Well I know it has been a few days since the game ended but I wanted time to digest the game and watch it several times before I made this post. I wish I could give Game balls to everyone but I will try to not do that lol. This truly felt like a total team win even though a few guys stood out it was a matter of everyone doing their job. So lets get started.
OFFENSE
Ezekiel Elliott- It would be impossible to do this post and not mention Zeke. 36 carries for 246 yards and 4 TDs. He beat Oregon all by himself and instantly made himself a Heisman candidate and top NFL draft pick when he leaves.
The blockers- Sure it would be easy to say the Oline here they were dominant but this offense is based on EVERYONE blocking from the OL, TEs, WRs, RBs, and even QB. They all did an amazing job and deserve credit.
DEFENSE
Tyvis Powell- Here is a guy that is a fan favorite because he truly is an OSU fan just like all of us. He makes big plays in big games and did that in the NCG as well. Led the team in tackles with 9.
Eli Apple- What he did on that TE td play to make it a non-td is one of the greatest play in the history of Ohio State. He had the awareness to push him out of bounds and save OSU several points. He also had 7 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 Pass Break up.
Run Defense- Much like blocking this is an entire unit process. Everyone is required to help stop the run and hit guys and fill gaps. OSU held Oregon to more than 100 yards less than their game average. This is why Oregon could not get their offense going and why OSU won easily.
INTANGIBLES
The Fans- What can you say I dont care what ESPN tried to say with their 70% OSU fans at Jerry’s World. If it was less than 90% OSU fans I would be shocked. It was a home game and you could feel the energy. The team felt it for sure.
The Parents- It is time to recognize how important it is to have an involved Parents Group for OSU. They do so much for the team and are very much involved in making OSU successful. Plus they are a powerful group getting the NCAA to change rules to allow parents to watch their kids win titles.
Luke Fickell- I have been a loud voice in support of Fickell for years now in a sea of angry Fire Fickell voices. It is time for those people to apologize. Coach Fickell did what he has the last 3 years call the Front 7 defense and help OSU win a lot of game. Chris Ash was brought in to fix the DBs and he did a masterful job. It is time for OSU fans to realize Fickell wasnt the problem Everett Withers was. Silver Bullets are back big time.
Leave a Reply