Photo: Bucknuts.com

Sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor was all smiles after leading his Buckeyes to a resounding victory over the rival Nittany Lions of Penn State. Ohio State now holds an 8-2 (5-1) record on the year. The Buckeye defense proved itself as one of the best in the nation as they held the dangerous Penn State offense to just 201 total yards on the day. Though not necessarily reflected in the 17-point margin of victory, it was clear to anyone watching the game that the Buckeyes were the better team on both sides of the ball. Terrelle played one of his best games of the season and it seems as though the coaches may be finally figuring out what works best for this team. Here are my thoughts on the victory over Penn State:

Poised Pryor

For the first time all season, Terrelle Pryor finished a game without making any glaring mistakes or poor decisions. Pryor finished the game with 125 yards on 8 of 17 passing and 50 yards rushing on 5 carries. He accounted for three touchdowns on the day: two through the air and one on the ground. Though you may think 175 total yards is far from a stellar performance, I must emphasize the fact that Terrelle Pryor managed this game extremely well. He completed passes when we needed them. He scrambled for positive yardage when we needed it. And, most importantly, he refrained from throwing interceptions, fumbling the football, and allowing the defense to record a sack.

In his performance against Penn State, Terrelle Pryor reminded me today of a quarterback who suited up for the Buckeyes a few years ago. I am not referring to Troy Smith. I am talking about Craig Krenzel. Craig was the ultimate 'game manager.' He did just what was needed to lead that 2002 team to a victory over Miami in the national championship. I saw that in Terrelle against Penn State. He seemed well-prepared for the game and he led his teammates to a meaningful victory over a very talented football team. As the Buckeyes battle the likes of Iowa and Michigan the next two weeks, Terrelle will have to continue to play mistake-free football in order to send Ohio State to Pasadena.

First Down Follies

Ohio State ran 27 plays on first down today. Of those 27 plays, 25 were rushes and just 2 were passes. One of the passes was the 62-yard completion to DeVier Posey that put the Buckeyes up by a score of 17-7. The other pass was on the last drive of the first half when Pryor overthrew Dane Sanzenbacher on what could have been an easy touchdown. I know it probably sounds crazy to criticize the coaching staff after a solid victory against a talented team like Penn State, but I hate seeing such predictable play-calling.

Million-Dolla' Money-Maka'(s)

Cameron Heyward made millions today. He played the best football game of his Ohio State career on a nationally-televised stage. Cam recorded 11 tackles (3 TFL) and a pair of sacks on the game. It seemed like he was in on just about every play as he terrorizes the opposing tackle from Penn State all afternoon. A few weeks ago I thought there was a good chance we would see Mr. Heyward again next season. Those chances, however, are declining each week. At 6'6" and 287 pounds, Cameron would be a great fit in a 3-4 defense in the NFL. He has experience at both defensive end and defensive tackle and could project as either an end in a 3-4 scheme or a tackle in a 4-3 scheme. I hate losing players early to the NFL, but I would be lying if I tried to tell you Heyward is not ready for the next level.

On a side note, another Buckeye gave his pitch to the NFL today: Ray Small. He finished the day with 7 punt returns for 130 yards. The return game is becoming increasingly important in the NFL and I think that with a strong performance in the combine that Ray Small has the potential to be drafted as early as the 4th round.

Boisterous Backfield

The two-headed monster of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron reared its head against the talented defensive front seven of Penn State. Saine and Herron combined for 126 yards on 36 carries. Though this only equates to 3.5 yards per carry, the Buckeye backfield played well. Penn State came into the game surrendering just 84.1 yards per game on the ground. Ohio State ended the day with 228 yards rushing on 49 carries. I feel confident our running game can keep us alive against any football team in the nation.

Before the game, Tressel said the 'older guys' would be the ones carrying the football against Penn State because they bring the most to the table. I disagreed with Tressel's comments when I heard them and I still disagree now. True freshman (and high school teammate of Terrelle Pryor) Jordan Hall is the most talented running back on this roster. Hall runs with determination and explosiveness. He is faster and more agile than Boom and he runs better between the tackles than Brandon. Tressel has a history of sticking with experience (counterexample: see Terrelle Pryor) over young talent, and it really is unfortunate.

Dynamite Defense

The Buckeyes held Penn State to a season-low 201 offensive yards (including just 76 yards on the ground). I don't know where we would be right now without our talented defense. They are the reason we have been able to compete against every football team on our schedule. Daryll Clark, arguably the best quarterback in the Big Televen, was held to just 125 yards on 12 of 28 passing. A large portion of his yards came on throws to Graham Zug where Clark found holes in the Buckeye secondary. I feel confident about our chances the next two weeks and a large part of that confidence is thanks to our defensive ability to make plays and keep opposing offenses out of the endzone.

Buckeye Standouts

I've already commented on the performances of Pryor, Heyward, Small, Saine, and Herron, but a number of other players played great games as well:

• Brian Rolle finished with 10 tackles on the day. His leadership and intensity has helped to solidify this defensive unit.
• Ross Homan recorded 10 tackles, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections. Before the season Ross was criticized for his inability to defend the pass. His 3 interceptions on the year are helping to disprove those earlier claims.
• Thaddeus Gibson had 6 tackles (1 TFL) and was a terror all afternoon with his pass rushing abilities.
• DeVier Posey finished the game with 77 yards receiving on 2 catches and 19 yards 'rushing' on a pair of wide receiver screens. He continues to be Pryor's favorite target.
• Zach Boren caught a pair of passes for 9 yards. I'm commenting on this because I have been pleasantly surprised with Zach's ability to not only lay down some wicked blocks out of the fullback position, but also get himself involved in the passing game.
• Devin Barclay, in his new role as the starting kicker, hit a 37-yard field goal and successfully converted 3 PATs. Barclay is unproven, but he has a strong, accurate leg.

Offensive Game Ball: Terrelle Pryor

Pryor played the role of 'game manager' very well today. He made good decisions in the pocket and led his offense to 3 touchdowns. If he can continue to play mistake-free football, this team will win its next two games and earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. I was critical of Pryor following the loss to Purdue, but I will admit he gives us the best chance to win. We cannot expect Terrelle to pass for 250+ yards every game, but we should expect him to make good decisions and be the undisputed leader of this team as we saw today.

Defensive Game Ball: Cameron Heyward

Cam is NFL-bound and I am proud of him. He came in and performed well as a true freshman three years ago. He has done nothing but improve since then and he is a sure-fire first round draft pick right now. Cam has been one of my favorite defenders for three seasons now and I am excited to continue to follow his career once he moves on to the NFL.

Special Teams Game Ball: Ray Small

Ray finished the game with 150 all-purpose yards (returning, rushing, receiving). He has had some rough times in his career as a Buckeye and it makes me proud to see him play well. I wish him the best as he moves on to the next level. I know he will make some team very happy with his ability to return the football.

Next week Ohio State will take on previously-undefeated Iowa at the 'Shoe. Iowa will be without their starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi, but they are a talented team regardless. If the Buckeye defense can continue its dominance, Ohio State will win the game. My early prediction: Ohio State 31, Iowa 14.

Until next week!

O-H-I-O!

ThunderBuck

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