Silver Bullets, Short preview

Argh

• I’m beginning to run out of excuses to give my Michigan friends as to why Denard Robinson’s video game numbers are a fluke. The guy is electric… period. When you can run the same play over and over and still get at least 10 yards, I don’t care what defense it is against. The guy has a gear that doesn’t exist within many other individual’s DNA. His running ability is unquestionable but his passing has been good as well. It’s not that I think he that accomplished of a passer but the threat of him running is so immense that the defense has to stack the box. This leaves opposing corners on an island and any quarterback worth a damn is going to exploit that sooner or later.

As of right now, Denard’s numbers are so ridiculous it makes him the Heisman leader going away. If the trophy was given today there is no rational argument to be made against him receiving the hardware. Obviously he has not faced a defense with the talent of Sparty. Little brother is going to be focusing all of their attention on Denard this Saturday and you can bet Greg Jones is licking his chops in anticipation of this game. I am anxious to see what the Nardster can do against a defense with a pulse.

• Last week’s game against the Illini had all the classic warning signs of an OSU let down. There was a dinged up quarterback (I swear I heard a collective gasp from across the state when Pryor hit the ground), blustery conditions, a team that was playing at home with two weeks to prepare and it was Ohio State’s first road test of the season. Considering said warning signs I think it was a solid victory. Could things have gone a little smoother? Absolutely. However, you take Big Ten road wins however you can get them. OSU always has a couple clunkers along the way so lets hope that they got it out of their system early this year.

• When I regained consciousness from my fear induced coma after Pryor's injury, I realized it wasn't the end of the world. The earth was still turning on its axis, Megan Fox was still hot and somebody would have to come in and take snaps for the Buckeyes. Unfortunately that somebody was Joe Bauserman. Listen, I am sure that Joey B is a great guy and I would love to have a cold one with him sometime but a division 1 QB he is not. I don’t know how JT pencils him in at #2 on the depth chart with a straight face. As a Browns fan he reminded me way to much of the Derek Anderson/ Brady Quinn days.

Trust me, you never want to remind people of those guys on a football field. Why on earth Kenny G wasn’t out there getting his feet wet is beyond me. If nothing else he has the legs to turn a broken play into a big gainer. From what I saw in the spring and mop up time he has a pretty good arm too. Pryor is a mere mortal (shocking I know) and is at risk for injury with everything this offense asks him to do. I hope I'm wrong but there will be a time when the backup will have to put some points on the board. Guiton HAS to be the better option at QB right?

Are these guys done?

• Now for my weekly running game commentary. Why aren’t the younger backs getting a chance- yada yada yada- Saine is still MIA- yada yada yada- Tressel is way to faithful to his upperclassmen. There, I think I covered everything. If you want to read more on this topic I recommend every column I have ever written and/or every Buckeye blog on the internet this week. Let’s move on shall we.

• I guess when it rains it pours for Tyler Moeller. The Buckeyes lost one of their best silver bullets to a torn left pectoral muscle in the game against Illinois. I don’t have to tell you how big of a loss it is for the defense. It was such a pleasure to watch this guy fly around and reek havoc on the opposition for the first few games this year. You would be hard pressed to match his speed and intensity on the football field. Luckily this is Ohio St. and we have a stud, albeit a young one, who will attempt to fill those big shoes. Christian Bryant will be thrust into the limelight for the rest of the year and will see plenty of action.

The Cleveland Glenville product was a big recruit and has the potential to join a long list of defensive greats at Ohio St. Although small in stature (5’10” 173 lbs) he is a ferocious hitter and I look forward to watching him develop. It is unfortunate this is how he got his chance but football is a violent game where injuries are unavoidable. Hopefully Tyler will be granted a 6th year and will suit up for the Scarlet and Gray once again.

How injured is he?

• Indiana will come to Columbus on Saturday with a potent offense and something they claim is a defense. Ben Chappell will present the now depleted Buckeye secondary with a pretty good challenge. He has a great arm but tends to take his sweet ol’ time deciding where to throw the ball. Hopefully the DL can get some pressure and force him into some mistakes. Tressel claims that Pryor is ready to go but I wouldn’t count on a spectacular passing attack this weekend. I suspect there will be plenty of carries to go around for the running backs. This will be our final tune up before the big trip to Madison. I don’t think the Buckeyes will take the Hoosiers lightly but the boys had better be ready to play.