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Home > Blogs > Buckeyes Beat > Archives > 2009 > January > 06 > Entry
Coming close no consolation to Buckeyes
Ohio State had a much better showing in the Fiesta Bowl than in its previous two BCS bowl games, national championship losses to Florida and LSU, but that did not mean much to the Buckeyes’ players.
“It’s a loss. We can’t be proud of close games,” freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor said. “These are the type of games you have to take over and win. Hanging in there is not good enough.”
Pryor said he had absolutely no sense that the game was over when the Buckeyes took a 21-17 lead with 2:05 remaining on Dan Herron’s 21-yard touchdown run.
“We have a great defense, but they have a guy who was a top candidate for the Heisman” Trophy, Pryor said of Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy.
“He’s going to make plays, whether we like it or not. He’s a Heisman quarterback. He’s going to match them downfield.”
Pryor and Todd Boeckman were on the field for the first play of the game, with Boeckman at quarterback and Pryor at wide receiver, and were on the field together for maybe a dozen plays or more.
“I was cool with it,” Pryor said of the formation. “I could be used as somewhat of a decoy, and then get the ball, too.”
Pryor made his first college catch mean something - his five-yard touchdown reception from Boeckman with 7:31 remaining brought the Buckeyes within two, 17-15.
“Nothing special,” Pryor said.
Boeckman did not see it that way.
Pryor, used as a decoy when he lined up at receiver most of the night, was the primary receiver on the touchdown pass.
“We’d been practicing that the last couple of weeks, to let him go up and get it,” Boeckman said.
“When you are 6-foot-5 and that athletic… let him go up for the rebound. He’s a heck of a player. He is going to be making so many plays in years to come. I’m excited where’s he at.
“Being that young and that poised on a big stage, he’s special. He’s a smart player. He is only going to get better.”
Beanie Wells had his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season, gaining 106, but he missed most of the second half after suffering a concussion in the third quarter.
“My guys fought out there, and I am proud of them for that,” Wells said.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t be out there to help my team whey they needed me most. Regarding a possible move to the NFL, “I haven’t even thought it,” he said.
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Comments
By Brian
January 6, 2009 3:24 AM | Link to this
Dare I say it… I think Tressel needs to go. The play calling is pedestrian, generic and far too conservative. You have the ball @ midfield, it’s 3rd & 12 and you run off-tackle?!?! After Texas just marched down the field and scored?!?! And I’d like to know how many personal foul penalties have been called on OSU in the last 3 bowl games. Very undisciplined and uninspired play, fellas…By Brian
January 6, 2009 3:31 AM | Link to this
Need to add this… Was Pryor throwing a 10 lb. football to his guys? Seemed like every ball was 5 yards short. OSU is simply geting exposed in bowl games. 7 wins next year and we’ll see ya in the Holiday Bowl South Carolina!By Bud
January 6, 2009 4:12 AM | Link to this
Brian - get a clue. The personal foul that gave Texas the lead in the third quarter was not a personal foul at all. Seems like Texas had the refs in their pockets. I guess they feel they had to protect Colt McCoy. They should just put a skirt on him.By Bill from Ohio
January 6, 2009 6:17 AM | Link to this
I do go with what Bud said, the bad call the ref made was the turning point. maybe if they have replay on other plays they should might as well put them on these type of penilties. They blew that one, and it is not the first one they have called this year and cost other games for others. But, they did not blow us out like they thought they would.By Matt
January 6, 2009 6:19 AM | Link to this
Tressel needs some coaches on his staff with some NFL experience. Somebody who is able to make adjustments mid-game. Tressel and his staff always seem to have a decent game plan, but it never seems to evolve.By BuckNut
January 6, 2009 6:23 AM | Link to this
OK here is my take. Tressel was great with what he had to work with. Alex Boone should have been on the bench after the second game. The offensive line could not protect the QB at all. Plus I lost count of how many holding calls they had that killed great plays this year. The use of TP and TB at the same time was good. But they should have run more option plays with TP. That would have worked great. Otherwise great game Bucks.By hey bud
January 6, 2009 6:28 AM | Link to this
hey buddy boy…you get a clue… the buckeyes got beat,not by the refs but by a better more powerful team with a better coaching staff. the buckeyes need to stick with youngstown state and akron,,see ya in the rubber bowlBy Shantei
January 6, 2009 6:31 AM | Link to this
The game was a decent game. Tressel does not need to go, but he does need help when it comes to sealing the deal. Defense should have been on McCoy like white on rice the last minute. There was no excuse for it. And as for that holding call on TP on the 2 point conversion? Very weak call.By Lax20
January 6, 2009 6:42 AM | Link to this
Ohio State needs to clean house when it comes to assistant coaches. Bollman and Heacock have to go. The defense has been mediocre at best, since D’Antonio and Snyder have left for head coaching jobs. I know Tressel calls alot of the plays, but the offensive line has been average and the play calling is to conservative. TP is a great weapon and Tressel is not utilizing him at his full potential. Ohio State needs to go to the spread formation with the read option as a staple with TP at quarterback. From this game, you can see Pryor is still not matured and made some mistakes that a veteran would not make. I hope Beanie stays and OSU will at least make some changes. Go Bucks!!!By mary
January 6, 2009 6:49 AM | Link to this
Tressel needs to go! He tries to play conservative in a game that needs to be played with aggression. Tressel has screwed the seniors all year by putting a freshman quarterback in who needed to watch and learn rather than play and lose. Boeckman is a great quarterback that didn’t get his chance to take the Bucks where they needed to go. Tressel got to where he wanted to go evidently because it was his call. The more you watch Tressel the more you see that he must want to lose. Get rid of the looser. The new contract with Tressel should have not ever happened!By Michael
January 6, 2009 6:51 AM | Link to this
OSU really lost the game in the first half when they could not score touchdowns and settled for FG attempts. It was a great game to watch, and the Buckeyes weren’t even supposed to compete, according to the experts.By nate
January 6, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this
I don’t necessarily think Tressel needs to go, but something needs to happen with the play calling. The best thing that happened to the Bucks in the 2nd half was Beanie getting hurt. If it wasn’t for that Tressel would have continued to pound the ball between the tackles and OSU would have never been close. Also, someone needs to work with Pryor on the passing game. Without Boeckman as Pryor’s right arm the Bucks wouldn’t have been close. I think using Boeckman in the bowl game says something about what Tressel really thinks (and the rest of the country too) about the rest of the Big Ten…you can beat ‘em with speed, cause that’s all Pryor has right now is speed.By Doug
January 6, 2009 7:26 AM | Link to this
What was the setup on D in the final seconds? LBs up at the line no one back to keep the play infront. The play by play guy kept saying keep the play infront of you, and you can see what happen. 3 loses in a row and countingBy pacfandave
January 6, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this
OSU performed much better than anyone expected. Perhaps they are finally getting away from the ground-and-pound Woody Hayes day and adapting innovations like the spread offense. Personally, I don’t care if they finish 1-11, as long as the one win is against Michigan. Tressel gives us that every year.By VietVet
January 6, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this
Everyone posting about the offense being too conservative is correct. Wells up the middle, Pryor scrambling for his life, short passes to the sideline- that’s it. No flanker screens, no passes to the tight end, no passes to the backs on the run. Just handoffs in the backfield. C’mon Tressel- get some tapes of Florida, USC, Utah- anybody with a wide-open offense and learn a little more than what Woody Hayes wanted to do. Your play calling is as dull as your little sweater vest.By Jesse
January 6, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this
It is crazy that a team with as much talent as OSU finished the season with 3 losses. It is time for tressel to go.By Typical
January 6, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this
Typical OSU fans blaming refs for things that did or didn’t happen. It boggles my mind how well OSU fans can make calls 100s of miles away, through a TV. Keep moaning about how you got messed over, again. I appreciate some of the comments on here from OSU fans that aren’t addicted to the Buckeye Kool-Aid. Tressel is what he is. He is conservative and vanilla. He plays NOT to lose instead of playing TO win. That’s how he has always won in the past. Some games you are going to lose because of your style. Up-tempo teams have the same trap. Love him or hate him - I don’t think he’s going to change.By Walt
January 6, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this
To get a win, the Buckeyes need to accept a bowl bid with a 1-AA opponent.By jeff
January 6, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this
A few things: I don’t think tressel needs to go. The man is 83-19 or something like that and BCS bowls every year. I do think he needs to change up the staff. Obviously something is stale. He got outcoached last night with that no-huddle and if it can’t fall on him it needs to fall on the defensive coach. This is three years in a row now our defense with superior athletes has looked lost in big games. On offesne I think he needs to hand over the playcalling. Like I said great coach do not get rid of him but you have to be able to adjust and they did not do that last night. Also, Pryor’s throwing flaws is 1005 due to his footwork. I DVR’d the game and most of his bad throws were due to improper planting and throwing off the back foot.By jeff
January 6, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this
A few things: I don’t think tressel needs to go. The man is 83-19 or something like that and BCS bowls every year. I do think he needs to change up the staff. Obviously something is stale. He got outcoached last night with that no-huddle and if it can’t fall on him it needs to fall on the defensive coach. This is three years in a row now our defense with superior athletes has looked lost in big games. On offesne I think he needs to hand over the playcalling. Like I said great coach do not get rid of him but you have to be able to adjust and they did not do that last night. Also, Pryor’s throwing flaws is 1005 due to his footwork. I DVR’d the game and most of his bad throws were due to improper planting and throwing off the back foot.By Tom
January 6, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Tressel can not win the big games such as Texas, Penn, USC, LSU, Florida, etc. Texas should have been beat. 400 + yards passing, Pryor can not pass, and the offense is too narrow. Coaching changes need to be made.By annoyed
January 6, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this
Are you people serious with your comments..Heres an idea..Put on some pad and a helmet and get out there and play..Lets see what you can do. Your talking about a team that was expected to get blown out in this game. And how can you possibly say Pryor cant run..Im pretty sure he ran all over one of the best rush defenses in college ball last night, but oh wait, I guess you negative people missed that. These boys played their hearts out, so instead of talking about them, lets congratulate them. If you dont like the way Tressel coaches, heres a great idea..dont watch the Buckeyes, that way we dont have to read your stupid comments.By Teflon Tressel
January 6, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
I predicted three Ohio State losses on these boards before the season started, and somebody said that made me have no credibility. I guess I should have guzzled the Kool-Aid instead. If Mack Brown and his staff weren’t so terrible, this would have been another Buckeye beatdown. It was as if Texas had never seen OSU play and insisted on running its offense into OSU’s defensive strength most of the night. So who will be throwing for Pryor on passing downs next year? And will Tressel fix the fact that Pryor is afraid to get hit when he stays in the pocket?By Tom
January 6, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
Hey annoyed, I said Pryor can not pass. I didn’t say anything about his running. Five for 14 for 66 yards with two sacks. Thank goodness the receivers made some great catches or it would have been worse.By LizardKingLives
January 6, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Tressel is a god to get an overrated OSU team (especially the offense) motivated and prepared to play an excellent & possibly the best team in the nation and almost get the upset. This years (OSU) offense looked flat all year except when they played the teams they are suppose to win…they have a immature QB that by pure athletic talent makes things happen but can not throw the ball just yet…a running back that apparently has no ability to play through some injury…a offensive line that typically chokes it appears (not this game though). And with all those offensive ailments Tressel was able to raise them to a new level. To those who say his play calling is conservative it is because of the above that he has to be conservative…the defense which i think is also overrated but still solid can only do so much to keep you in games…the offense must deliver something other than FG. I think it was brilliant to run the offense with Boeckman and Pryor, which I think is not a conservative plan. The offensive line showed up this game finally. I also think the OSU defense did an outstanding job holding Texas…Colt McCoy showed why he may be the best QB in the country with the way he showed poise and leadership. I think Tressel should be credited with putting together a terrific gameplan and the players showed a lot of pride and character in their performance. The Bucks were only inches away from victory.By Colonel
January 6, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
Mary …Are you tarded (no offense to those who are tarded)? The Buckeye fans should worship Tressel for what he has been able to do at OSU…and for Ohiop FB in general. Your comments are seriously idiotic…he does run conservative offense and guess what it works…he has 5 national titles & countless league titles…you just do not mess with success. He put together one of the greatest gameplans and prepared an overrated team to perform well above their ability. The problem to all you Tressel haters is you got spoiled by his immediate success…you want nothing but National titles (which is an attitude I agree with) and dont recognize that Tressel has taken the OSU program back to being one of the elite programs. There are only a handful of other programs that resemble the OSU program…Texas…USC…Florida…Oklahoma…maybe LSU.By misplaced texan
January 6, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
Wow…what a fantastic game, my respect for OSU has gone through the roof, however 2 minutes for one of the country’s best QB’s is a bit much. Great game. What’s up with Beanie? though whenever he gets a boo-boo he’s done. Too big a game for that.By Big Money
January 6, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
Coach Tressel has gotten very good at post game interviews after losing big games. He has shown a lot of class after each bowl game loss. Sadly he has lots of practice!……O-I-H-O…err I meant O-H-I-O!By Alex
January 6, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
You people are nuts. The only thing this game proved is that USC is far and away the best team in college ball. Texas was considered one of the best teams in the country, everyone said they should be playing this thursday, and what happened? They got lucky as hell to win this game. And anyone thinking that the refs didn’t influence this game, all I can say to you is watch the plays. There were TWO pass interference plays that went uncalled for the Bucks…the long pass to Robieskie and the slant on 3rd and 7 from the 11 to Sanzenbacher. Then turn around in the 3rd quarter and the Bucks get two ridiculous calls in the PI and the Pass roughing call (roughing the passer by hitting the shoulder pad anyone?). All that going against them, and hte offense not producing in the entire 3rd quarter, and Texas STILL needed a TD in the final 16 seconds to win. Cry all you want, but the better team lost last night, there is a reason Texas was not even a pre-season top ten and Ohio State was #2….they were better at ever position except the QB. I seem to remember a certain Colt McCoy being made to look pretty stupid in his freshmen year as well. Pryor will be fine, and so will the Bucks.By winelover
January 6, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this
I think the defense was horrible especially the last 30 seconds of the game. Ohio State needs to get rid of the defenseive coach, and possibly Tressel. Why wan’t Boekman playing more? He made the best plays.By Jason
January 6, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
It amazes me on how people keep talking about OSU and Tressel not being able to win the big game, but even with 3 losses in a row he is still 3 and 3 in BCS games. Nobody mentions the fact that Bob Stoops and Oklahoma have lost 4 bcs games in a row 2 of which were to Boise St. and W. Virginia and a 30 some point loss to LSU in the national title game a few years ago. OSU has lost to Fla, LSU and Texas all top 10 teams year in and year out. Get over it people, yes Tressel is conservative and it does make me very angry sometimes, but how many coaches lead their teams to BCS games year in and year out soft schedule or not.By Bucklies
January 6, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
The game came down to keeping Texas out of the end zone. OSU was blitzing hard on the play and we had no secondary to speak of. Texas didn’t win this, we simply lost it and for this obvious reason.By Urban Meyer
January 6, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Tressel’s three BCS wins were against one good team with a fool for a coach (Miami/Coker) and two lousy teams that didn’t deserve BCS bids (ND and Kansas State). Excuse me for not caring. Tressel’s failures are highlighted because of the unrealistic expectations thrust upon him by Ohio State fans. You made him a deity when he wasn’t one, so look nowhere but within now that the bloom is off the rose. You have a conservative coach who can recruit extremely well, and who can’t prepare for big games unless the opposing coach is a fool. Columbus is going to go mental when Rich Rodriguez gets some players and Buckeye fans can’t point to one big November win a year for success. And I, too, see that Bob Stoops is also a terrible big game coach. That doesn’t mean Tressel is any less of a failure.By boo-hoo
January 6, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
Why is it that when OSU wins a game like that they are a great team, but when anybody else does it to the CHOKE EYES, it is always the refs, or luck, or blah blah blah, quit whining you people are CLASSLESS, it is all part of the game. BOO HOOBy Alex
January 6, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
Jason- You’re absolutely right about chokelahoma. Really annoying how they lose constantly and you don’t see the kind of hate tossed at them that goes at the Bucks. But Tress is actually 4-3 in BCS games. And Oklahoma only lost to LSU by 7, but they lost to USC by 36. OSU is just fine, the defense bent all night but only really broke on two drives. The 1st drive of the 3rd quarter the D played great, but everytime they forced a 3rd down were saved by a flag by the refs.By floridabuckeye
January 6, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
Not happy that the Buckeyes lost, but a game is a game. I love my Buckeyes and always will. Teams win and lose, yes, even the Buckeyes! I am a Buckeye fan, win or lose, not like some of you that only like them when they are winning! Damn good team this year, like always! Rankings don’t really mean alot to me, love my Buckeyes if they are #1 or bottom of the list! Tressell is a class act! The team learns more than just football from him!By The Commish
January 6, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
There’s a lot of whining on here about the officiating last night. Can’t we leave the officials out of it and agree that Ohio State played as well as unimaginable Jim’s playcalling allowed them to, and that Mack Brown’s poor staff tried to play into OSU’s strengths, thus making it a closer game than expected? If the complaining about the stripes must continue, we’re going to have to discuss that terrible pass interference call from a previous Fiesta Bowl that handed Ohio State a national championship. I don’t remember too many Buckeyes complaining about that atrocity.By fat and slow
January 6, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
conditioning is terrible…defense was gassed…little animal was lost…By Jennifer
January 6, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
It was a great game and it is a shame that the refs decided it. There is no way Texas converted on that 4th and 3. Their receiver never got past the 39 yard line. Granted, OSU should of punched it in earlier in the game instead of taking field goals, but hey that’s how it has been all year. I am on the fence about Tressel. The play calling is so predictable and BORING!! All in all a great game, but still another loss in the BIG game.By Greg
January 6, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Bucks. When the Natl. Championship isnt on the line- they look “less bad” in their bowl game….By Greg
January 6, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Bucks. When the Natl. Championship isnt on the line- they look “less bad” in their bowl game….By Joe
January 6, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
Give me a break on the “Bad calls” the only bad calls were the non calls on OSU. The D End should have been tossed after the 2nd personal foul. The simple matter is the Tressell is far too conservative of a coach to win games like that. A good coach yes, but he and the staff are far too conservative with no new ideas.By quit whining and lose the tressel
January 6, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
Seriously, tressel and his staff needs to go. So what if he has beaten Michigan every year. Look at his bowl record. The longer he is at OSU the more conservative he gets. Games are meant to win not meant to try not to lose. Someone posted a comment that said tressel is out there to try not to lose…exactly right! He needs to change his strategy and prepare the team to stomp the apponent, not to just keep from losing. As far as being miles away from the game and calling shots, people do it with every sport. And as far a putting pads on and playing - been there done that — It’s not always the players fault, look at the plays the coaches put out there for them to execute. Man, so many of the people out there are so gullable. Look at each game and see the downfall of the coaching as time passes by. Pryor is another want a be. He has no passing game but yea he can run (so can’t many other players). Pryor is over rated indeed.By quit whining and lose the tressel
January 6, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
Seriously, tressel and his staff needs to go. So what if he has beaten Michigan every year. Look at his bowl record. The longer he is at OSU the more conservative he gets. Games are meant to win not meant to try not to lose. Someone posted a comment that said tressel is out there to try not to lose…exactly right! He needs to change his strategy and prepare the team to stomp the apponent, not to just keep from losing. As far as being miles away from the game and calling shots, people do it with every sport. And as far a putting pads on and playing - been there done that — It’s not always the players fault, look at the plays the coaches put out there for them to execute. Man, so many of the people out there are so gullable. Look at each game and see the downfall of the coaching as time passes by. Pryor is another want a be. He has no passing game but yea he can run (so can’t many other players). Pryor is over rated indeed.By Reality Check
January 6, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Let’s face facts. The Big Ten’s best are not like the SEC, PAC 10, Big 12 or other conferences best. They need to catch up on athleticism and the modern game. OSU is old school in a modern world. And the idiots who say come north and play a bowl game, etc. should shut it. How long have the games been there? OSU has won in the past there…OSU needs the weather to compete? That is a sad fact. Until the coaching and athleticism in the Big Ten catch up…it will be more of the same.By bubba
January 6, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
I just have one thing to say……. CHOKE!!!!!!!! 3 years running! Big 10 football tradition is getting by real life.By John F
January 6, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
To “fans” like Jeff and Brian… ARE YOU GUYS NUTS? Yeah, let’s dump a guy who has a record of 73-16, seven bowl appearances (including six BCS games- 3 championship games), six 10-win seasons, five Big Ten titles and one national championship, and an .820 winning percentage with the Buckeyes. Realize it for what it is, we didn’t have all the breaks go our way last night. Things like that happen. I am still extremely PROUD of my Buckeyes. Give me a break… wow.By null
January 6, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
perhaps the bucks could do better with the wide open style of Rich Rodriguez. NOT!! Now that is a loser. but back to the bucks, CHOKE!!!!!!! reality vs tradition, reality wins everytime.By typical
January 6, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
I called it early on on this board. Complaining about the officiating. It’s a OSU fan staple. You got out-coached people. Plain and simple. The refs didn’t lose the game for you. Your ineffectiveness to put it in the end zone in the first half had alot to do with that. 3 field goal attempts on that end of the field and 6 points. You can’t expect to beat a high-powered offense and a Heisman trophy runner-up like that. You KNEW Texas was going to score points in the second half. SPEED SPEED SPEED Slow lineman and gassed LBs in the 2nd half.By Jim
January 6, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this
Tressel needs to go? Wow, I can’t believe I am reading some of this crap. That would be the dumbest thing Ohio State could do. Fans in Ohio in general are the most fickle group of fans in the country and it’s embarrassing.By null
January 6, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
Choking means losing when you’re favored. I would like to see a new offensive scheme at least. Tressel is way too predictable and it’s frustrating to see us waste our talent. Oh well, another top five recruiting class on the way. Always great to be a Buckeye. Congrats to Utah for winning the real national championship.By Steve
January 6, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
If you don’t think OSU can do stupid things, like fire coaches, remember this. Earl Bruce had the best winning pct and the highest graduation pct of any Big Ten coach and a winning record against U of M, What did that get him? Fired, of course!By TheTroyTrojan
January 6, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
First of all, James Patrick Tressel is the best thing for The Ohio State Buckeyes in a long time. The kids he has given scholarships to for them to stay in state and play football is unreal. He has kept most of the Cleveland boys near there home and given them a chance for a degree and a college education. I’m not saying that they wouldn’t go and play football anywhere, but it’s not just about football. Pryor will get better, which is scary. Mack Brown did not outcoach Jim Tressel, but Colt McCoy outplayed OSU’s defensive coordinator, he has a knack of making really bad judgement calls when games are on the line. Refs, they were ok, except for the spot call on 4th down. OSU will be in another BCS game next year, and will win.By Impressed
January 6, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
I was very impressed that Tressel honored the Senior Class by starting Boeckman. That shows you his class. I believe Pryor needs to get in the weight room and work on his upper body strength and his leg strength. The tools are there, but I do not know of the discipline is there. I was impressed with the defense last night, until the last drive. You could see that they were playing to not lose, instead of playing agressive to win.By bigdog
January 6, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
When does Baseball Spring Training start?By seriously?
January 6, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
So they were gonna mix it up using both QBs at the same time. Wow, they ran the same play every time. We are far too predictable for the top teams we play in the bowls. Our offensive line was just that, offensive and soooo slow as per usual. I will be shocked if Alex Boone gets drafted. What a statue, I mean joke. And we got hosed on penalty calls, both called and not called. Oh well, another year of listening to the cynics I suppose. Tough, close loss.By Go Big Blue
January 6, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
I think it is hilarious that they lost again, seriously how many big games can you lose before the swagger comes out of your fans. Big deal you beat my Michigan every year, win a big bowl game and then maybe you can talk some stuff.By GoBux20
January 6, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
The reason for the losses in the big games is our offensive line. The line can not give the QB enought time against the top teams. I want to say what a thrill it was to see Boeckman play the way he did. He is a class act and a true Buckeye. And to you Tressel haters, Tressel knows are offensive line sucks that;s why he calls the game he does. When the pass plays don’t even have time to develop it limits your play calling. Pryor and Boeckman were getting killed on every pass playBy John
January 6, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this
Buckeye fans are simply amazing. You are going to get rid of Tressel. I think you would have every school in the country with an opening, drooling. They would love to have a coach like JT…. Nevermind, who wants a coach with 1 national title and 2 runner-ups in the last 6 years along with 5 other national titles. I would agree with maybe some assistant coaching changes, but come on people get real.By Bob540
January 6, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
Regarding “playing up north”, I don’t think that is just an excuse. Northern teams leave home, where is might be 10-15 degrees and go down to play in 75-80 degrees vs. teams used to that warmer temp. Also, some teams (Florida & SEC teams, and USC) get to play bowls in their own backyards, while Big Ten teams travel a thousand miles or more. Think it doesn’t matter? Then check out the W-L records of Big Ten teams in the Rose Bowl the past 30+ years. The NFL doesn’t have a problem playing in cold weather. Re home field advantage, how would the Indy Colts like to play every playoff vs. New England in Foxboro?By BK
January 6, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
What Jim Tressel has done for Ohio State is crazy. A fumble against PSU and take away the bad coach call to take away safety against Texas and you had one loss to an a great USC team thats entire defense could play in the NFL and would have beat you again in the Rose Bowl. All Jim needs is more energy on the sideline. You watch Pete Carroll during games. The guy runs up and down, throwing fist pumps, and has that team dancing and lively the entire game. For the first time ever last night I saw Tressel get fired up on the 4th and 3 play were Texas got the first down. He ripped into the officials a bit. He needs that fire on the time for his players and coaching staff. Please remove yourself Buckeye fans from the high horse thinking you are your own separate country and you’ll see what Tressel has truly done and why many other schools would love to have him.By Bill
January 6, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
Mack Brown has never outcoached anybody. He and his staff made it a tight game last night by refusing to play on the edges and instead funneling most everything right into the middle of the field. Officiating was fine—especially on the 4th-down spot call. Texas played OK but not good, and OSU played better than expected but not good enough to win. It is what it is: Tressel is an average coach who often excels against lousy coaches (except last night), and he struggles against teams with equal or better on-field talent.By kontender
January 6, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this
osu offensive line didn’t block for pryor,tressel needs to be fired he coaches likenits a high school game and the defensive coordinator needs to go there is no reason y they stayed in that zone d. pryr did pretty good they will wrk on him being a qb jus like they did troy smith.By kontender
January 6, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
osu offensive line didn’t block for pryor,tressel needs to be fired he coaches likenits a high school game and the defensive coordinator needs to go there is no reason y they stayed in that zone d. pryr did pretty good they will wrk on him being a qb jus like they did troy smith.By Commander in Chief
January 6, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
Urban Meyer…the facts are Tressel has 5 (count them) National Championships under his belt…and has played for at least another 5…so at least 10 times he has been in the biggest game of there is. Name another coach with that kind of resume. That tells me that not only is he a coaching deity and knows how to prepare for the big game…but that Rodriguez & michigan will be in some trouble. Rodgriquez has players, he had them last year, all he had to do was utilize them (when does mich not have players) & guess what all the other michigan coaches of the past seemed to win with the talent that michigan gets just because it its michigan.By Tressel Fan
January 6, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this
No other coach in the game today has his resume, and not many coaches in the history of the game can compete with Tressel’s record as a coach. When it is all said and done he will be recognized as one of the greats, right up there with the likes of Bear Bryant, Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden, Roy Kidd, etc. He has won what 5 Nat Titles & who knows how many conference titles. As a OSU fan I only hope that in an age where coaches are here today and gone tommorrow I only hope that OSU has the smarts to make sure Tressel remains a Buckeye. He will win many more championships in the years to come.By ScoFo
January 6, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
Tressel is a great coach and a better recruiter, his play calling, however, leaves much to be desired. He keeps finding ways to retard his offensive talent in return puts a lot a weight on the defense to shoulder(like we saw last nite).He needs to have an offensive coordinator call plays. Can you imagine Tress trying to coach in the SEC? The 3 yards and a cloud of dust Offenses don’t work against young, innovative spread offenses.By Kevin
January 6, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
I would put the blame for the loss on: 1) Pryor - he was overwelmed with the big stage and could not throw a decent pass, and 2) Tressel - you need to make adjustments.By DUDEY
January 6, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this
HEY(A$$HOLE) BUD-ANY BODY CAN LOOK GOOD WINNING A BOWL GAME WITH AN “EXTRA ” SET OF DOWNS LIKE TEXAS GOT ON A GENEROUS SPOT.THEY ALSO GOT A NON CALL WHEN MCCOY WAS RUNNING OUT OF BOUNDS AND THE OS LINEMAN LET UP NOT TO GET A PENALTY FOR LATE HIT YET A TEXAS WIDEOUT HITS HIM AND SENDS HIM FLYING.TEXAS AIN’T NOTHIN BUT A BUNCH OF CRYBABIES ANYWAY!By jeff
January 6, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
all of my family came over to watch the game last night. we all ate dinner and settled down to watch the game. all of us dressed in our scarlet and grey. we love our buckeye’s win or lose. when the buckeyes play our family treats it like a holiday. so much exitement and anticipation. how many buckeye families get togeather out there and do the same thing we do. we have 10-15 adults jumping up and down screaming at the top of there lungs at the television. when its all over. we make plans for the next game. and we talk to each other all week on the phone about last weeks game or next weeks game. buckeye football isn’t just a game its a way of life.By RAJ
January 6, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
This is getting embarassing, especially since I’m a Buckeye fan living close to Texas. How did Cosby get so wide open? Looks like a change needs to be made to the coaching staff, Tressel or otherwise.By Yardbird
January 6, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
It was too bad OSU had to call a timeout in the 2nd quarter while on the 3 yard line of Texas. Texas was out of breath and got to recoop. That was a difference between 3 and 7 points and the ballgame.By Mike
January 6, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
Please, let fire Tressel like all you crazy people want. We’ll take him back at Youngstown St and bring some pride to the Penguins again!! Quit complaining already.By Doco
January 6, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
Texas’ #2 rush defense is misleading because nobody attempts to run the ball in the Big 12. Tressel was forced to play Pryor because his terrible O-line couldn’t keep Boeckman off the ground. He was forced to run on 3rd and 12 because Pryor can’t be trusted throwing on 3rd and long in a close game. You can’t expect to win against that good of a team with a freshman QB. Boone is worthless. I was impressed OSU kept it close. Great game though.By Urban Meyer
January 6, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Commander: If Tressel is such a coaching deity, how did he lose three games this year? Why is everyone upset on this board? It was in 1-AA when he had most of that success. Big deal. It’s easier to have a dynasty at lower levels because the rule breaking isn’t scrutinized as heavily, and there’s less parity. It’s easier to slide through the Mo Claretts of the world. I guess Larry Kehres is the Vince Lombardi in your book, huh? Can I be great by winning a bunch of Pop Warner titles? As for Michigan, don’t underestimate the damage Lloyd Carr did to the program. He brought in recruits because of being at Michigan, but he developed very few positions. Michigan stunk for a variety of reasons this year, and one of the biggest was not having enough athletic talent, especially at QB. Rodriguez will develop talent like he’s done everywhere else, but he can’t mold a 6-6, 250 pound pocket passer into somebody smaller and more mobile. Steven Threet doesn’t equal TP with all of the coaching in the world. If you think Tressel will own Rodriguez like he owned Carr, you’re in for much more disappointment.By Lulabella07
January 6, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this
Boys Boys… Let a girl talk for once: Tressel should stay, all defensive staff except linebackers coach should go. The trouble with the Big Ten is that our defensive players cannot get off the line fast enough to defend multiple weapon offenses that change with each down. I think that Coach Tressel should hire a Defensive coaching staff from either the Big 12 or the SEC (a combination from both would be good) and teach us how to get off the line and defend changing offenses. Pryor is a truly phenomenal player for an 18 year old. I don’t always agree with shuttling quarterbacks back and forth, but it seemed to work better last night. Let’s remember that none of you can play like these guys, so let’s be happy that we have a great program with a great head coach at Ohio State!By tresselvest
January 6, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
Hope I am wrong, but I think Pryor is going to be a bust, the next Justin Zwick. He is the most inaccurate QB in the game. 75% of his passes are way off mark.By disgusted
January 6, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
OSU fans simply amaze me! We a top 5 program year and year out and someone is always complaining that Tressel needs to be fired or his assistants need to go. The man is a winner! He brings respectability for not only the football program but the University. Ohio State has the most all Big-10 academic performers, kids graduate and are not getting arrested every other week. Remember the John Cooper era people! Expectations around here are ridiculous ans so are the fans. If you people don’t like the product you see and what they represent go root for someone else. I’m sure Rich Rod is looking for more supporters at UM.By typical
January 6, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
Top 5 program? Weren’t the Bucks ranked tenth before last night’s performance?By ScoFo
January 6, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this
IOWA DID IT!!!!!! Uh, Iowa’s the only Big Ten team to win a bowl game this bowl season. How’s the Big Ten lookin’?…..not too good.By baby
January 6, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
If ohio state stays with akron and kent state they will do fine, maybe a game or two against an Indiana or Northwestern.By 3x
January 6, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
osu sucks big ten sucks osu fans a@@holesBy Oldtimer
January 6, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
Has anybody noticed that Ohio State is heavily recruiting a Blue Chip passing QB? Maybe moving Terrell to wide receiver was just auditioning him for a permanent move.By don evans
January 6, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
THEY ALREADY SHOT @ EACH OTHER NUFF.REF DONE GOOD FOR TX N CARVED A LOSS INTO STONE 4 OSU.UP SET THEY HAD IT N HAD IT SNATCHED AWAY. OUTTA HERE RD RUNNERBy jkj
January 6, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this
Wow…someone needs to teach Pryor how to throw a football if he wants to be a real QB!!! OMG. And the play-calling was much too passive for a bowl game…you have to be gutsy and innovative when the heat is on…not predictable like it was, I mean was Tressel really shocked???By dickg43
January 6, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
Ignore those bloggers that say Tressel must go, they are not Buckeye fans. You do not let seniors play just because they are seniors. I sure hope Boone gets a lot of upfront money in the NFL because he will not last long.By T800
January 6, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this
One thing people don’t understand is, with Pryor being a freshman with inconsistent passing mechanics he needs to establish a rythmn to be a somewhat successful passer in a game. Taking him in and out the game is not good. People also don’t realize that if Boeckman would have played more he would have most definitely been sacked over and over and would have thrown some interceptions and probably would have had some intentional grounding calls.By TLC
January 6, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this
I am extremely proud of the way that the Bucks did not give up. They played and acted with class. Tressel is still and always will be the man! Eventually, they will be back on top. In my book, they all ready are!By boxter
January 6, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this
OSU loses a bowl game. What’s new? If Pryor is supposed to be the turning point, they better recruit something else. He is not very good. He is a big 10 QB but not a national champ QB. Tressel had how many weeks to prepare a game plan? Put 2 QB’s in and did anyone think they were going to pass? Keep enjoying those huge wins over BG & YSU, because that’s about it. Well at least it wasn’t as bad as their usual bowl scores.By killer
January 6, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this
It wasn’t the refs, it isn’t Tressel, it was Texas pulling off another BCS game in the final minutes. Good teams find ways to win. TX was the better team last night. TOSU played well. Props to the players. Put the beer can away, quit whinning and support your team.By june
January 6, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
GO BUCKS!! wore my colors yesterday and have them on again today. Ture fans stand behind their team win or lose!! i say Tressel stays and you OSU haters go!By june
January 6, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this
oops.. meant true fans. i am sure you losers will rag on that too cause you have nothing better to do. Bet you couldn’t carry a football 5 yards!!By Buckeye_nut
January 6, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this
Hmm… well if tressel needs to go so does bob stoops of the awesome big twelve… seriously everyone acts like we needed to come out and run nothing a spread offense against Texas last night. That would have been smart. the game plan was fine, as for numb nuts up top saying texas was a more power better team please… they were down the whole game it came down to who had the ball last. and yea it is easier to have a great resume D-1AA b/c they have a playoff system not because the comp isn’t as good. there just isn’t the same amount of money thrown it’s way. So all you haters or idots someone has to win and someone has to lose, yea I hate the fact that the bucks have lost 3 straight, but we made it there. As for being old school Tress is turning slowly to more of an up beat offense. You can say more conservative every year but that means you only watch the bowl games and practicly know nothing. Look tressel’s record at 83-19 81.4% win pct. and 3-3 in BCS bowl games. You can say what you want but he is a great coach! O-H-I-O go buckeyes and we’ll see you haters in another BCS game next year!By MrObvious
January 6, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
You DO NOT blitz when you’re trying to keep the play in front of you. The Buckeyes lost that game on the play where Cosby was nearly untouched because ALL but 3 buckeyes were rushing the passer. Prevent defense was not used and they lost because of it. GG defensive play-calling.By jimmy bucknut
January 6, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t trade tressel for any coach in the us. They were within two plays of being 12-1. What a bunch of whiners.By tomahawk
January 6, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why OSU didn’t try to kill the clock the last time they had the ball and kick a fg with seconds left instead of scoring a td.You got to play smarter than they did. Gave the ball back with too much time.By GetReal
January 6, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this
Enough of this Tressel must go, Pryor is no good, Buckeyes can’t get it done, the Big 10 stinks talk. Tressel and his staff do a great job of recruiting, dealing with the press, teaching respect and honoring traditions. Tressel and company CAN, HAS and WILL close some of the big games. Keep in mind how many teams don’t even have a chance to compete in the big games. Are the Buckeyes going to lose a few of these? Of course, but that is the nature of the beast. I don’t know of any program that wins them all. Any given Saturday….That’s the best part of college football. Who doesn’t get excited for games like Appalacian State vs. U of M - Boise St vs. Oklahoma? Of course it stings when OUR team comes up short but the wins sure are sweet. How many upsets do you need to see to understand there are NO sure wins. I don’t understand how OSU fans can be upset with the season. We as Buckeye Fans are blessed with a such a great program that we expect a big bowl consistantly. Anything less is total failure?!? This is truely an elite program and our frustrations have come from other elite programs. USC,Texas,Florida,LSU. As for Pryor, he is a stud. Give him credit for what he has done so far, pretty good for an 18 year old true freshman. He will improve his timing, mechanics and strength. We are losing some great players again this year but I think we all know it will be Reloading not rebuilding. Lets congradulate Texas, support our team and look forward to next year. Bobby540 talked about where the bowl games are played. I wish they would play in some weather. Just put some requirements such as seating numbers out there and lets see some games at the Shoe, the Big House, Happy Valley. Weather should be a part of it. Lets take it for what it is, a tough loss in an exciting game. OH-IO Goooooooo Bucks!By Stan
January 6, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this
This was a great game. This is why we have football factories in our universities, to get games like this. Let’s enjoy t, give the players and coaches credit and not get down on them. No one wins all the time against other top teams. There were many plays where a few inches could have made a big difference. Texas made the big plays at the right time. Enjoy a great game, as this is why we watch football.By the Truth
January 7, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this
Heh osu fans. Have You noticed the Big 10 in Bowl games are 1-7. Also all the MAC schools the Big 10 teams play are 0-4. The Big 10 is 0-6 the last 6 BCS games. Also, Texas felt slighted about playing in that game and played a terrible game as a team. McCoy threw at will all night long and set a Fiesta bowl record buy making swiss cheese out of the secondary. Quit being delusional and realize OSU is overrated and does not belong on the National stage. there 0-9 against SEC schools and get smoked. Mike Vrabel and Eddie George were on ESPN radio last Thursday saying the Big 10 needs to step away from the National scene because they can’t compete because the athletes in the south are much more superior. Have a Happy New Year OSU kool-aid drinkers and be happy with playing 1AA, MAC and weak Big 10 teams. Leave the big boy football to the boys from the south…….By Commander in Chief
January 7, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this
Urban…first off he lost 3 games to teams ranked in the top 3 at the time…how many teams actually played 3 top 3 opponents & I am in agreement that this years OSU team appears to be overrated. I also think it is unfair to be so critical of D-1AA or the lower levels. First off, coaches at that level have difficulty recruiting the talent that major D1 schools get just by name recognition. In the case of YSU they are hampered by competing recruiting against a lot of D1 schools you have the Big Ten and MAC (not to mention Pitt & WV) schools right in their backyards, which draws from YSU’s pool of recruits. Dynasty’s are built around the head coach (just look at how many titles YSU won since tressel). If I am not mistaken a D1AA school beat up on Mich in 2007, a michigan team that I think beat Florida in a bowl game. Those smaller divisions also play it out on the field in a playoff so a real champion is crowned. A National Championship regardless of the level you play at is tough to win (you are playing other teams on that level) and should not be looked at as less of an accomplishment. The fans here are frustrated with what is considered a poor season for OSU, especially after the last 3 yrs let downs in the championship games and that is why they are hating…lets face it the standards at OSU are tough to live up to.By mankind
January 7, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe osu fans excuses. The refs; We theses the same refs that called the pass interference against Miami in 2002, when the flag was thrown when the teams were already on the bus?By ss1
January 7, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this
Tressell outcoached again. Other than michigan who has he beaten since Miami in 2002 and Texas with a freshman Colt mcCoy a year later? Nobody good and michigan wasn’t good.By TLL
January 7, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
OSU has been living in a dream world for a few years now. Beating teams in the not so-big 10 isn’t that hard these days. We are extremely lucky that we only lost by a few points to a great Texas team. Tress has some work to do and us fans need to stop being so arrogant. No wonder we were voted the worst fans in college football.By bubba
January 7, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this
coaching not to lose or coaching to win. one is osu’s coach and the coach to win is UT’s coach. Play real teams and earn the ranking you walked into the game with. dump akron youngstown toledo and bgsu as teams to open your season against. try alter or elder HIGH SCHOOLSBy Worthless Nut
January 8, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this
Come on…the game was a great game…period. A outmatched OSU team played above their ability (I am OSU fan) and a disappointed UT put on one of the best BCS games this year. The officiating was not the problem…coaching was not the problem…these 2 always seem to put on a good show when they meet and that is probably one of the reasons why the Fiesta Bowl committee choose the match up. I do have one complaint about the officiating this year…it seems as though it is getting ridiculusly hard to go after the QB without getting a late hit or roughing the passer penalty (has nothing to do with this game but overall throughout the year). This protecting the QB with rules is, in my opinion, out of control…not to mention the face mask and horse collar rules…these are all part of the game and unless it is done maliciously then let the teams play.By Barking bulldog
January 8, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
The truth is all these supposedly great Big 12, SEC & ACC teams need to play the end of year bowl games outside in the elements up here - up north. The Big 10 is a great football conference. Their teams personel are different. They paly smash mouth football because when you’re in Iowa, Happy Valley, Ann Arbor, Champaign in November, being a fast skinney receiver doesn’t mean a thing when you can’t throw or catch the ball because of the snow cold and wind. Lets bring Florida up here to Columbus and play a bowl game on January 5, 2010 and lets see how the great speedsters make out. The hell with “Bowl Ball” in confortable domes and in the heated deep south. The Fiesta Bowl could have sold 105k tickets in Columbus for the Jan 5 UT OSU game. Lets play real football in real winter elements when we can play in our element with our players that are geared, trained and built to excel in cold winter conditions. ANY DAY ANY TIME IN THE COLD