How OSU Looked Last WeekOSU 24 Texas 7
Check the blog for a detailed text replay of the game. OSU scored first and never trailed Texas in this #1 vs. #2 matchup. OSU was only up by ten points in the fourth quarter, but through some great clock management, OSU didn't give Texas much of a chance to win the game. Credit deserves to go to the OSU defense, more specifically linebacker James Laurinaitis who was involved in two critical turnovers. In the first quarter Texas had a great drive stopped short when Laurinaitis hit Billy Pittman and forced a fumble, which was picked up and returned for 49 yards by Donald Washington. That return setup the first OSU touchdown, which in turn was a 14 point swing, considering Texas did not score. In the third quarter Laurinaitis stepped in and intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards, which setup a drive that led to a field goal. Before this game the concerns for OSU were the temperature/climate and an inexperienced defense. Through aggressive practice and hydration methods in training camp, OSU overcame the temperature issues. OSU also rotated a lot of people, keeping fresh legs on the field. Texas did get 326 yards, 154 in the air and 172 on the ground, but OSU only allowed the Longhorns to score once. Consider the fact that A) this was at Texas B) it was a night game C) Texas is the defending National Champs and D) Texas had not been kept to under 40 points in the previous 12 games. It is safe to say the OSU defense addressed a lot of the concerns and came back to Columbus with a big win. Hats off to AJ Trapasso for his outstanding punting. He averaged 50.8 yards on six punts, which included a 59-yard beauty. His single-day of punting ranks as third-best in OSU History!
Defending Champs?
I want to give all the credit in the world to OSU, but clearly Texas had some missed opportunities and mistakes. First off, did anyone else think coach Mack Brown looked sick and/or dazed and confused during the game? Texas was clearly out coached in this one. Mack Brown said after the game that they were surprised by two things, Troy Smith not running much and the skills of Anthony Gonzalez. Ok, who is doing your scouting Mack? Going into this season everyone in Columbus, including yours truly, was saying Smith would run less this year, and he showed that in the NIU game. Gonzo a skilled player? Did you see his catch in the Michigan game last year? Ok I would never want to give an opposing team advice, but why didn't Texas run the ball more? First off, NIU had great success on the ground against OSU, and secondly Texas was gaining some decent yards whenever they ran. Why did they put single coverage on Ginn on his touchdown before the half? Have you seen any clips of this guy? Do you watch Sportscenter?
What Still Needs Improved
I continue to have concerns over an opposing team rushing over 100 yards. So far OSU has not stopped the run well. The defense is coming up with turnovers and not allowing a lot of points, but one of these days 100+ by an opposing team could put the team in a position to beat OSU. Kicking, kicking, oh we miss Huston and Nugent. I like that we stayed with Pettrey, but seriously folks, missing a 28-yarder? According to my records we are 1-4 on field goals this year.
I continue to have concerns over an opposing team rushing over 100 yards. So far OSU has not stopped the run well. The defense is coming up with turnovers and not allowing a lot of points, but one of these days 100+ by an opposing team could put the team in a position to beat OSU. Kicking, kicking, oh we miss Huston and Nugent. I like that we stayed with Pettrey, but seriously folks, missing a 28-yarder? According to my records we are 1-4 on field goals this year.
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