Quarterback Conundrum

Yeah..

Well that wasn’t what we were looking for in the second game of the campaign! Toledo gave the Buckeyes everything they could handle in a 27-22 showdown at the show this past Saturday. Missed opportunities, untimely fumbles and a shaky defense were the culprits that almost finished the OSU season before it could even get to the Big Ten portion of the schedule. Joe Bauserman was the only quarterback that saw action which left many in buckeye nation a little perturbed. Why did Fickell choose to stay with the wily.. err... veteran.. err... old quarterback when he had the Ferrari parked on the sideline? Was it the right move? Could Braxton have done a better job at guiding the offense to a more desirable outcome?

I think it is painfully obvious that our new coach knows that his job is on the line after this season and he will do anything in his power to win games. Unfortunately, his job status may be getting the way of giving our new star quarterback valuable game reps.

Joey B opened up the contest against the Rockets with an impressive drive that ended with another touchdown to his favorite target Jake Stoneburner. The defense proved up to the task on the following drive forcing an attempted field goal which sailed wide right. That is where the stellar quarterback play would end for the Buckeyes on Saturday. Numerous wide open receivers were missed during the game along with a heap of short passes that didn’t gain the necessary yardage to extend drives. The running game wasn’t a big help either as the Toledo defense constantly got the better of our offensive line and blew up a number of running plays before they could get going. I’m not here to lay all the blame on Bauserman. The running game had a lot to do with his lack of success during the game. When he did have open throwing lanes and time to get rid of the ball, there were just too many missed opportunities.

Fickell definitely feels that JB gives him the better chance to win right now. Whether it is his age, grasp of the playbook or decision making, Luke Fickell seems to think that JB is the answer right now for the scarlet and gray. Who am I to argue with that? I am just some schmuck hiding behind a keyboard who shoots off his opinion into cyberspace. However, this schmuck thinks that Braxton could have added a new dimension to the offense last week and a different threat for the Rocket defense to look at.

Does Braxton deserve a shot?

Miller did nothing the previous week against Akron to not see the field at all the following week. I thought he made some good throws in his first collegiate action and his escape ability is undeniable. There were whispers after the game that Miller was shaken up after the last contest. If that was the case Luke, then just say that in you post game presser. It would go a long way in curing the outright mania this quarterback battle has caused Buckeye nation. I know it isn’t your job to appease the fan base but don’t discount the power of that fan base who is behind you. It could go a long way in securing your future employment.

Miami now looms on the horizon for the Buckeyes. Jacory Harris returns and the Cane’s also get back some key defensive starters for the OSU game (How they all get to play and Hall, Brown and Howard are still not cleared is laughable). I don’t think we can go down to South Florida and win solely on the back of Joe Bauserman. I guess if the running game is unstoppable and the defense comes up with multiple turnovers he would be OK. Does anybody really think that’s going to happen though? Braxton will be key to keeping the Cane defense off balance. His scrambling and athleticism are going be very important against a much faster defense.

 I hope the decision to keep him out of action doesn’t hinder his ability to put up some points this weekend. Obviously JB will get the start and first opportunity to draw blood in South Beach. If he proves himself capable, then more power to him. Unfortunately, I don’t have much confidence in that happening. Everybody hold your breath. It’s going to be another stressful Saturday here in Ohio. At least the game is at night to give everyone ample time to “prepare”.