Buckey Breakdown: OSU 38, YSU 6

by Suckatsports

Ohio State also played a 1-AA opponent, in fact one that had lost to Appalachian State, but we were able to squeak by with a victory. Same can't be said for that school up north. Eleven Warriors has the most in depth breakdown I've read so far, I can hardly do much to top it, but I'll rehash it none-the-less. This was a pedestrian win. I was at the game, so my view was just a little higher.

Offense looked solid if not spectacular. Boeckman took the reins most during most of the game and didn't blow anyone away with the performance. If we're to cal him the next Craig Krenzel, he lived up to expectations in the first game. He has a big arm and showed it off during some precision strikes and down-the field passes, but he also decided to try and fit the ball where it shouldn't go. He didn't throw any interceptions, and let's be honest, that's really what we wanted to see from our quarterback, none of us were expecting a Troy Smith-esque offense.

I already have serious concerns on the offensive line, however. Boeckman saw a lot more pressure than I would have expected YSU to be able to create, and Wells was unable to fund much running room inside. This could be attributed to the competition - no one was out there to be fired up against a high-class opponent. Or, it could be that Tressel was taking it easy on his old team by only running 3 different plays all game. However, my concern is still there, and we're in serious trouble if Wells gets another 6 carries for 2 yards in the red zone.

On the bright side, the much maligned and under appreciated freshman class looked sensational. Brandon Saine was as good as advertised, and looked like the best running back out there. Maybe he was fired up for playing, or maybe he just has all the talent, because every time he touched the ball he was gaining yardage. He had a gorgeous 16 yard run, including side stepping and breaking tackles that was called back by a flag. Dane Sanzenbacher, Taurian Washington, and the afore mentioned Brandon Saine all got in the endzone, as well as showing off their speed and skills.

Defense, while giving up only 6 points, and under 100 yards rushing looked less spectacular than I thought it would. YSU found holes in the rushing game, and moved the ball effectively at some points, including long pass completions. The defensive tackles didn't make much of a name for themselves inside, and although the pressure on the quarterback was ample, it was not the over powering I expected to see. It's also discouraging to see that OSU did not come way with one turnover - a fumble or an interception. One slipped right through the hands of returning starter Anderson Russell, but having a negative turnover margin against YSU may predict doom. All things considered, I'd rather have us shut a team down rather than lean on turnovers - that's really the sign of a good defense, but they surely don't hurt.

By far, the story of the day has to be Lawrence Wilson being out for the season, most likely. He broke his leg in the season opener, and was carted off the field, not a welcome sight either for himself or the fans. He was really the only one that stood out on the defense, including a sack and several tackles for loss. This loss will be greatly felt down the line for the defense of Ohio State, and it may be the difference in a loss this season. Robert Rose and Cameron Hayward will be thrust into action sooner than we expected, but there's no sugarcoating the significance of this injury.

Special Teams in limited work, did a great job. The field goal kicking was solid, even though they were used sparingly. The punting as well, was not fully utilized, but very effective when called into action. The kickoffs started rough, the extra 5 yards showed to be the difference, but the leg and the coverage really caught their stride after a couple of times down the field. This is a group that Tressel will heavily rely on during the year.

It's hard to come out with serious judgments after playing the likes of Youngstown State, not only because of the level of competition, but also the fact that Tressel obviously took it easy on his former team. The offense won't be horrible, and the defense won't be fantastic. The young players are better than people thought they would be, and the stadium will always be sold out.

Go Bucks.

OSU rolls YSU [Eleven Warriors] No Upset Here [Columbus Dispatch] Lawrence Wilson breaks leg [Columbus Dispatch] Photo Credit: Kyle Robertson [Columbus Dispatch] '

Like what you read? This post is cross-published from Ohio Misery Sports.