To say the Buckeyes’ 26-14 victory against the Bobcats did not play out the way coaches and fans believed it would is the understatement of the early season. Instead of the final “tune-up” game most expected before next Saturday’s showdown at USC, Ohio State was treated to a grueling, highly intense battle with a MAC team not expected to do much this season. Take nothing away from the Bobcats who played one heck of a football game but next week could not come soon enough. Playing without Chris Wells, OSU played uninspired football and virtually sleep-walked into the four quarter trailing 7-6, before turning on the late game intensity and picking up the victory. In Columbus, a win is a win, however to beat the Trojans, Ohio State will have to take a look at this game and in the mirror and come out with a performance equal to the talent they truly possess or will be in for a rude west coast welcome. DTI took some notes on the game against Ohio, here is what was seen on both sides of the football and special teams…

OSU Offense-

*Todd Boeckman did anything but inspire confidence in his ability to lead the offense into big football games. Though he did not throw an interception or turn the ball over, he was more or less a non-factor until late in the affair and never developed a rhythm in the passing attack. The senior was 16/26 for 110 passing yards while running for 26 yards. Coming off a so-so first game of the season, most believed he would shred the secondary of the Bobcats but he had trouble finding the open targets and creating the big time plays which lead to points on the scoreboard. He did not receive much help from his supporting cast but good quarterbacks find ways to get the job done and he simply did not. The schedule will only get more and more grueling from here on out and for the OSU offense to succeed, no. 17 needs to elevate his game to another level like he did at points last season against opponents such as Washington and Penn State. Coming into the season, TB said he felt a new sense of confidence only a returning starter can and needs to find that poise against USC next Saturday if OSU has a prayer.

*The OSU running game proved to be relatively successful for the second week in a row. Without the service of one Chris Wells, the three scarlet and gray motor men combined for 113 yards and 2 TD. Daniel “Boom” Herron was the leading carrier (12/50 1TD) with starter Maurice Wells (9/48) and Brandon Saine (5/15 1TD) also joining the fray. While the first half proved to be uneventful for the ground game, it was the trio’s performance in the third and fourth quarters which helped pull out the victory. Herron was extremely impressive and seems to continue to improve as he gets more and more comfortable in the offensive sets. For reasons unbeknown to most, Brandon Saine was again limited in this football contest. After a strong freshman season, it would seem as though the former Mr. Ohio football is set for stardom as the primary back to C. Wells. His talent was evident in his two runs which led to a touchdown, knocking over linebackers and corners on his way into the endzone. For Maurice Wells, his role will continue to slate him as a situational/change of pace tailback who should pickup somewhere between 2-7 touches per game. Overall, it was a good day for this unit, however the absence off no.28 was definitely apparent at times which causes some concern if “Beanie” were to be out for an extended period of time.

*Embarrassing, would be the best way to describe the offensive line on Saturday against the Bobcats. A group returning four starters from the prior year has no excuse to put forth the effort in which they displayed. For 45 minutes, Ohio won the battle of the trenches and kept OSU off the scoreboard. It was a great display of heart and tenacity by the opposing defense, however, this kind of struggle would seem more fitting against USC or Michigan with their top-caliber defensive front lines as opposed to one from the MAC which was not even considered the best in its respective conference. The left side of Boone and Rehring seemed to breakdown repeatedly while Jim Cordle’s high snap could have been the deciding factor in a horrific Buckeye loss. There was little to no push in run and pass blocking and the mean streak so often associated with OSU football seemed to escape even the second-string lineman. The Buckeyes gave up five sacks on the afternoon and can not afford to play this way again if they expect to contend for post season glory in 2008.

*The wide receiver core was also than stellar in their performance on the field. When the pair of Brian’s combine for 22 yards on five receptions, it would be difficult to give the core any type of praise. A set of receivers are only as good as their top playmakers and when these two veterans are non-factors, there is little positive to say. The secondary of OU is highly skilled however both Hartline and Robiskie have done bigger and better things against tougher competition such as Texas and LSU. The only redeeming factor for the wide outs was the play of the third and fourth targets; Ray Small (5/27) and Dane Sanzenbacher (4/32). Making big reception after big reception, these two Buckeyes came up big when OSU needed conversions and were critical in all of the offensive scoring drives. While their stats do not jump off the stat sheet, they were in the middle of everything and showed great improvement from the first week. After a strong opening to their college careers DeVier Posey and Lamaar Thomas were non-factors in the football game and it would have been great to see them make plays at points as well. Tight Ends Rory Nicol and Jake Ballard (1/25) did not get many opportunities to make things happen on the field but blocked well on sweeps and pitches when they had the opportunity to get in.

*Terrelle Pryor did not see the field enough to make an educated comment on what his role at QB maybe possible be heading into the USC game on Sept. 13th. While he ran the football extremely well (5/37), he did not look particularly good throwing the football (0/2) in his limited attempts. Fans have to believe Jim Tressel will trot him onto the field against Pete Carroll but with mere minutes of playing time, how much and what exactly can you ask him to do against a tremendous defense which allowed only seven points to Virginia? The feeling is he will play a lot because his talents will create problems for even the best Trojan defenders but his success will truly be a mystery. Those expecting him to pass for 100 yards will most likely be disappointed but after watching him run in two straight games, a 50-100 yard running game could absolutely occur if not more.

OSU Defense-This should be prefaced by saying although the defense gave up only seven points, Ohio missed several opportunities to make big offensive plays which could have led to them winning the football game. It is safe to say Southern California will not be as cooperative in this matter.

*A strength for the Bucks last season, the defensive line played below their capability against an offensive line which averaged only 292 lbs. Lawrence Wilson looked good and made a nifty interception while Dexter Larimore battled hard and picked up a sack but those were the only highlights for the four-man crew. Doug Worthington, Nader Abdallah, Todd Denlinger and Cameron Heyward played nonchalant football on the line and could not get sufficient pressure on the quarterback after Boo Jackson entered the game to replace injured QB Theo Scott. It was not only their inability to get into the backfield which was a problem but also the fact lineman continously missed opportunities to obtain tackles for a loss and make big plays against the Bobcats running backs. One sack and four TFL against an Ohio team which lost to Wyoming one week prior is unacceptable for a squad returning three starters and two reserves from a year ago.

*The linebacking core of James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman and Ross Homan was a bright spot for the defense. The unit never seemed to miss a beat and came up with timely tackles, especially late in the game. Laurinaitis had a tremendous pick in coverage to go along with a team leading nine tackles. Homan had eight tackles to finish second for the game and Freeman had six with a pass breakup. One area where they need to improve is the play behind the line of scrimmage where they did not create much of a stir this week. This group is too athletic and intelligent to not find themselves in situatuons where they could make something happen.

*Anderson Russell and Malcolm Jenkins were rock solid with an interception a piece at their respective positions. However, the rest of the secondary had an up and down game. Jermale Hines, Chimdi Chekwa and even Kurt Coleman looked lost at times out there and were saved by poor passing from Jackson. Ohio had several open wide outs but could never hit on a major pass. Overall, the plays which needed to be made were and no harm no foul but when luck keeps you ahead there is progress which needs to be made. The Buckeyes are aided by the return of Donald Washington next week but will need all of their defensive backs to come up big this year against tough passing minded competition. There is no doubt this core is athletic and football savvy but it is about consistency and limiting opportunities. How they will do in this area will determine a great of their success defensively.

OSU Special Teams-

* When a player misses an extra point attempt, there are questions requiring answers. The snapper Jake McCaide and holder Jon Thoma simply had an off day and were not crisp for most of the game. When a relatively easy task shows big flaws, problems arise.

* Ryan Pretorious made two of three field goals, the miss was 54 yards, making him 6/7 on the year. He has looked very good overall and although he did not hit on a PAT, this should not be much of an issue in the long run. In a tough year, the 28-yard old senior could prove to be a huge asset.

* A.J. Trapasso had only two punts but one was of the 51 yard variety; in limited work he has made some nice plays.

* Ray Small had the breakout game Columbus has been waiting three seasons for. The former Glenville star had three returns for 72 yards including a 69-yard TD return to put away the Bobcats. His breakout performance should earn him more opportunities and a chance to finally show the world he is as good as once advertised by Teddy Ginn Sr. as well as many other college football analysts.