{mosimage} Sure enjoyed watching the Buckeyes take their show into a hostile environ Saturday evening, and grab the game by the throat early.

The Buckeyes have a fun defense to watch. fast and aggressive. Few missed tackles. The only real success Purdue had all night was with the tight end and we could live with that. OSU came out in a three man front with the nickel back starting. I do not know if this was the same scheme we employed in Glendale, but if it was it surely worked better Saturday night.

Chimdi Chekwa, redshirt freshman, played the nickel, had something like 11 unassisted tackles, and was named Big Ten defensive player of the week. Maybe you have 11 tackles because the offense is picking on you, but to me, Chekwa again appeared to be a player. I have to say something about Marcus Freeman. I was down on him both this year and last seeing a player who was not living up to his hype. On this website I voiced my concern about his play. Freeman has really played some ball the past three weeks. He is flying around and delivering a blow. Congratulations to Marcus Freeman and yep-I am stupid. Just a dominating defensive performance with Purdue scoring with about 10 seconds to go in the game.

All aspects of the special teams appeared to be solid. Kickers kicked, cover guys covered, and returned guys returned. Guess you can't ask for much else. Coaches did some tinkering with our kickers on our kickoffs with very good success. Good game for the special teams.

Offense was good, but not great. It has been said this offense will go as far a Boeckman can take it. That may very well be true. True, the receivers could have helped on a couple of the picks, but Todd threw the ball. Didn't hurt us against Purdue, but we do play more teams. It looks like we are just going to have to accept that Beanie Wells is not healthy. I liked Mo Wells in the Purdue game and will be seriously rooting for him down the stretch. PS-Way to block Mo. Saine got a little action which was great to see. Small continues to evolve, appearing to be a legit weapon.

I do note that Thaddeus Gibson was nowhere to be seen Saturday. Apparently, something happenned at practice and Gibson didn't travel with the team. Per Coach Tressel Gibson is practicing this week. There are alot of pieces to this puzzle. Gibson got some meaningful time last week and Purdue would have been a great time for some game reps. I will watch this week to see if he is in or out of the doghouse. His speed is nice coming as a Dend.

Bottom line for me is the Bucks put together another solid performance. The biggest question I have is who did we beat? Is Purdue a quality win, or when the smoke clears is Purdue a middle of the road Big Ten team who can only beat up on the Gophers and the Irish. If you are Bucks fan you got to love what you are seeing, all the while looking at the schedule and seeing the challenges that await this team.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (5)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Lloyds Apple said:

	The health of Chris Wells and Brandon Saine is key for Ohio State down the stretch. Mo Wells needs to keep doing his thing and stay healthy. The meat of the schedule is coming up and OSU could easily lose a game or two. But, they also just as easily win out.
	report abuse vote down vote up

October 10, 2007
Votes: +0

Nick Petrello said:

Thanks for hooking the people up with this week's random thoughts on the Buckeyes. I had a ridiculously busy Sunday and Monday and couldn't get to it in a timely fashion. I agree with most of your observations, especially when it comes to Freeman. He really looks like he's starting to get it. I called him "No Wrap" about a month ago, but he has really stepped up. I should be back with my own observations after this week's game, assuming I can find a spot at the bar to watch it on the Big Ten Network. Thanks for nothing assholes who are responsible for this television tragedy.

report abuse vote down vote up

October 11, 2007
Votes: +0

miken aka THE ROLLING NUTT WHO FORGOT HIS PASSWORD,, said:

WELL first time on this site then i post a comment in the wrong blog oops. well anyway i think the buckeyes are looking alot like the 2002 team, cerebrial pocket passer great running back great defense and this years d somehow looks alot faster living here in columbus i probably am a little bias but i really like this team this year of course there are a few really good etams still waiting for the bucks but with tressal at the helm we should be fine ,as far as the running game goes can anyone tell me why they run maurice up the middle he is a bigger threat in open space aka bubble screens, toss plays just a random thought anyway go buckeyes beat kent state

report abuse vote down vote up

October 12, 2007
Votes: +0

JEH45 said:

	Well Rolling Nut-we go to bed this evenning ranked #1. not sure I really like that. I agree with your comments. Re our team-they are fun, but truth is our schedule is just starting. Regardless, couldn't ask much more out of the Bucks than we have gotten to this point. Good to hear from someone from C-town. Does get a bit lonely here in South Florida.
	report abuse vote down vote up

October 13, 2007
Votes: +0

BIG ROLLING NUTT said:

Well the buckeyes did it they beat kent state ! and L.S.U.and CAL. lost i couldnt be any happier unless halle barry wanted to hook up, lets be serious though the buckeyes have a ways to go im not going to be unrealistic, but they have already exceded my expectations for this season they continue to improve week in and week out there offensive line looked strong but then again it was kent state, and there deffense is probably the best ive seen since 2002 they really have some good dbs , keep it up buckeyes , oh and halle call me..

report abuse vote down vote up

October 15, 2007
Votes: +0

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment