobbs is an exciting talent when he runs his triple-option show. Navy led the nation in rushing for the 4th straight year last season, but begin this September’s campaign minus 12 rushing touchdowns produced by Kettani and White. Captain and leading linebacker, Ross Pospisil anchors Navy’s defense and Niumatalolo’s crew is much improved in that area.
OSU’s Thaddeus Gibson and the defensive ends will have a relatively easy time stopping an undeveloped Navy offense. Gibson is a pounding passer and rusher. He led the Bucks with five sacks a year ago. Navy’s progress on defense is Pryor’s number one priority as the schedule peeks out him in the not too distant future.
Two other interesting OSU football notes--one about a former Buckeye and one about a future.
Former quarterback, Todd Boeckman, signed a free agent deal with Jacksonville. Boeckman went undrafted and tried out with Cincinnati, but will suit up for the Jaguars to start his NFL career.
OSU cornerback, Devon Torrence, was scouted and drafted by the Houston Astros in 2007. The Canton outfielder spent two summers swatting in single-A Greeneville, Tennessee. The junior is making the switch to football now and is pushing Andre Amos for a starting secondary sport.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Wake Me Up When September Comes"- Green Day
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