The QB who will be playing (Zwick) started the first 6 games of the season. He is not as mobile as Smith, but is a better passer. As a die-hard Buckeye fan, I think the key is the play calling. I think that when Zwick was the starter, Tressell's play calling was more conservative. It was so conservative that there was a lot of discussion in Columbus about how he needed to hire an Offensive Coordinator to do the play calling because he had become way too conservative. Since then, Tressell has opened things up a little bit and the offense has benefitted.
The big concern for tonight's game is the Buckeye rushing attack. If Lydell Ross gets most of the carries, Oh St. will probably have less than 100 yards on the game and it will be up to Zwick to carry the load. If Pittman is getting the carries (he averages over 5 ypr) then this should open the passing game up for Zwick. I think it boils down to play calling and Tressell has shown in that he is not afraid to open it up in big games (Michigan, Miami and K-State).
If I am not mistaken, Zwick was Mr. Football in the state of Ohio. He got a full ride to Ohio State - he doesn't suck. Also, Teddy Ginn did not emerge as an offensive threat until Smith was starting. You can expected Ginn and Santonio Holmes to make things happen as long as Zwick can deliver.
The big concern for tonight's game is the Buckeye rushing attack. If Lydell Ross gets most of the carries, Oh St. will probably have less than 100 yards on the game and it will be up to Zwick to carry the load. If Pittman is getting the carries (he averages over 5 ypr) then this should open the passing game up for Zwick. I think it boils down to play calling and Tressell has shown in that he is not afraid to open it up in big games (Michigan, Miami and K-State).
If I am not mistaken, Zwick was Mr. Football in the state of Ohio. He got a full ride to Ohio State - he doesn't suck. Also, Teddy Ginn did not emerge as an offensive threat until Smith was starting. You can expected Ginn and Santonio Holmes to make things happen as long as Zwick can deliver.
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.......I cannot believe someone actually said that Tressel "likes to open things up". IMO, that guy does less with his offense than ANY coach in America. AND, if he gets so much as a 2 point lead, he will sit on that ball like a Hen.
GOOD LUCK with the Buckeyes.
GOOD LUCK with the Buckeyes.
Thanks rodfather, just trying to help out.
Pete, you are right. Tressell sure doesn't open it up much - pretty scary when the coach treats the punter as his best offensive weapon. I just meant that Tressell was opening it up compared to the way he coaches - fewer fullback dives and a little bit more throwing.
GL gentlemen!
Pete, you are right. Tressell sure doesn't open it up much - pretty scary when the coach treats the punter as his best offensive weapon. I just meant that Tressell was opening it up compared to the way he coaches - fewer fullback dives and a little bit more throwing.
GL gentlemen!
Re: Tressell's Conservative approach-
Do you recall last year's Fiesta Bowl? Freakin Krenzel looked like Peyton Manning. I expect that Zwick will have a lot more freedom to throw tonight than he did earlier in the season and as has been stated in other threads the line has improved and Ginn and Gonzales have become factors as well. I prefer Smith at QB, but Zwick will be better than he was earlier in the season.
Do you recall last year's Fiesta Bowl? Freakin Krenzel looked like Peyton Manning. I expect that Zwick will have a lot more freedom to throw tonight than he did earlier in the season and as has been stated in other threads the line has improved and Ginn and Gonzales have become factors as well. I prefer Smith at QB, but Zwick will be better than he was earlier in the season.
gobucks, it's funny you should mention that about Krenzel. Isn't it amazing that Cooper would play wide open all year and then coach "not to lose" against Michigan and in bowl games. Tressell is the exact opposite - heart attacks all season and a$$ kicking against Michigan and in bowl games.
Good luck - Go Bucks!!!
Good luck - Go Bucks!!!
