First Ever Blog: OSU vs Miami (9/17/11)

                                  Well its the morning after last night's OSU vs Miami tilt, and boy, was that a disappointing performance by the Ohio State passing game! I really don't know what Luke Fickel is doing with the QB situation, but what he is doing is NOT working. And for all those who are giving him a pass by using the argument that well, Joe Bauserman was never expected to play and Braxton Miller was suppose to sit and watch this season, thats NOT an EXCUSE. They coaching staff has had ALL spring and summer to address this problem and get the team ready to move on with either J.B. or Braxton Miller. So, this situation should have been settled BEFORE the season started. A starting QB should have been named BEFORE the season started, and then you live with your decision. I've never been a big believe in not naming your starter before the season, in NFL or in college. Nor, have I ever been a big believe in the two QB system in college. While there are cases it has worked, the majority of the time, it just causes confusion and frustration for your team as a whole, and hampers the development of your QB's. Starting next week against Colorado, Braxton needs to be named starter, and lets move on Coach Fickell!! The Ohio State defense, once they settled down after those first 2 scoring drives, played at their usual high level. However, the defense did have some trouble stopping the run as L. Miller had over 175 yards rushing against the Buckeyes, so that needs to be shored up before the season starts, especially playing in the Big Ten where most teams pound the ball at you. Where to put blame for tonight's loss? I think it falls squarely on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Their handling of the QB situation really hinder the offense tonight. It was clear that Joe Bauserman just isn't a good starting college QB, and he wasn't getting the job done.He was 2 for 14 for 13 yards, and that is a terrible showing. Then, with the switching of QB's from one series to the next, heck switching them the SAME series, was just sad and hard to watch. The offense was NEVER able to generatre any rhythm the whole game. The one positive note was that the running game was very effective tonight for the Buckeyes. The offensive line was opening up huge holes for Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde as the Buckeyes had 174 yards on the ground. However, after running 3 times in a row early in the 3rd quarter to pick a first down, the rest of the quarter, the Buckeyes threw the ball 7 times and only ran it twice. Why go away from the only thing that was working on offense? The Buckeyes should have been running nearly every play in the 2nd half, especially only being down 17-6 and getting decent field position. I believe if they would have stuck to what was working, instead of trying to force a passing game, they would have won the game. Their offensive line would have worn down the Canes eventually. Overall, it was a depressing night for Buckeye Nation as we were trying to show the naysayers that this is a good football team who can still compete against the quality opponents. However, I think between the defense and the running game, there were positive to take out of last night's game. If they can just get Braxton to play a decent, solid game with no mistakes, and continue to run the ball with the same success, the Buckeyes can still win the Big Ten title. It all starts next week home at the Shoe against the Buffalos!! Go Bucks!! O-H!!