September 12, 2010

#2 Ohio State def. #12 Miami 36-24

This one really wasn't as close as it sounds. Ohio State scored eight times to Miami's four and two of three 'Canes' TDs were on special teams. The Buckeyes just settled for field goals on five of those eight. If they had had a real quarterback and just slightly better kick coverage, it would have been more like 48-14.

Pryor...well, you know my feeling on Pryor. It is very likely that we will never again see an athlete of this caliber - this big, this fast, this strong. But athletic ability makes a decathlete, not a quarterback. Pryor doesn't seem to understand the finer points and he doesn't have the touch. He's too quick to run, he throws too hard on underneath passes, too soft on the long balls, and he's really not very accurate. Think of the star Ohio State receivers of the past few years. Robiskie, Hartline, Sanzenbacher (I'd go on, but Michigan fans can't be listing Buckeye receivers all day) - does your mind instantly conjure an image of these guys leaping through the air to make an incredible catch? You know why that is? Pryor doesn't hit 'em between the numbers. The first OSU drive was ended by a relatively un-pressured Pryor throw at least three feet over the receiver's head. Thereafter, they pretty much ran the QB draw on 3rd and long, just like they have for the past two years.

As unimpressive as Pryor was, Jacory Harris was worse. It's true that he didn't get a lot of help from his receivers, but four interceptions is bad no matter which way you slice it. About the best thing I can say for him is that he just keeps on keepin' on, which can't be easy when you weigh 145 pounds.

Overall, not a great win for the Buckeyes, but they did well to keep the momentum even through Miami's special teams fireworks.

1 comment:

Debra Snider said...

Michigan fans definitely shouldn't be listing Buckeye receivers all day. Although I have to admit I still recall the name and play of one such specimen who ended Michigan's dreams of going to the Rose Bowl in 1975!