Browns Practice Squad, Plus Waiver Pickups
September 1, 2012Box Score: Ohio State 56, Miami (OH) 10
September 1, 2012I don’t know about anyone else, but I was expecting a Buckeye rout in Urban Meyer’s Ohio State debut. They were at home, versus a MAC team, beginning a New Era and an actual offense, I was expecting a lopsided game.
And it was. Ohio State ended up winning going away, by the final of 56-10.
But after one quarter of play, the Buckeyes were trailing Miami Redhawks 3-0.
Of course they were.
Now, Ohio State has had ugly games against MAC teams in the past. It wasn’t a complete surprise that they came out flat. There’s a lot of hype with Meyer taking over and a lot of pressure and expectations1. But what’s weird was, I felt good about that 3-0 score. It certainly could’ve been worse; if any Miami’s receivers could catch, quarterback Zac Dysert would’ve given the Redhawk a lead much larger than just three.
Things turned around in the second quarter.
Carlos Hyde (17 carries, 82 yards, 2 TDs) started the quarter off with a 16 yard run. That got everyone feeling good. Two plays later, Braxton Miller found Philly Brown for a 38 yard grab. Miller then found Devin Smith in the endzone to get the Buckeyes off the schnide. Smith’s one-handed catch was absolutely spectacular.
Everyone could breathe again. And Ohio State never looked back.
The Buckeyes went into halftime leading 21-3 (which included getting stuffed at the goal line to end the first half). Miller started the second half with a 65 yard TD scamper and Ohio State returned a blocked punt for a TD on the ensuing Redhawk possession.
The game was never competitiveness in the second half.
Some random thoughts:
– I think I like Meyer going for the TD to end the first half. Sure, he’s running up the score. But he’s also putting players in a sort-of ‘do-or-die’ situation. It didn’t work. They ‘died’. I’d imagine it’ll come up in practice.
– Also, I feel that college ranking systems (or at the very least, the TV pundits that drive me nuts) get impressed by these early blowout wins. I also like that it gives Ohio State that “ya, we’re going for it, you gonna stop us??” edge. It ain’t Tressel-ball, that’s for sure.
– Miller could be more accurate. There were certainly throws that weren’t tight. But it’s not like Miller had a terrible day, he ended up going 14-24 for 207 yards in the air and ran for another 161 on the ground.
– You do worry about his health. Miller ended the day with 17 carries, same as Carlos Hyde. While he’s a fantastic runner, Braxton Miller is not built like Carlos Hyde.
– I like the look of Hyde. He’s big. He looks punishing.
– Hard to have a real opinion on the defense. They didn’t seem to get much pressure on Dysert at all. And, again, if Miami’s receivers could catch… But Ohio State did pick Dysert off twice and they completely shut down the Redhawks’ running game (which isn’t saying much, but still. 20 attempts for -1 yards ain’t bad).
– I do like the fact that this season doesn’t ‘matter’ in terms of the Big Ten title or a bowl game. Meyer can teach his offense and Miller can grow and they’ll be able to do it without walking the “one mistake and yourseason is ruined” tightrope that is the college football season.
Ohio State faces the University of Central Florida Knights next Saturday at the Shoe. Kickoff is at noon.
(Also, much love to everyone who came out to Two Bucks for the WFNY watch party. Especially Chuck and Anthony).
- points. Lots of them [↩]
4 Comments
Wasn’t too worried about that first quarter score-wise. What was annoying were the silly mistakes, most notably to failure to down a punt at the one that was gift-wrapped for that purpose. One of a few instances (an easy dropped INT at one point being another) that raised the blood pressure a little. I loved the decision to go for the touchdown at the end of the half, but boy was that a weak play call for the situation, especially with all the time they had to figure out what to call. I’d love to see some attitude on the offensive side of the ball after years of cautious (timid) play. The early performance of the secondary was a concern, though at least they eventually managed some turnovers. The D-line and ‘backers need to learn to finish the play in the backfield, as Dysert managed to slip out of what should have been sacks. Lastly, watching Braxton Miller throw a deep ball is beyond frustrating. He had multiple opportunities to hit guys, only to toss up a duck. Against a better opponent, he ends the day with at least 2 picks.
Once the offense got going, there were flashes of what this attack could eventually be for sure. Miller ended up with solid passing numbers, his stutter-step and shifting into high gear on the TD run was phenomenal, and Devin Smith: wow. Given the way the rest of the conference handled some similar opponents, there have to be some nervous teams out there after seeing our highlights. I can only hope to feel a fraction of this positive after the Browns season opener next week.
Forget going for it before halftime. The real statement was made with a minute to go in the game. Up 49-10 and you score a TD when you could have downed it…
Love this new version.
Time to order the BCS championship tickets! woo!
No pressure on the quarterback because OSU only rushed three and Dysert was in three step drops all day to avoid any potential rush.