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COLUMBUS – One by one the Buckeyes insisted they didn’t overlook their in-state MAC opponent. Trailing Ohio University’s Bobcats 14-12 after three quarters of play would indicate otherwise.
While a majority believed OSU could, indeed, overcome a less than inspiring effort, few envisioned the Bucks needing two fourth quarter scores to finally quell all notions of a historic upset in front of 105,000.
“I’m not sure what the other 799 looked like…but I’m still proud of our guys,” related an obviously relieved Jim Tressel, referring to the school’s 800th career football victory.
After making mince meat of Youngstown State a week before and with a much-anticipated showdown at USC on deck, it’s not hard to imagine the Buckeyes lacking focus in week two.
They did not block or tackle particularly well against a Bobcats’ team playing with tons of emotion. “They came at us hard, no doubt about that,” indicated Ohio State’s Mo Wells.
“They say you’re supposed to make (significant) progress between weeks one and two. Well, today we took a step back. We have a lot to correct before (playing USC).”
For the most part, the Buckeyes’ offense, obviously hindered by Beanie Wells’ absence, appeared to be going through the motions. The offensive line opened just enough lanes for Wells, ‘Boom” Herron and Brandon Saine to compile 162 yards and two scores.
Though OSU’s defense yielded 254 yards, it also created four takeaways and only surrendered one touchdown. “The defense and special teams definitely bailed us out,” advised quarterback Todd Boeckman, an efficient, if not totally convincing 16-of-26 through the air for 110 yards.
You got an immediate sense each player took a deep sigh of relief leaving the Horseshoe, realizing the Bucks had brought only their ‘C’ game to this fray.
“It was a collective deal,” Tressel stated. “There are players, coaches and everybody. I think all of us have to share (in this), evaluate our own performance and be willing to begin there.”
OSU senior Malcolm Jenkins preferred to place a positive spin on the outcome. “No question, we faced some adversity today,” he observed. “It would be foolish to think we won’t face more in upcoming games. I thought we responded well. You’ve got to learn how to react to adversity. From that standpoint, (today) was a positive.”
Jenkins was one of four Buckeye defenders recording pass thefts, two of which occurred in the fourth quarter as OU scrambled to rally from behind.
Despite the mistakes, Frank Solich’s Bobcats were in possession with under seven minutes to play, trailing just 19-14. But Ohio State forced a punt which Ray Small pulled in and zig-zagged through would-be tacklers en route to a game-clinching 69-yard romp to the house.
“Losing the turnover margin (5-1), we were fortunate to be in the game,” Solich advised. “But as the game wore on, we became more confident and made some defensive plays of our own. I think that belief started to set in (among our guys). We battled hard but came up short. That’s no disgrace against a national power like Ohio State.”
The Buckeyes must now prove their true worth next Saturday on the left coast in a prime time confrontation against the top-rated Trojans. “I’m glad we’re finally to (this point),” Mo Wells admitted. “Everyone has been looking forward to this game for months. We’ll get back in the film room Monday and start doing our homework. I don’t think we’ll have any problem (getting focused) for Southern Cal.”
Fair enough. You’d expect to see a fired-up contingent of Scarlet and Gray players, coaches and fans for this early season acid test and one which will give Tressel and company an accurate gauge where they stand.
EXTRA POINTS
THE Buckeyes knocked Ohio starting quarterback Theo Scott out of action early, relegating backup Boo Jackson to handle snaps. Jackson completed just 9-of-25 passes for 86 yards and was intercepted three times. The 6-0 junior, however, did make a few drive-saving scrambles for first down runs….
ALONG with the four pass thefts, OSU recovered a fumble to total five takeaways for the first time in a single game since Nov. of 2006 at Northwestern…Bucks’ linebacker Ross Homan recorded a career-high eight tackles. Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis logged a game-leading nine stops to go with a pass interception….
OHIO STATE failed to collect a first half touchdown, the first time that’s happened since Oct. 2006 at Purdue….The Bucks are now 176-48-15 in its history against in-state opponents. The last time OSU fell to an Ohio team was 1921, a 7-6 setback to Oberlin….