Thoughts from the Couch - Ohio State

[psuro]

I decided to put in the opponent in the title so as to not cross thread with other thoughts.

Was debating whether to do this, as I can only imagine the angst that was on this board during and after the game. But, I have gotten in to the habit, so here goes:

1. I don’t agree with Gus Johnson that Ohio State is World Famous as he pontificated during the broadcast. That’s over the top, even for Gus Johnson.

2. Everything was great until midway through the 4th. At 30-21, I thought we had a chance. As usual, PSU plays OSU tough, but not tough enough and consistently long enough.

3. Clifford will see #44 in his nightmares all week.

4. Parker Washington! Welcome to the team. Amazing day by Washington after having been quiet most of the year.

6. Brenton Strange was a beast in blocking.

7. Running game was not great but was useful.

8. In terms of numbers - OSU $44 better than PSU #72 and #14. OSU #18 better than PSU #9.

9. Of the turnovers - all of it was OSU’s #44. All of the turnovers were based on his athletic abilities. Would assume he is DPOW for the Big Ten. Maybe the country.

10. Was not sure if CJF made the right call by going for it on 4th and 2 on OSU’s 18. But, considering that Pinegar missed two attempts later, and that they would be better leaving OSU at the 18 instead of the 25 (assuming Pinegar made the FG and his k/o were out of the EZ), they basically bought themselves 7 yards. Plus at that time, the defense was playing pretty well at that time.

11. I heard where some of the online guys were questioning some of the throws - it appears that the throws back over the middle were planned. There was a tipped pass, but these guys practice the tip drill in practice, so that particular play was not an issue.

12. I liked the full house backfield - get some beef back there for short yardage. I liked the first effort, where Clifford took off over the right side -unfortunately, OSU had called a time out.

13. I thought Stroud was quiet the first 3 quarters, but then really came alive. He snaps the ball on his release faster than anyone I can remember except for Marino.

14. The middle of the field was far too wide open. It only works if you can get pressure on the QB. Which PSU could not. The OSU OL is phenomenal.

15. So, I was clearly disappointed with the loss - especially since were were so close. However, there is still a lot to play for this year. The main focus is not to lose focus. 10-2 is not out of the question, given the schedule. A couple of breaks here and there and PSU is in the top 12 By end of season.

FTG

 

[Wlawnlion]

#14 absolutely correct. Agree with all

 

[MacNit]

Good

I decided to put in the opponent in the title so as to not cross thread with other thoughts.

Was debating whether to do this, as I can only imagine the angst that was on this board during and after the game. But, I have gotten in to the habit, so here goes:

1. I don’t agree with Gus Johnson that Ohio State is World Famous as he pontificated during the broadcast. That’s over the top, even for Gus Johnson.

2. Everything was great until midway through the 4th. At 30-21, I thought we had a chance. As usual, PSU plays OSU tough, but not tough enough and consistently long enough.

3. Clifford will see #44 in his nightmares all week.

4. Parker WashingElton Welcome to the team. Amazing day by Washington after having been quiet most of the year.

6. Brenton Strange was a beast in blocking.

7. Running game was not great but was useful.

8. In terms of numbers - OSU $44 better than PSU #72 and #14. OSU #18 better than PSU #9.

9. Of the turnovers - all of it was OSU’s #44. All of the turnovers were based on his athletic abilities. Would assume he is DPOW for the Big Ten. Maybe the country.

10. Was not sure if CJF made the right call by going for it on 4th and 2 on OSU’s 18. But, considering that Pinegar missed two attempts later, and that they would be better leaving OSU at the 18 instead of the 25 (assuming Pinegar made the FG and his k/o were out of the EZ), they basically bought themselves 7 yards. Plus at that time, the defense was playing pretty well at that time.

11. I heard where some of the online guys were questioning some of the throws - it appears that the throws back over the middle were planned. There was a tipped pass, but these guys practice the tip drill in practice, so that particular play was not an issue.

12. I liked the full house backfield - get some beef back there for short yardage. I liked the first effort, where Clifford took off over the right side -unfortunately, OSU had allied a time out.

13. I thought Stroud was quiet the first 3 quarters, but then really came alive. He snaps the ball on his release faster than anyone I can remember except for Marino.

14. The middle of the field was far too wide open. It only works if you can get pressure on the QB. Which PSU could not. The OSU OL is phenomenal.

15. So, I was clearly disappointed with the loss - especially since were were so close. However, there is still a lot to play for this year. The main focus is not to lose focus. 10-2 is not out of the question, given the schedule. A couple of breaks here and there and PSU is in the top 12 By end of season.

FTG

Good stuff.

Will be interesting to see how many of last 4 PSU loses. How many should they lose? None? But what will happen on field?

 

[WVilleLion]

Good summary. I really hope we do not play down to any of our remaining opponents. Win out. Play a quality opponent in a NY6, end season at 11-2 and end up in top 10. Not what we wanted, but still will help program with quality recruiting.

 

[Midnighter]

I decided to put in the opponent in the title so as to not cross thread with other thoughts.

Was debating whether to do this, as I can only imagine the angst that was on this board during and after the game. But, I have gotten in to the habit, so here goes:

1. I don’t agree with Gus Johnson that Ohio State is World Famous as he pontificated during the broadcast. That’s over the top, even for Gus Johnson.

2. Everything was great until midway through the 4th. At 30-21, I thought we had a chance. As usual, PSU plays OSU tough, but not tough enough and consistently long enough.

3. Clifford will see #44 in his nightmares all week.

4. Parker Washington! Welcome to the team. Amazing day by Washington after having been quiet most of the year.

6. Brenton Strange was a beast in blocking.

7. Running game was not great but was useful.

8. In terms of numbers - OSU $44 better than PSU #72 and #14. OSU #18 better than PSU #9.

9. Of the turnovers - all of it was OSU’s #44. All of the turnovers were based on his athletic abilities. Would assume he is DPOW for the Big Ten. Maybe the country.

10. Was not sure if CJF made the right call by going for it on 4th and 2 on OSU’s 18. But, considering that Pinegar missed two attempts later, and that they would be better leaving OSU at the 18 instead of the 25 (assuming Pinegar made the FG and his k/o were out of the EZ), they basically bought themselves 7 yards. Plus at that time, the defense was playing pretty well at that time.

11. I heard where some of the online guys were questioning some of the throws - it appears that the throws back over the middle were planned. There was a tipped pass, but these guys practice the tip drill in practice, so that particular play was not an issue.

12. I liked the full house backfield - get some beef back there for short yardage. I liked the first effort, where Clifford took off over the right side -unfortunately, OSU had allied a time out.

13. I thought Stroud was quiet the first 3 quarters, but then really came alive. He snaps the ball on his release faster than anyone I can remember except for Marino.

14. The middle of the field was far too wide open. It only works if you can get pressure on the QB. Which PSU could not. The OSU OL is phenomenal.

15. So, I was clearly disappointed with the loss - especially since were were so close. However, there is still a lot to play for this year. The main focus is not to lose focus. 10-2 is not out of the question, given the schedule. A couple of breaks here and there and PSU is in the top 12 By end of season.

FTG

Everyone knew this was going to be a loss. Next four games will make or break the season. James likes to give us just enough of a taste to make this kind of loss worse than it actually is. Still waiting or his wishlist that will make our team better….

 

[Thorndike2021]

OSU is just better, in every meaningful way.

OSU is a better university. OSU fans are better people. Folks from Ohio are better looking, smarter, and have better senses of humor. They have better facilities, a better stadium, and their athletic department, in total, is simply superior.

Heck, even the grass in Ohio is a shade greener.

 

[psuno1]

Dixon and King were the Db's on Harrison most of the day, that was a mistake- should have had Porter Jr on him anywhere he went and let the chips fall were they may.

 

[Chris92]

Dixon and King were the Db's on Harrison most of the day, that was a mistake should have Porter Jr on him anywhere he went and let the chips fall were they may.

JPJ doesn't have the skill set to play field side corner, he's a boundary corner all the way.

 

[Blair10]

I decided to put in the opponent in the title so as to not cross thread with other thoughts.

Was debating whether to do this, as I can only imagine the angst that was on this board during and after the game. But, I have gotten in to the habit, so here goes:

1. I don’t agree with Gus Johnson that Ohio State is World Famous as he pontificated during the broadcast. That’s over the top, even for Gus Johnson.

2. Everything was great until midway through the 4th. At 30-21, I thought we had a chance. As usual, PSU plays OSU tough, but not tough enough and consistently long enough.

3. Clifford will see #44 in his nightmares all week.

4. Parker Washington! Welcome to the team. Amazing day by Washington after having been quiet most of the year.

6. Brenton Strange was a beast in blocking.

7. Running game was not great but was useful.

8. In terms of numbers - OSU $44 better than PSU #72 and #14. OSU #18 better than PSU #9.

9. Of the turnovers - all of it was OSU’s #44. All of the turnovers were based on his athletic abilities. Would assume he is DPOW for the Big Ten. Maybe the country.

10. Was not sure if CJF made the right call by going for it on 4th and 2 on OSU’s 18. But, considering that Pinegar missed two attempts later, and that they would be better leaving OSU at the 18 instead of the 25 (assuming Pinegar made the FG and his k/o were out of the EZ), they basically bought themselves 7 yards. Plus at that time, the defense was playing pretty well at that time.

11. I heard where some of the online guys were questioning some of the throws - it appears that the throws back over the middle were planned. There was a tipped pass, but these guys practice the tip drill in practice, so that particular play was not an issue.

12. I liked the full house backfield - get some beef back there for short yardage. I liked the first effort, where Clifford took off over the right side -unfortunately, OSU had allied a time out.

13. I thought Stroud was quiet the first 3 quarters, but then really came alive. He snaps the ball on his release faster than anyone I can remember except for Marino.

14. The middle of the field was far too wide open. It only works if you can get pressure on the QB. Which PSU could not. The OSU OL is phenomenal.

15. So, I was clearly disappointed with the loss - especially since were were so close. However, there is still a lot to play for this year. The main focus is not to lose focus. 10-2 is not out of the question, given the schedule. A couple of breaks here and there and PSU is in the top 12 By end of season.

FTG

I really enjoy your lists. Thanks for sharing.

Although, I think you have a misprint in your #9 item. The turnovers were all on Clifford. It is no coincidence that every opponents‘ Defensive Ends look like all-America candidates when facing Clifford. Those turn overs were inexcusable, catastrophic, and typical Clifford.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Our corners got no safety help….they were 20+ yds back the entire game.

How about a corner bump-and-run with safety help? Didn’t see that even once.

 

[Scott Beach]

Thought the defense played great against the run with the exception of Henderson’s long run (reminded me of the Michigan game). Excellent against the wide receiver screens as well. No answer for the deep in routes to #18. Their tight also hurt us. Our punting hasn’t been a strength the past several games. Didn’t expect this game to be so close midway through the 4th quarter and thought we were going finally get over the hump. Hope they replicate the effort in the remaining games.

 

[dcf4psu]

#44, JT Tuimoloau, sophomore, 5-star recruit out of Edgewood, Washington, 6'-4", 270lb. CJF may be a good recruiter, but he isn't getting players like this.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

I really enjoy your lists. Thanks for sharing.

Although, I think you have a misprint in your #9 item. The turnovers were all on Clifford. It is no coincidence that every opponents‘ Defensive Ends look like all-America candidates when facing Clifford. Those turn overs were inexcusable, catastrophic, and typical Clifford.

#44’s pick six was nothing short of phenomenal. SC completes that pass (or at least gets it to his intended target) against EVERY other DE he will play. Credit where it’s due.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

#44’s pick six was nothing short of phenomenal. SC completes that pass (or at least gets it to his intended target) against EVERY other DE he will play. Credit where it’s due.

See D. Krein , Miami same play.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

#44, JT Tuimoloau, sophomore, 5-star recruit out of Edgewood, Washington, 6'-4", 270lb. CJF may be a good recruiter, but he isn't getting players like this.

He needs to recruit west , way west like Samoa and Hawaii, also the midwest farms , Illinois patched up both lines in less than two years.

 

[84lion]

#44’s pick six was nothing short of phenomenal. SC completes that pass (or at least gets it to his intended target) against EVERY other DE he will play. Credit where it’s due.

I bailed on the game before that INT but looking at the box score drive chart, the INT occurred at 2:52 remaining and PSU down 13 points. I would assume Clifford was trying to "make something happen" and especially since it happened deep in PSU territory tells me that said INT was probably mostly on Cliff. He did have the two INTs in the first quarter and appeared to settle down but I recall one pass "in traffic" which was tipped and nearly intercepted by the OSU D that I believe Washington caught and bailed Cliff out. Cliff has had a bunch of untimely INTs in his career. This was just one of many.

 

[84lion]

He needs to recruit west , way west like Samoa and Hawaii, also the midwest farms , Illinois patched up both lines in less than two years.

I watched a bit of the Illinois - Nebraska game yesterday and Illinois had that game nicely in hand and played it conservatively IMHO. OK, it's Nebraska and they are struggling, but it's Illinois and they were struggling for years before Bielema came along. Don't we open conference play at Illinois next year? That will be a tough one.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

I bailed on the game before that INT but looking at the box score drive chart, the INT occurred at 2:52 remaining and PSU down 13 points. I would assume Clifford was trying to "make something happen" and especially since it happened deep in PSU territory tells me that said INT was probably mostly on Cliff. He did have the two INTs in the first quarter and appeared to settle down but I recall one pass "in traffic" which was tipped and nearly intercepted by the OSU D that I believe Washington caught and bailed Cliff out. Cliff has had a bunch of untimely INTs in his career. This was just one of many.

No, it was a simple throw to the flat. 44 literally turned into Superman as he’s coming around the edge and stabbed a ball he had no business catching.

 

[JVP_Yahweh]

Good points... on #11 those are really a product of risk and SC's limitations as a QB. I don't care how much they practice those, they are risky at every level of FB and they are a desperation style of passing that end up costing points more often than not. SC got away with 2 yesterday that should have picked off.

I would be willing to bet that when Allar takes over those kind of plays will be completely removed from MY's playsheet

 

[psuro]

I bailed on the game before that INT but looking at the box score drive chart, the INT occurred at 2:52 remaining and PSU down 13 points. I would assume Clifford was trying to "make something happen" and especially since it happened deep in PSU territory tells me that said INT was probably mostly on Cliff. He did have the two INTs in the first quarter and appeared to settle down but I recall one pass "in traffic" which was tipped and nearly intercepted by the OSU D that I believe Washington caught and bailed Cliff out. Cliff has had a bunch of untimely INTs in his career. This was just one of many.

In the interest of full disclosure Effner tried to cut block him and in essence -didn’t complete the block. 44 simply jumped and picked it off.

 

[BrucePa]

It was 21-16 Penn State with 9-and-a-half minutes left in the game. And then true to the script, the defense is disemboweled by a mediocre-to-above-average QB. For the entire length of Franklin's tenure. Darnold, Barrett, Luwerke (multiple times), Stroud, and others....4th quarter bloodbaths!

 

[OhioLion]

It is no coincidence that every opponents‘ Defensive Ends look like all-America candidates

There’s only one way a DE frustrates a Q; thru an OT. PS right OT more than once was B-slap. One time I thought a TE staed in to block and rde the DE deep creating an opportunity for Clifford to step up into a very wide open space in the pocket. He didn’t and the DE Bull rushed the OT and had a sack. That’s on Clifford.
The day Penn State gets a qualified, bonafide, certified OL is the day they will run with the big dogs instead of sitting on the porch with the puppies.

OL

 

[DaytonBuck74]

I find that and Gus annoying in general.

 

[Bvillebaron]

I decided to put in the opponent in the title so as to not cross thread with other thoughts.

Was debating whether to do this, as I can only imagine the angst that was on this board during and after the game. But, I have gotten in to the habit, so here goes:

1. I don’t agree with Gus Johnson that Ohio State is World Famous as he pontificated during the broadcast. That’s over the top, even for Gus Johnson.

2. Everything was great until midway through the 4th. At 30-21, I thought we had a chance. As usual, PSU plays OSU tough, but not tough enough and consistently long enough.

3. Clifford will see #44 in his nightmares all week.

4. Parker Washington! Welcome to the team. Amazing day by Washington after having been quiet most of the year.

6. Brenton Strange was a beast in blocking.

7. Running game was not great but was useful.

8. In terms of numbers - OSU $44 better than PSU #72 and #14. OSU #18 better than PSU #9.

9. Of the turnovers - all of it was OSU’s #44. All of the turnovers were based on his athletic abilities. Would assume he is DPOW for the Big Ten. Maybe the country.

10. Was not sure if CJF made the right call by going for it on 4th and 2 on OSU’s 18. But, considering that Pinegar missed two attempts later, and that they would be better leaving OSU at the 18 instead of the 25 (assuming Pinegar made the FG and his k/o were out of the EZ), they basically bought themselves 7 yards. Plus at that time, the defense was playing pretty well at that time.

11. I heard where some of the online guys were questioning some of the throws - it appears that the throws back over the middle were planned. There was a tipped pass, but these guys practice the tip drill in practice, so that particular play was not an issue.

12. I liked the full house backfield - get some beef back there for short yardage. I liked the first effort, where Clifford took off over the right side -unfortunately, OSU had allied a time out.

13. I thought Stroud was quiet the first 3 quarters, but then really came alive. He snaps the ball on his release faster than anyone I can remember except for Marino.

14. The middle of the field was far too wide open. It only works if you can get pressure on the QB. Which PSU could not. The OSU OL is phenomenal.

15. So, I was clearly disappointed with the loss - especially since were were so close. However, there is still a lot to play for this year. The main focus is not to lose focus. 10-2 is not out of the question, given the schedule. A couple of breaks here and there and PSU is in the top 12 By end of season.

FTG

You always make good points. I agree 44 played great but your 6th year QB can’t turn the ball over 4 times. Got unlucky on the first tipped ball and was calling out Allen on the second but that play was going nowhere and he should have thrown it away or sooner. The fumble epitomized his lack of pocket presence and the final pick which sealed the loss was beyond pathetic. When the team plays their asses off and you pass for more yards and rush for more yards but lose the turnover battle 4-0 against a superior opponent you lose. Clifford is the career TD leader; time to play Allar.

 

[DaytonBuck74]

It was 21-16 Penn State with 9-and-a-half minutes left in the game. And then true to the script, the defense is disemboweled by a mediocre-to-above-average QB. For the entire length of Franklin's tenure. Darnold, Barrett, Luwerke (multiple times), Stroud, and others....4th quarter bloodbaths!

Stroud is the best pure passer I've ever seen at OSU. He might be the #1 player in the draft.

 

[psuro]

Stroud is the best pure passer I've ever seen at OSU. He might be the #1 player in the draft.

I was wondering if we would get a buckeye on this thread.

I will say his release is lightning quick. On a pivotal 3rd down play he snapped the ball before our linebacker and DE (who had dropped into coverage) were able to get their hands up. That’s not an easy feat.

 

[DaytonBuck74]

I was wondering if we would get a buckeye on this thread.

I will say his release is lightning quick. On a pivotal 3rd down play he snapped the ball before our linebacker and DE (who had dropped into coverage) were able to get their hands up. That’s not an easy feat.

I've been posting here since about 2000. Just had to add a 74 to my name.

I enjoy your musings from the couch.

 

[psuro]

I've been posting here since about 2000. Just had to add a 74 to my name.

I enjoy your musings from the couch.

Most of my musings are bourbon induced.

 

[Grass]

The biggest surprise for me is that Clifford didn't keep the ball one time in the run game. There were multiple plays where if he would have kept it he would have had some nice gains. That may have opened up the run game some more.

 

[DaytonBuck74]

Most of my musings are bourbon induced.

I drank way too much Bulliet 10 last night.

 

[ManxomeLion]

The biggest surprise for me is that Clifford didn't keep the ball one time in the run game. There were multiple plays where if he would have kept it he would have had some nice gains. That may have opened up the run game some more.

Iirc Clifford had at least one run, for a first down I believe. But to your point, his running has been curtailed this season. And I'd add that as long as the offensive line struggles, QB has to be able to run as there were opportunities.

 

[84lion]

No, it was a simple throw to the flat. 44 literally turned into Superman as he’s coming around the edge and stabbed a ball he had no business catching.

Thanks...glad I bailed out as I would've just been disgusted to see that. I agree, not totally Cliff's fault as 44 made a superb leap and catch (and benefited from being in just the right place at the right time...) and was helped (as 'ro points out) by the non-block. Still, Cliff does tend to throw balls a bit low and into traffic which gets him in trouble. Love the determination and perseverance of the kid but sometimes he just tries to do too much.

 

[BostonNit]

6. Brenton Strange was a beast in blocking.

He may have blocked well but the 15 yard personal foul was a huge brainfart. And I thought he dropped 1 or 2 catchable balls.

He started the season on FIRE and seems to have fallen back a bit the last 3 games. Hope he finishes strong.

 

[NOVABuck45]

#44, JT Tuimoloau, sophomore, 5-star recruit out of Edgewood, Washington, 6'-4", 270lb. CJF may be a good recruiter, but he isn't getting players like this.

His recruitment was a dogfight with Saban for a reason. Kids like this are difference makers.

Big kudos to PSU for the performance yesterday. A few plays really turned the tide, but that was the typical rock fight we seem to get with PSU. Was hoping for a more subdued sleepy noon crowd, but not to be. We needed adversity in that kind of environment, although maybe not that much. That very well could have ended differently had Tuimoloau not gone full blown superhero mode.

Best of luck to you all. Should end up 10-2 in a NY6 bowl -- pretty solid season considering a lot of people wrote you off in the preseason.

 

[psuro]

His recruitment was a dogfight with Saban for a reason. Kids like this are difference makers.

Big kudos to PSU for the performance yesterday. A few plays really turned the tide, but that was the typical rock fight we seem to get with PSU. Was hoping for a more subdued sleepy noon crowd, but not to be. We needed adversity in that kind of environment, although maybe not that much. That very well could have ended differently had Tuimoloau not gone full blown superhero mode.

Best of luck to you all. Should end up 10-2 in a NY6 bowl -- pretty solid season considering a lot of people wrote you off in the preseason.

And many of those people are on this board.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Thanks...glad I bailed out as I would've just been disgusted to see that. I agree, not totally Cliff's fault as 44 made a superb leap and catch (and benefited from being in just the right place at the right time...) and was helped (as 'ro points out) by the non-block. Still, Cliff does tend to throw balls a bit low and into traffic which gets him in trouble. Love the determination and perseverance of the kid but sometimes he just tries to do too much.

Not excusing him, but there’s a valid case to be made that all of his turnovers were the result of outstanding tosu plays rather than SC trying to do too much.

 

[MacNit]

I watched a bit of the Illinois - Nebraska game yesterday and Illinois had that game nicely in hand and played it conservatively IMHO. OK, it's Nebraska and they are struggling, but it's Illinois and they were struggling for years before Bielema came along. Don't we open conference play at Illinois next year? That will be a tough one.

Glad it is not the 1st game if the season (maybe Big10 can work on that - give us another screw job ). I would expect an Illinois win.

 

[Bison13]

Not excusing him, but there’s a valid case to be made that all of his turnovers were the result of outstanding tosu plays rather than SC trying to do too much.

On two of them for sure but on that second interception in the first quarter he stared down the receiver the whole time

 

[PSUMichFan]

We self-destructed in the 4th quarter. In the pick-the-score post one member called this scenario perfectly. This loss is a tough one to swallow - no doubt. We had some offense yesterday and I was impressed on the total yardage. Look it would have been nice to win, but down deep all of us knew it was going to take a miracle (and the teaser of a miracle was there). This team has improved in 2022 and with a few more key recruits I think the following years will be awesome. I hope the team regroups and wins out. Tough road ahead to win out but possible.

 

[lbujoe33]

#44, JT Tuimoloau, sophomore, 5-star recruit out of Edgewood, Washington, 6'-4", 270lb. CJF may be a good recruiter, but he isn't getting players like this.

He certainly doesn't. We get the 240 lb guys that get stoned!