An old saying goes something like, "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." Buckeyes around the world found out yesterday that this saying needs modified to include really close games. For some, this game could be written off under the heading of, "A win is a win." For me personally, I don't think so. Given that, obviously what needs to happen is learning. Yes, learning in the terms of what happened yesterday. Because for me, and I suspect the millions of Buckeye fans all over the world, close actually COUNTS, as in, "It shouldn't have happened."
OK. So, exactly what DID happen yesterday, beside the fact that we are now 10-0?
For starters, Jim Tressel in his weekly Sunday morning television show just admitted that he and the coaches pulled in the reins WAY too much in the second half. What? Yes, he actually admitted several times on the show that they became too conservative in the second half which subsequently allowed Illinois back in the game. Well, the coaches get a D- for the game yesterday but an A+ for honesty. I imagine this has already served as a wake up call to the coaches.
What else happened? I really hesitate pointing out the performance of individual players, as they are kids/young men who for the most part, work very hard and try their best. However, one thing I can't stand in any part of my life is when people don't try their best. I can easily live with losing, coming up short if we honestly put our best foot forward. At least for two Buckeye players yesterday, this was not the case.
Brandon Mitchell had a marginal day (at best) in terms of not using his head. Several times he took bad angles on tackles and almost single-handedly lost the on-side kick for us by trying to leap and catch it vs. letting it go for the second wave, as is taught.
Next, if Tressel doesn't stop playing Tim Schafer (left tackle), Troy Smith is going to get decapitated. Tim is highly ineffective, slow, doesn't like contact and should not even be on the team. This has been his standard mode the entire time he's been here. At least two of the blind sacks on Troy were from his back side by people that easily ran right by Schafer. Tim is a great kid, as I know the family well, he just isn't cut out to start. Yes, I know Boone is hurt but there HAS to be someone, anyone, better than Schafer.
Next, Beanie Wells needs special attention for his sloppiness in taking care of the ball. Fortunately, Beanie will be worth that special attention and I have no doubt he'll get much better. For me, most of this is under the heading of freshman mistakes. However, the problem is he needs to improve REALLY fast, as Pittman can't keep running the ball 30+ times a game like he did yesterday, especially against TBGUN.
Finally, the glass is really half full. I was actually very glad to hear Jim Tressel acknowledge publicly that the coaches shared a big responsibility for the game yesterday. This tells me he is clearly intent on working on that so as not to make that mistake again. Remember, he is committed to constant improvement for ALL.
Netting this all out, it can be a blessing in disguise for everyone. It shows we are not immune to marginal play. It shows there actually are teams that can beat us, so we better prepare accordingly. It should show the players and coaches that we constantly need to bring our "A" game. Maybe Tiger Woods can sometimes get by with bringing a "B" or "C" game, but no other mere mortals can. This game against Illinois could be just what the doctor ordered.
There are some Buckeyes who believe Jim Tressel is so clever that he has deliberately shown certain plays, play calling, formations, etc. throughout the year just to play with Lloyd Carr's head. So, here's the $64,000 question for those of you who enjoy conspiracy theories: "Was this game yesterday by design, or just coincidence?"
Ohio State 17 Illinois 10
Click the Logo to return to home
VS
November 4th, 2006
Memorial Stadium - Champaign, Ill
Attendance 53,351
