Well, that went much better than I thought it would! Color me pleasantly surprised at the 2010 Buckeyes in their first game action of the season. They beat down the Marshall Thundering Herd 45-7.

IN A NUTSHELL:

• TP had no turnovers. Clean game with great stats. 17/25 for 247 yds, 3 TDs, 17 yds rushing on 8 carries. I was a little nervous seeing TP in the game so late (flashbacks of Beanie from the 08 season opener against YSU). Like Beanie that year, TP is a Heisman candidate. Maybe the 1st team stayed in to get him the stats he needed?
• Another note on TP. He just looked so comfortable in the pocket. Very much in control & fluid. Improved from the Rose Bowl, as we suspected.
• Offense was awesome. Sure, The Vest didn’t didn’t show too much, but there was a nice balance that we normally don’t see in Week 1. Nicely done, Buckeyes!
• Didn’t think I’d see the team make it to the 40s in points scored. But very happy to see it!
• WTF is wrong with Special Teams? I think, based on this game, they should be called something else; like “Lackluster Teams” or “Forgot-How-To-Tackle Teams”. Needs to get better, STAT!
• Although the defense didn’t show much, they missed Nathan Williams. Tressel says he should be good to go next week, so that’s fine.
• Welcome back, Tyler Moeller! Dude was all over the field, taking out his frustrations from missing last season on anyone and everyone! Leading tackler. That pretty much says it all!
• Brian Rolle is so clutch! He always seems to have a huge play in openers. No complaints here! Loved seeing him get that pick 6!
• Very impressed with Jaamal Berry’s debut. He is so fast! Kinda embarrassed that the official graphic on the scoreboard spelled his name wrong, but what can ya do?
• Very glad the weather cooperated. It only sprinkled on us for about 15-20 minutes. Felt good, to be honest!

Back in March, I thought the season would never get here, but here we are!

I don’t even know where to begin with this game! It’ll just be great to see the Buckeyes run out of that tunnel again. From a scouting perspective, I’m not sure anyone knows what to expect from the Marshall Thundering Herd, seeing as how they have a new coaching staff this year. But they did go to a bowl game last year, which we can’t say the same for the last team we met in the regular season…

But, let’s all remember who the head coach is. This is Coach Tressel’s team, people. Put that together with the fact that this is the opener and we’re likely to see a hefty dose of Tresselball. This is not going to be a beat down. I know that’s what fans are going to want to see, but the chances of that happening are slim to none. Remember last year versus Navy? Now, granted Navy was a damn fine football team, but who was really expecting that game to be decided on the final play? Not this girl!

So, just tame those expectations and appreciate the fact that the Buckeyes are back, and you’ll enjoy the game all that much more!

What I Want to See:
Expectations are high, no doubt, but I’m not looking for a well oiled machine from Day 1. That’s just not realistic. I would like to see the offense move the ball well. I’ll be paying attention to how TP manages the game. Practice footage has been showing a lot of passes to the RB, TE, and FB, in addition to the WR position. I’m very interested to see how this plays out or if it’s even a factor to begin with. This game plan will be vanilla, so maybe there won’t be a lot of those type of passes.

I know the defense will do it’s job. They always show up. I’m sure they won’t show a lot of aggressive blitz packages once we get a lead, but I do want to see how the line plays (even without Nathan Williams) because the Dline, and its backups, will factor heavily into how the 2010 Buckeyes fare this season.

Most importantly, I don’t want to see any injuries, on either side of the ball. So key!

What Will Happen:
The Buckeyes win and then go back to work to prepare for Da U.

OTHER NOTES:
Weather: There has been some concern about rain during the game. Some of the local meteorologists have said that we will make it through the game dry, while others think we could see some. It’ll be warm, humid, & in mid-80s, so it certainly could happen. 20%-30% chance, so very slight. If you’re concerned, bring a poncho. I know I am.
Tickets: There are still some available via Ticketmaster. You’ll be in the C-Deck, but you’ll still be in the ‘Shoe!
Tribute Jerseys: See them here. They will be worn, once again, for the Michigan game.
Conference Divisions: Ohio State is teamed with Penn State, Wisky, Purdue, Illinois, & Indiana. See the breakdown here.

“Experts” and other CFB analysts report QB stats and that’s it. From there, the public is left to judge whether or not a team is ready and/or whether or not said QB sucks.

If a National talking head simply rattles off TP’s stats from yesterday, and no other details, then a reader (not familiar w/ OSU’s jersey scrimmage practices) is left to compare his numbers to say that of a Greg McElroy & simply write off Terrelle Pryor and Ohio State. That’s their right, but that would be foolish. And let me tell you why.

Ohio State doesn’t really do game simulation scrimmages. Heck, even the Spring Game isn’t “real”. For example, Tressel could have the offense start a series from the 1 yardline, just to see how they react. And in said series, he could tell them that they can only run the ball; no passes. It’s not out of the question. And at the same time, the staff will inform the defense that they can only show certain looks & run certain coverages. I call this process, though misleadingly referred to as a scrimmage, “Tressel’s Lab”. He sets up specific game situations to see what the team needs to work on. Lots of weird scoring rules ensue.

Then, on the next series, Tress may decide that his QBs need to work on passing. He’ll place the ball on the 20 yardline (we don’t need no stinking kickoffs or punts!) and give a mandate that this series must be pass plays only. Then, just for sh*ts n’ giggles, he’ll sub in a completely new Oline. Fun, right? But he’s not done. He’ll inform the defense that there shall be no blitzes. It’s all a part of Tressel’s Lab, I tell ya!

And let’s not forget that biggest storyline here: TP had the black no-contact jersey on. That’s pretty much the opposite of a real scrimmage or game action, isn’t it? You’re taking the most dangerous part of TP’s game out of the equation. Put that together with all the other lab research conducted during this “scrimmage” and you end up with stats like this: 10 of 24, for 151 yards and 1 TD.

It’s been interesting to see the overreaction and judgement of the 2010 Buckeyes, based on a simple stat line. From the media members who attended, TP is miles ahead of where he was last year and probably even this Spring. Turnovers have cost the offense the coveted scarlet practice jerseys for several seasons now. That they had just 1 in their close win, speaks volumes to TP’s improved decision making. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m encouraged.

Bottom line is we won’t see the real improvement and progress in TP’s game until the Marshall Thundering Herd comes to town. After that, judge away!

In the meantime, prepare for a condemnation as more of the national media get back to work Monday. Just let it go, Buckeye fans. You’re due for a laugh. Yuck it up. After all, the internetz are funny!

P.S. No, I haven’t forgotten about the iPhone project. In fact, I’ve actually been working a lot more on them, including a full Winterboard theme, that I must admit looks pretty sweet! Individually, there’s lockscreen, battery, SMS, Signal bars, icons, ringtones, and more! I think y’all will love it!

Glad some of the national talking heads are hopping on board the TP bandwagon. ‘Bout time!

I know what you’re thinking: “Oh yay…another post full of links…” but it’s not like I was there, so this is what y’all get for now.

STORIES:
Fall Camp Insider: Moeller Returns, Pryor Shines on First Day in Pads (Ozone)
Notebook: Fall Camping (Rivals)
Buckeyes Open Full-Contact Practice (NBC4)
Practice Report: Tues, Aug. 10 (Bucknuts)
Buckeyes try to stay cool in the heat (AP/Dayton Daily News)
More than just the weather was hot (Dispatch)
Pads Pop From The Get-Go (Sports RappUp)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I really like what I’m reading about the 2010 Buckeyes. They seem extremely focused and motivated to be great.

PICTURES:
Ozone’s Gallery
Bucknuts’ Photo Gallery

VIDEO:

Breakdown of a nice Pryor TD pass, with breakdown from Plain Dealer

Lots of good stuff from Sunday as Coach Tressel opened up practice to the media, and it was also family/picture/media day. I waited a day so a lot of the news, pictures, and video could make its way online. That way, I don’t have to edit this post.

We also learned, today, that TP was added to the 2010 Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list.

Also, if you’re interested in OSU-related iPhone themes, check the TPO twitter stream. I shared some screen shots of my creations earlier today. Your feedback is welcomed!

PICTURES:
CoachTressel.com Gallery
Media Day Gallery / Practice Gallery (Ozone)
Media Day Gallery / Practice Gallery (Josh Winslow)
Media Day Gallery Part: 1 2 / Practice Gallery (Bucknuts)
Media Day and Practice Slideshow (Dispatch)

STORIES:
‘Humbled’ Terrelle Pryor says he wants to be OSU’s QB as a senior in 2011 (Plain Dealer)
First glimpse at fall camp (Dispatch)
Pryor showing maturity of a leader (Bob Hunter/Dispatch)
Improved Attitude is Catalyst to Improvement for Pryor (Ozone)
Fall Camp Insider: Bucks Take in Practice and Photo Day (Ozone)
Pryor has ‘business’ plan for junior season (News-Herald)

Check out some video after the jump…
VIDEO:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Raw interview video footage from NBC4 Columbus

Proud Parents Backing Up Their Sons(ABC6)

Maturing Terrelle Pryor at OSU Picture Day (ABC6)

PICTURES:
The Ozone’s Gallery
Josh Winslow’s Pictures
Bucknuts Gallery

VIDEO:
Rivals (Buckeye Grove)
10TV-WBNS
ABC6
NBC4 (Bucknuts)
NBC4

STORIES:
The Ozone: Two Missing as Buckeyes Report for Camp
Dispatch: Buckeyes say focus essential amid hype
Dispatch Blog: Buckeyes report; Smith to arrive shortly
Plain Dealer: Buckeyes check in for start of Ohio State preseason camp

First day of practice is Friday and media day (where we get all the posed pictures of the team in their jerseys) is Sunday.

I went to bed last night pretty sure that Wisconsin’s John Clay would be announced as the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year today during the 1st day of Big Ten Media Days. No big deal, right?

Well, I was wrong! TP did get the nod again, as did Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones (on the defensive side of the ball). I just thought the media would go with Clay since he got it at the end of last season, and the only thing that changed was that TP tore it up at the Rose Bowl. Guess that was enough? Or maybe the media was collectively throwing their support behind what some call the Big Ten’s only legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate?

I don’t know and I don’t really care. I’m sure TP doesn’t care either. But what I find comical is the salty Wisconsin fans. Just because Clay didn’t get the nod, doesn’t mean you need to throw shade at TP. My favorite argument is the “what has he done in the big games?” Besides get the win?

No, but really. What did Clay do in the “big games”? He had 59 yds against the Buckeyes and 75 against Iowa, the 2 ranked Big Ten teams they faced. And let’s not forget that the Badgers didn’t even play Penn State (also a Top 15 ranked program) this past season. Both shined in their bowl games. So, I think the whole “so-and-so struggles in big games” argument is pretty much a wash.

Again, does it really matter? It’s preseason, for crying out loud! The Big Ten has 3 squads that are legitimate Top 10 teams. Let’s celebrate this instead of tearing each other down! Say it with me:

Check out what Tressel had to say today, below the jump.

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)

So around midnight Monday, LeBron James posts the following tweet for our entertainment.

Now, Bron Bron deleted this tweet within a couple of hours, but not before the Twitterverse went in on it!

Here’s a sampling of reactions to said tweet:

Bandwagon Miami Heat Fan: Ummm, you’re in Miami now. Shouldn’t you be playing with Da U?

Pissed off Cavs Fan: You’re not allowed to root for Ohio State after what you did! Find a new team to root for!

Delusional Michigan Fan: Doesn’t matter. Michigan will roll the Suckeyes this year!!eleventy!!11

These aren’t direct quotes, but a lot of the @replies to his tweet were along these lines and it gave me quite a bit of entertainment reading them the other night! He probably wasn’t expecting that much of a reaction, hence why he deleted it after only a couple of hours.

It was funny to me that the Miami fans that don’t know anything about LeBron (except that he now plays for the Heat) don’t realize that LBJ is more than just a ‘fan’ of TP. He’s TP’s mentor. They know each other. They talk. TP looks up to him and has publicly supported his decision to play for the Heat. I don’t think LeBron being in Miami means he’s suddenly going to call up Randy Shannon and ask to be BFF’s with Jacory Harris, but stranger things have happened.

Interesting situation, though. But what about this: Should LeBron attend either of the Ohio State/Miami games these next 2 seasons, whose sideline do you think he’ll be on? Just stirring the pot a little, Buckeye fans.

Meanwhile, TP has rejoined Twitter and has yet to return to the regular tweeting schedule he had when he used the @pryor2two account. Maybe he’s just shy?

I will now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Fall camp’s coming!