Ohio State Football: Why Jim Tressel's Buckeyes Are a College Football Dynasty

For as much as Ohio State struggled in the 1990's under John Cooper, Buckeye fans have great reason to be proud of the work that Jim Tressel has done.

Since 2001, Tressel has won a BCS national title, played for two more, and won or shared seven Big Ten conference titles, including a record six straight.

Even coaching legends such as Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler weren't able to do what Tressel has.

So does this make Jim Tressel's OSU teams of the 2000's a dynasty? Considering their consistency of staying in the top ten, the answer has to be yes.

While in Columbus, Tressel has won at least 10 games in eight of his 10 seasons.

Although he gets flack for not being flashy and having an inability to beat big non-conference opponents, he has mostly avoided the type of seasons that Texas and Florida are going through currently.

The most common complaint about Tressel has been his overly conservative nature on offense. Some would even say at times watching the Buckeyes is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

But plain and simple, he wins.

He wins conference games in November and he owns Michigan, having gone 9-1 against the arch-rival Wolverines during his tenure.

Tressel, however, has an Achilles heel—the SEC. He is 0-4 in bowl games vs. teams from that conference and overall, Ohio State is 0-9 vs. SEC teams in bowl games dating back to the 1970's.

Ironically, the other teams in the Big Ten that Ohio State has dominated in recent years have not had as much of a problem with SEC teams for some reason.

Despite Tressel's struggles against SEC teams, he has pulled off a few bowl upsets as well, including the 2010 Rose Bowl where Oregon was favored.

The game that everyone will remember him for is the shocking upset of double-digit favorite Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where a powerful Hurricane offense came up against a roadblock defense from Ohio State.


And consider the Miami offense featured powerful weapons including WRs Andre Johnson and Roscoe Parrish, TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. and RB Willis McGahee, all of whom have been good to great in the NFL.

While the pass interference call heard 'round the world is what most people will associate with that game, don't forget how Tressel's team was in control of that game for a majority of the second half.

Since then, it seems as if Tressel's Buckeyes have put up a residence in the BCS, playing in seven BCS bowl games in nine seasons (not including this season).

While other programs like Miami-FL are has-been dynasties, Ohio State has been a model of consistency.

Does Tressel need to improve on flaws? Like all coaches, of course.

Tressel's offensive philosophies hinge on protecting the football and not turning the offense loose unless he trusts his players to keep possession and not make costly turnovers.

But this philosophy does at times restrict the playmaking ability of his skill players by not using them in the most effective and explosive manner.

Regardless of the criticisms, there is no doubt that Ohio State football under Jim Tressel is as good as it's ever been, going back to the days of Woody Hayes.

The bottom line here is that Buckeye fans can almost certainly celebrate a win over Michigan and a trip to the BCS practically every season, and nobody should be complaining about that.

If you're a Buckeye fan, life in Columbus is very good these days...


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Written by BlockONation Contributor, Tim Bielik

Ohio State-Iowa History Lesson, Game Outlook, and LIVE In-Game Blog Chat

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Ohio State—Iowa History Lesson

• This will be the 63rd meeting between Ohio State and Iowa.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 45-14-3.

• Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes.

• Ohio State is 16-3-1 in the last 20 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes (1984-2009).

• Ohio State is 12-2-1 in the last 15 meetings in Iowa City (1968-2006).

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 33 games.

• Ohio State ranks 1st nationally in turnover margin with 26 takeaways (+14).

• Ohio State is 20-2 in their last 22 Big 10 road games.

• Ohio State is 14-1 in November games since Oct., 2005.

• Ohio State is 7-2 in Big 10 road finales under Jim Tressel.

• Ohio State is 27-4 in November games under Jim Tressel.

• Jim Tressel is 4-1 overall vs. Iowa (2001-2009).

• Terrelle Pryor is now 28-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Iowa is 1-6 vs. Ohio State under Kirk Ferentz (1999-2009).

• Iowa is 16-4 in their last 20 home finales.

• Iowa has won or shared 11 Big Ten titles, their last being a co-championship in 2004.

• The last time Iowa finished ranked ahead of Ohio State in the final AP poll was 2004 (Iowa No. 8, OSU No. 20).



Brief Game Outlook

In 2009, Northwestern derailed previously undefeated Iowa's dream season the week before the Hawkeyes played the Buckeyes.

Last week, the Wildcats upset Iowa again to drop the Hawkeyes to a disappointing 7-3 mark.

QB Ricky Stanzi missed the 2009 game with an ankle injury, but he will play today. The Buckeyes have the best defense in the conference meaning Stanzi might just wish he would have missed this game too.

The key to the game for the Buckeyes will be the offensive line. They must continue to play well and protect Terrelle Pryor when he drops back to pass and open up the running lanes for Dan Herron and company.

Iowa has a talented receiving corp led by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt and the Buckeyes will have to focus on containing both receivers and look to force Stanzi into mistakes.

This game once looked like it would be a matchup of two top 10 teams who would both be playing for a chance at the conference title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Now it appears more likely that if the Buckeyes come in focused and play well, the game may not be close.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 41
Iowa 20


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Ohio State vs. Penn State LIVE In-Game Blog Chat TODAY AT 3:15pm

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Ohio State—Penn State History Lesson

• This will be the 26th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 13-12-0 (the first meeting was in 1912).

• Ohio State is 6-2 in the last eight meetings vs. Penn State.

• Ohio State has lost just twice at home to Penn State since 1978.

• Ohio State is 26-2 against unranked conference opponents, dating back to 2005.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 32 games.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 27-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Jim Tressel is 6-3 overall (3-1 at home, 3-2 on the road) vs. Penn State.

• Penn State is 7-8 on the road all-time vs. Ohio State.

• Penn State has never scored more than 13 points vs. Ohio State in Columbus.

• Penn State is 6-11 vs. Ohio State since joining the Big Ten in 1993.

• Penn State has one outright and two shared Big Ten titles: 1994, 2005, and 2008.

• Joe Paterno is 8-13 vs. Ohio State as Penn State's head coach (1966-2009).

• This is Joe Paterno's 45th season as Penn State head coach and he is the DI leader with 400 career wins.


Brief Game Outlook

Penn State has been playing better as of late, but this will be Matt McGloin's 1st Big Ten road start and he has not faced a defense like what he will be facing today.

Ohio State is No. 1 against the run, No. 1 against the pass, and they have the top defensive unit in both points and total yardage allowed.

A win by the Nittany Lions today would be a shocker, and would end the Buckeyes hopes of a sixth straight shared or outright Big 10 title.

Don't worry Buckeye fans, and don't hold your breath PSU fans...


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 37
Penn State 9


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The Buckeyes Start Here: Six Ohio State Players Who Will Lead the Team to the BCS Title

Despite the title of my article, I am certainly not a blind homer, nor am I an out-of-touch fool.

In order for the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the 2010 BCS title, all 22 starters, the majority of the second-team players that add depth to each unit, and the players that help to comprise the special teams units (kicker and punter included) will all have to contribute significantly.

That being said, there are three players from the defense and three players from the offense who will individually have the biggest roles in making sure their respective units succeed in ultimately giving the Buckeyes the best chance to win every game up to and including the BCS championship game.

I will now reveal them one at a time for your viewing and reading pleasure.


# 36 Brian Rolle: Linebacker

A year ago, the Buckeyes had to replace three-time All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Enter Brian Rolle.

Rolle, a senior from Immokalee, Fla., is entering his second season as a starter and a solid middle anchor for the Ohio State defense.

Prior to last season, Rolle was a special teams veteran, having seen significant playing time in that role in both 2007 and 2008.

At just 5'11'' and 220 pounds, Rolle is fast, compact, yet deceivingly powerful when it comes to separating a receiver from the ball.

Rolle was the hero for the Buckeyes last year when he intercepted Navy QB Ricky Dobbs' pass attempt on a two-point conversion and returned it 98 yards for the defensive PAT with just 2:23 remaining to seal the win in the season opener.

For the season, he was the second leading tackler for Ohio State with 94 solo take downs.

He is expected to make key contributions and will bring invaluable senior leadership to a defensive unit once again expected to be the best in the Big 10 and one of the best in the nation.


# 51 Ross Homan: Linebacker


Homan returns for his senior season and his third as a starter at LB.

If experience truly is priceless, Homan is worth his weight in gold.

In 2006 as a freshman, he was not a starter, but saw action in all 13 games that season and recorded 28 tackles.

He missed the 2007 season due to injury and took a medical redshirt.

When he returned in 2008, he earned a starting role and was fourth in solo tackles that season with 67.

In 2009, Homan assumed the role of the top LB at Ohio State and led the team in tackles with 108.

All signs point to him once again leading the team in tackles and will likely continue the tradition of linebackers from Ohio State finding themselves heading to the NFL.

At 6'0 and 225 pounds, Homan has excellent speed and big-play ability.

All Homan has done is work hard, improve every year, and become the quiet leader of a great defense.

He may not be flashy or have the household name of some of his predecessors, but he's silently as good, if not better.

He is yet another star linebacker in-the-making at Ohio State, the real linebacker U, and opposing QBs and WRs would do well to take note.


# 97 Cameron Heyward: Defensive End

The son of the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, Cameron Heyward is a 6'5, 290-pound defensive lineman for the Buckeyes.

To the pleasant surprise of many Buckeyes fans, Cam decided to skip the NFL for one more season and return for his senior year—one he intends on making his best season yet.

Heyward has had starting experience since his freshman year of 2007, but he seized that role permanently in 2009.

A year ago, he had 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 QB sacks. With the talent along the defensive line, Heyward will look to post double digits in each of those categories this coming season.

Recently named to the 2010 Nagurski and Lombardi watch lists, Heyward is blessed with size, agility, and excellent speed for his size.

Clearly, he has all the physical tools to be one of the best defensive lineman in the country in 2010.


# 3 Brandon Saine: Running Back

Saine, now a senior tailback, played high school football and ran track for the Piqua, Ohio Indians.

He was compared favorably to Reggie Bush while entering his freshman year at Ohio State due to his ability to be a jack of all trades—running, blocking and even spending time in the slot as a WR, which he may also do this season in Columbus due to the depth behind him in the Ohio State backfield.

Saine has been officially timed at 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash, although he has been unofficially timed at 4.25 seconds.

After being stuck in the shadow of Beanie Wells in 2007 and being injured in 2008, Saine was finally healthy for most of the 2009 season. He split carries with Dan Herron, who had impressed coaches in 2008 when Beanie Wells went down with injury, but is expected to be featured more as the top back in 2010.

Last season, Saine finally showed flashes of brilliance and the potential greatness Buckeye fans expected from him when he committed to OSU in 2007.

For those who doubt Saine is a potential top RB, consider that as a healthy featured back during his senior year of high school, he ran for 1,895 yards and scored 27 touchdowns on 259 carries, while recording 30 receptions for 412 yards.

Last year, Saine averaged 5.1 yards per carry while rushing for 739 yards and scoring four touchdowns. He also had 224 yards receiving and caught two touchdown passes.

He will definitely be a featured option for OSU this year and if he stays healthy, he will be one of the top backs in the Big 10.


# 8 DeVier Posey: Wide Receiver

Not a newsflash: Junior wide receiver DeVier Posey will be the top WR target for Ohio State in 2010.

Posey wasn't always great in 2009, but he was almost always good, improving his game from week to week, culminating in the Rose Bowl with his eight catches and 101 yards receiving, including a picture-perfect touchdown pass and catch to help seal the victory.

Overall, Posey caught 60 balls for 828 yards in 2009. What is best for the team is what matters most, but anything less than 80 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving in 2010 for Posey will be somewhat of an individual disappointment.

I believe the running game will open up the passing lanes for Posey and those numbers should be attainable.

Dane Sanzenbacher, Taurian Washington, and Chris Fields are also other talented receivers that should help prevent defenses from doubling up on Posey.

Of course, Posey's overall success will also depend heavily on the play of the quarterback...


# 2 Terrelle Pryor: Quarterback

Junior QB Terrelle Pryor is clearly the centerpiece of the Ohio State offense and the face of the program.

I wonder if any other quarterback that boasts a 19-3 record as a starter has ever had to face the level of criticism that Pryor has had to endure since taking over for the Buckeyes in week four of his freshmen season.

It's not all negative, though. Pryor is considered by several notable sources as the preseason 2010 Heisman Trophy favorite.

It hasn't always been perfect or pretty, especially when it comes to mechanics and footwork, but this kid is a winner, pure and simple.

As advertised when he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the entire 2008 recruiting class, he's also an amazing freak of an athlete.

It's not often that a 6'6, 240 pound quarterback can run a sub 4.4 40-yard-dash and shove countless would-be-tacklers to the ground.

Defensive coordinators may want to pull their hair out when defending against Pryor and the Buckeyes as 2010 unfolds.

In his 22 career starts, Pryor has amassed 3,405 passing yards, 30 touchdown passes, 1,410 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns.

With his improved footwork and mechanics, it's safe to expect a similar path for Pryor that Troy Smith took from 2005 to 2006 as Coach Tressel gains more and more confidence in him, just he did Smith.

Pryor came to Ohio State because he wanted to become a pro-style QB and he should take significant steps towards that goal this year. His passing stats are sure to increase and his rushing numbers should decline somewhat.

One thing that is for sure...

He still has the ability to scramble away from pressure and keep a drive alive if need-be, but he is improved and will continue to improve as a passing QB with each passing week. Opposing defenses are going to have few options when it comes to game planning against him.

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In closing, I just want to add that I am not guaranteeing or predicting that the Buckeyes are going to win, or even play for the BCS title.

I am only suggesting that they have a very high probability of accomplishing that goal if they remain healthy and the six players I mentioned live up to the hype.

I know I will enjoy the journey no matter what. It's going to be a great season and hopefully expectations meet reality and it culminates in another national title for the Buckeyes.

I just found this Sports Illustrated cover that features Ohio State. I had not seen it until just now. I must be on to something seeing as how SI used the same players for the cover that I mentioned in the story.


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The Recipe for Ohio State's Offensive Success: Large Servings of Boom and Zoom

Grant Freking—Featured Contributor


They say a man's best friend is a loyal, well-trained dog.

In baseball, a pitcher's best friend is a well-timed double play.

In football, a quarterback's best friend is an effective running game.

Think about it. If the thoroughbreds in the backfield are busting through the holes in the interior of the offensive line or hitting the corner, and advancing the ball up the sideline, the defense has to take notice.

Seven men in the box becomes eight or nine. The safeties start to cheat closer to the line of scrimmage. Linebackers become more vulnerable to the play-action pass.

It’s a recipe for success for the quarterback—which is why Ohio State’s running back tandem of Daniel “Boom” Herron and Brandon “Zoom” Saine is so important, not only to the success of the Ohio State offense, but to the development of quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

If Pryor is to take a step, or in some people’s eyes, a leap forward in 2010, Boom and Zoom have to be effective at running the rock.

There were times last season where OSU couldn’t really do anything right on offense. Some people blame it on:

A) Pryor

B) The lack of a steady starting five on the offensive line.

C) Boom and Zoom

D) The play-calling of Tressel, and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman.

I like to think it’s a combination of, E), all the above. Here are my responses to the first four:

A) It’s no secret Pryor struggled at times last year. He was trying to find his place in the offense, and I like to think he finally got comfortable in the Rose Bowl.

B) The two unequivocal truths about the offense last year were that the offensive line was saddled with injuries, and they received inconsistent play from some of its members. That should not be an issue this year.

C) I’ll concede that even if one put Boom and Zoom together, they probably would not amount to Beanie Wells, and neither is as talented as Antonio Pittman. But combined, they keep defenses honest. Zoom is a tough-as-nails runner between the tackles, and is also a pretty gifted receiver out of the backfield.

D) I was a huge critic of The Vest post-USC. I couldn’t fathom why the offense wasn’t more aggressive in that game. But by the end of the season, Tressel had again silenced his critics. He always knows what he’s doing.

It won’t all be on Boom and Zoom this year. Jordan Hall, Jamaal Berry, Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith give the Buckeyes immeasurable depth at running back that they haven’t had in years, if ever.

Last year, Zoom had 145 carries for 739 yards, and four scores. Boom carried the ball 153 times for 600 yards, and seven touchdowns. I expect slightly increased production out of both this season.

That will take a lot of the pressure off of Pryor, allowing him to throw with confidence, which will in turn gives OSU a balanced offense—and a balanced offense is a play-caller’s best friend.

Who calls OSU’s plays? Tressel mainly—It ends with him.

But it starts with Boom and Zoom.


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Smelling Roses: Ohio State Punches Ticket to Pasadena in OT Instant Classic

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation



The Hawkeyes certainly didn't make it easy, even without Ricky Stanzi, and his replacement, redshirt freshmen QB James Vandenberg played beyond his years.

Of course, the game could have been out of reach if the Buckeyes were not limited by "Tressel-ball," as usual.

They were however still able to pull out the "W" despite Jim Tressel's best efforts to give Iowa the game with his ultra-conservative, play not-to-lose style.

In case you missed the game, or just would like to reminisce on the victory by watching the highlights, here you go:




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Terrelle Pryor Isn't The Next Vince Young - He's the Next Terrelle Pryor

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation


The comparisons were inevitable, but physical attributes and sick, almost freakish athletic ability aside, I believe that Terrelle Pryor and Vince Young could both go down as two of the best quarterbacks that college football has ever seen.

Of course, Young is already in that club. Pryor's reservation is pending.

His 2005 season was statistically outstanding, and capping it off by nearly single-handedly beating USC to win the BCS Championship turned Young into a college football legend as one of the best to ever play.

While Pryor is not a legend as of yet, he could very well be on his way to achieving such status.

If you disagree, or aren't sure one way or the other, perhaps comparing the two will help with your conundrum.

Young started 25 games for Texas in his second and third years in the program as a redshirt sophomore and junior in 2004 and 2005.

Pryor to date has had 19 career starts at Ohio State—nine as a true freshman in 2008, and 10 so far in this, his sophomore season.

Texas went an amazing 24-1 with Young at quarterback, including the 13-0 title season of 2005. Pryor is 16-3 as a starter for the Buckeyes.

I get the feeling that not everyone believes that Pryor's stats measure up to Young's. I'm not sure if it's just bias against Pryor or Ohio State, or if they are just forming their opinion without the facts.

Fact finding can be a time-consuming, and sometimes bothersome chore, so allow me to do the work and make it simple for you.

Vince Young

Year      Comp/Att/%         Pass Yards/TD/INT  Rating  Rush Yards/TD's
====     ============        =================  ======  ===============
2004     148/250/59.2           1,849/12/11     128.4       1079/14
2005     212/325/65.2           3,036/26/10     163.9       1050/12

Terrelle Pryor

Year      Comp/Att/%         Pass Yards/TD/INT  Rating  Rush Yards/TD's
====     ============        =================  ======  ===============
2008     100/165/60.6           1,311/12/4      146.5        631/6
2009     121/224/54.0           1,668/15/9      130.6        604/7

Obviously, you can see Young rushed and passed for more yards, but their QB ratings are similar when combined and Pryor has a better touchdown to interception ratio than Young (2.07/1 vs. 1.81/1).

Plus, Pryor still has three games left this season, so he will close those gaps heading into year three.

I'm not saying that right now Pryor is as good as Young was—he's not and it's not even close at the moment.

I am saying given the fact that Young had an extra year in the program at Texas to learn the system, and settle into college life without the pressure of being the guy before taking over helped him immensely.

The hype and expectations surrounding Pryor did not afford him that same luxury.

Three games into 2008, Boeckman was struggling, the o-line stunk, and the fans wanted Pryor, so he was shoved into the deep end to sink or swim. Overall, he's been able to tread water, but now the time is rapidly approaching for him to prove that he can swim.

Next year for Pryor could, and hopefully will, look a lot like Young's 2005 campaign—BCS title preferably included.

Maybe he even does something Young didn't do in 2005, like win the Heisman.

Stats can only take you so far though. I don't care if Pryor ever puts up huge numbers like Young did in his third year.

If he can lead the Buckeyes to a BCS title in 2010 or 2011 (as I believe he can and will), he won't be the next Vince Young. He will be Terrelle Pryor—quarterback; leader; champion.

His legacy at Ohio State will forever be secure, and his career as a Buckeye—absolutely legendary.


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The BCS System Proves Yet Again To Be Fundamentally Flawed

Posted by HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation


If you paid any attention to college football last weekend then you’re aware that Iowa won at Penn State and Oregon humiliated Cal, 42-3.

These weren’t obscure events.

The voters who participate in the Harris Interactive and USA Today Coaches polls apparently did not pay any attention. Hey, why would they? These are only the people whom the empty suits of the Bowl Championship Series have empowered to determine how the sport’s champion is crowned.

So it made perfect sense that in the polls that make up two-thirds of the BCS formula Penn State is still ahead of Iowa and Cal is still ahead of Oregon. These are among a half-dozen rankings based more on reputation and preseason hype than results. There will be more as the year goes on.

This is the BCS. It’s not a one-time mistake. It’s the all-the-time plan. Ridiculous votes happen when you conduct ridiculous elections.

The suits want something that provides convenient cover for them (hey, don’t blame us, it’s the voters!) while being so flawed it draws attention away from what’s really going on – the operation of a system designed to protect their power and allow their cronies who run bowl games to fleece the sport for tens of millions a year.

Forget what they say. Forget the supposed excuses. That’s all there is here. Protect their power and the bowl games’ money.

If the people who ran the BCS wanted to implement a good way to determine the best teams at the end of the year – even if they stuck with the archaic bowl system – they would have done so years ago.

Instead they continue to prop up a formula where two-thirds is determined by a popularity vote from people who, in many cases, are either incapable or unmotivated to take the job seriously.

There’s decades of evidence and testimony from the 59 head coaches that they 1) don’t have the time to research their ballots and 2) often hand over the duties to administrative staffers, who also have no time.

There’s half a decade of evidence that the commitment of the 114 Harris Poll voters fluctuates wildly. Most of these guys are retired administrators, coaches or players. Some are media.

They’ve proven good for two things, voting based on marketing and reputation, and subscribing to a groupthink mentality that assures their ballot doesn’t stand out and they get criticized for thinking for themselves.

Some voters take their responsibility seriously and in their defense, the two polls purposefully offer no criteria for them to consider. Should they slot teams based on overall record, strength of schedule, who they beat, who they lost to, how they won, how they lost, where the games took place, conference strength or so on?

Last year a number of Harris Poll voters admitted to Yahoo! Sports that they have never bothered to watch Utah play before deciding the postseason fate of 12-0 Utes. This isn’t to say Utah should’ve been ranked No. 1 or No. 25, only that any reputable system would, at the very least, require the voters to at least watch an unbeaten team before dismissing them.

It’s moronic enough to use a beauty contest system to determine athletic competition. It’s even worse when the voters don’t have to watch all the contestants. No one disqualifies Miss Mississippi because she isn’t from California.

They do in the BCS.

What happened to the voters who admitted they didn’t think it was necessary to watch Utah play? Naturally, most of them are back again this year.

The folks who run Harris Interactive were concerned enough about this abomination they recommended that a protective mechanism be established to root out “instability, error or bias associated with unusual ranking patterns.”

Naturally the BCS suits rejected it. They love instability, error and bias.

Of course the suits also employ the final one-third of the system as a safety check – the computers. Six mathematical formulas crank out rankings to supposedly make up for human prejudice.

The problem with the computer formulas is twofold. One, the lack of comparative data makes this exercise impossible, which is why actual mathematicians operate a movement that denounces the BCS and any of their peers who participate.

Second, as baseball numbers whiz Bill James points out, the three times the computers have disagreed with the final human vote, the BCS suits immediately re-rigged the formulas in an effort to prevent it from happening again.

The computers aren’t there to counter the polls. They exist to offer credibility through pre-calculated agreement.

“Computers, like automobiles and airplanes, do only what people tell them to do,” James wrote for Slate.

Absent blowing this atrocity up and going with a 16-team playoff, if the BCS wanted a better system to choose the teams for their antiquated bowl games, they would go with a NCAA men’s basketball tournament-style committee.

That’s a group of about 10 people who spend the season scouting teams, meeting to discuss various scenarios and then eventually getting together to go through a vast checklist of predetermined criteria to select the field.

While not devoid of controversy, it’s orderly and transparent.

That would require courage and accountability though, actual faces to answer for the decision to select team X over team Y. The current system allows the blame to be spread out, even to faceless machines.

While a couple dozen conference commissioners and bowl executives sure do love to count the money, they don’t want to claim ownership of the BCS. In fact, Mountain West Conference attorneys claim that there’s no proof the BCS exists as a legal entity. Six conference commissioners take turns serving as “BCS coordinator” for a two-year term. Then they eagerly pass it off, like it’s a disease.

In the meantime, a nonsense system rolls on. Don’t be shocked by the controversy, the foolishness or the corruption.

That isn’t a flaw in the system.

It is the system.


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Written by Dan Wetzel—Yahoo Sports
Photo Copyright owned by the AP

Ohio Stadium aka "The Shoe" Scoreboard, Signage Upgrades

Posted by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation


The new backlighting of the retired player numbers and national championship seasons look sweet and were on display Monday night at the Buckeyes open practice.

See for yourself!


Wide angle view of The Shoe


National Championship years: East side of the North endzone


Retired player #'s: West side of the North endzone

Full view of the North endzone signage and new scoreboard

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Photos Copyright: TheOzone.net

Becoming a Legend: What Terrelle Pryor Must Do

by Tim Bielik
BlockONation Analyst



For as much disappointment as Buckeye fans witnessed in 2008, they saw just as much promise in the nation's most hyped recruit, Terrelle Pryor. Now he returns for his sophomore season with a year's worth of experience under his belt.

With the senior class of James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins gone, the burden falls on Pryor to be a leader for this young batch of Buckeyes ready to begin a new era in Columbus.

Many feel this will be Pryor's breakout season and possibly a Heisman year for the young gun from Jeannette, PA.

Sophomores have won the Heisman in the past two years, so the trend bodes well for Pryor heading into 2009.

Though he came into Columbus raw as a passer, fans saw tremendous progression in the then-freshman week after week.

He quickly showed little fear of the spotlight, and actually little fear of anything on the field, as evidenced by his verbal tussle with USC safety Taylor Mays.

Pryor's fearless attitude serves as a new mentality for the Buckeyes, looking to inject new life into a program that has seen a failure to win big games in recent years.

He hopes to lead the charge to change perceptions and bring Jim Tressel his second FBS title in his tenure at Ohio State.

But for Pryor to succeed, he must continue to improve certain facets of his game.

Most crucial are his overall passing skills out of the pocket.

Pryor's main focus for coming to Columbus was to learn how to become a pro-style QB, and that means being a threat with the arm and legs.

He showed he could make deep throws but really lacked velocity and a fluid throwing motion last season. But over the course of this spring, he has improved the velocity and accuracy of his medium-range passes.

Critics want to know if he can make all the throws, short and long. With an offense where Pryor is surrounded with potential playmakers at receiver and RB, he just has to put the ball in places where they can make plays.

Pryor must also make sure he improves his decision making.

In some situations, he was indecisive about whether he wanted to run or pass, and that led to sacks or impossible escapes out of the pocket.

If he has a safety valve on offense such as a RB dumpoff, Pryor's life will be much easier knowing he has someone to get the ball to if protection breaks down.

No doubt he has the speed to blast through holes in the pocket and run for yardage, but he will soon learn to make safe plays and protect his body for future situations.

Going along with that is learning that sometimes the best play is just throwing the ball away and not losing yardage.

Finally, he will have to learn to manage being the team leader on and off the field.

Last season, he had the comfort of the seniors being the focal points of the team. Now the dynamic shifts, with Pryor as the face of the Buckeyes.

He might not be a captain this year, being a sophomore, but he has as much a leadership role as anyone on the team and will have to push them as hard as he can to get back to the level the Buckeyes have been at for the past several years.

Few doubt that Pryor won't work as hard as possible to be the best he can be, and possibly the best Buckeye in history, which would be an illustrious distinction.

If Pryor can lead Ohio State to an upset win over USC, there is no contention his legend will rise to new heights. If he also becomes a more complete passer, he can be one of the greatest of all time.

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Why Terrelle Pryor Will Lead the Buckeyes to the BCS Championship

by Michael Periatt
BlockONation Analyst



I've been reading all the backlash from that recent Andy Staples article that basically said Pryor was better than Tebow and Bradford. And I have one thing to say...

WHO CARES!!!

Really, we can go back and forth all day and argue until we are blue in the face and still probably change no one's mind.

Why don't we talk about what really matters like oh I don't know, the BCS CHAMPIONSHIP?!

But we'll get back to that in a second.

I went up to the Ohio State Spring game a couple weeks go (along with the rest of Ohio) and just like everyone else, witnessed a vastly improved Terrelle Pryor.

His footwork, mechanics, and accuracy were all night and day compared to last year and it was really refreshing to see that the OSU coaching staff was doing what they're paid to do.

But then again, how hard can it be to teach a mix between LeBron James, Usain Bolt, and Ben Roethlisberger to do anything that involves athleticism?

It's like teaching Eva Longoria to be gorgeous or George Bush to epically fail when he was our President.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the potential of this team. They are young and somewhat inexperienced, but I think they are overall more talented than the 2007 and 2008 teams and pretty darn close to (if not better than) the 2006 team.

Both the 2006 and 2007 teams made it to the BCS championship and then got utterly embarrassed in front of the entire nation. Their reputation still has not recovered.

Don't get me wrong, both teams were very good, but I think think this team has something they didn't; Terrelle Pryor.

I think Terrelle Pryor is the piece in the puzzle that can put them over the top. In fact, I know it.

TP is so special that I guarantee the Buckeyes will win a BCS Championship.

Notice, I didn't say this year (it could happen), but before he graduates (or declares for the NFL Draft), TP will deliver the Bucks to the promised land.

And here's why...

1. As I was saying before, TP is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the history of college sports.

Remember, this guy was a top basketball recruit, too.

But it's crazy to watch what Pryor did last year without really having the ability to consistently throw the ball. At times (especially when Beanie was out), Pryor was OSU's only offense.

He was getting by guys not because he was the most polished and skilled player, but because he was the most athletic.

I remember one play against Michigan State last year in particular. It was a PA fake roll out to the right. Right when Pryor turned from the PA fake, an unblocked DE was right in his face.

Pryor's raw athleticism took over as he brought the ball back like he was going to throw, jabbed forward leaving the defender in his dust, ran toward the sideline, and threw the ball across his body to Brian Robiskie in the end zone.

No one else in the entire nation could have made that play. And that's what makes him so great. He has the ability to do things no one else can.

2. Have you ever heard Pryor talk?

The guy expects perfection.

Pryor lost two games as a starter last season. After the Penn State loss (in which his fourth quarter fumble lead the games only score and interception ended the game) Pryor said,

"When you turn over the ball two times in a game, everyone can say that it's not my fault, but if you really look at it, it is."

Later when talking about the interception he said,

"I should have known not to throw the ball there. I should have known to throw somewhere else. I mean, that's the game. I feel it's on me."

I like seeing a guy take responsibility for his mistakes. That shows character and maturity. It shows he's ready to handle the pressure that comes with being a top flight athlete.

My favorite TP quote, however came right after the the Fiesta Bowl loss to the Texas Longhorns. He said,

"We got to get better. We got to improve. Next year, we got to throw points up on the board. Point blank. Period."

Minutes after a heart breaking loss and the end to the longest football season of his life, Pryor was already thinking about next year and getting better.

This kid expects to win and has the motivation and the work ethic to accomplish just that. Mentally, TP is wired to win.

Point blank period.

3. There have been super athletic players in college before, but not all of them won it all.

Why?

Because they didn't have the supporting cast. But the Buckeyes have proven year in and year out that they bring in quality players that can win games.

Pryor will have a supporting cast and they're going to be pretty darn good. OSU is bringing in top ten recruiting classes year after year. They have the talent to build a great team around TP. Pryor will be what makes the ultimate difference, but his talented group of teammates will be right there with him.

Also, Pryor plays QB. No position has more of an impact in football. Great athletes at RB and WR can only make so much of an impact because they can only get so many touches.

But at QB, Pryor has the ball in his hands every play ready to change the game.

The Ohio State nation has gone through some tough times as of late. They're seen as a slightly above average team in a below average conference.

But Terrelle Pryor is going to change all that. He's going to EARN the respect back.

So sit back and enjoy—I know I will!

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The Buckeye BCS Jokes Are Over: 2009 Buckeye Season Outlook

Article written by Cooper Ledford. He's a big Buckeye fan and BlockONation.com supporter.


In the upcoming 2009 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes will try to return to their bowl winning ways. The last time the Buckeyes won a bowl game was in 2005 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl versus the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Ohio State plans on winning a BCS bowl game with the help and talent of their true sophomore quarterback, Terrelle Pryor.

Also some keys to winning will be upcoming wide receivers Jake Stoneburner and Duron Carter (son of Cris Carter). Corey Brown is also projected to be an outstanding WR. Veterans Ray Small and Dane Sanzenbacher will return at WR too.

Even with the loss of star running back Chris "Beanie" Wells (he decided to enter the NFL Draft a year early), there is still hope in the running game.

Jamaal Berry and Carlos Hyde will most likely see action in the back field along with Dan "Boom" Herron.

Also, with a lot of seniors leaving on defense, it may be difficult for the Buckeyes to be as good as they were last year but there is hope.

Potential impact players such as Etienne Sabino and Kurt Coleman return and should fill in well as the Buckeyes head for the "09" season.

Good Luck to the 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes!

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