JawsBlog

Now that the adrenaline levels have fallen off a bit, time for some more “sober” thoughts on today’s game:

Iowa’s backup QB Vandenberg didn’t look much like a first time starter. The guy had a hot arm and a lot of zip on the ball. The kid has a bright future.

Vandenberg was also helped by an extremely impressive O-Line. The front five for Iowa were solid.

The OSU defense seemed for the most part to hold their own. Unfortunately, they didn’t seem to be able to get much pressure on Vandenberg (credit again to the Iowa O-Line). The D did a solid job, though in the seond half it looked like McNutt may have gotten a bit loose. Plus some big plays in the second half. However, it was in OT where the OSU D really showed up and shut the door on Iowa. That 3rd down sack was huge!

The OSU offense played TresselBall. They worked, though the play calling was highly conservative. The 49 yard TD was huge–and the Buckeyes did well on the ground. I guess they can’t be faulted for not turning the ball over for the second straight week against a solid defense either. Pryor looked decent as well for the second straight week.

The Buckeyes special teams were a bit disconcerting. Save for the game winning field goal–the special teams weren’t up to their usual selves. The punting game was very disappointing for the Buckeyes. The short punts gave Iowa good field position. Domnating field position is clutch in TresselBall. Plus the kick off return that went for a TD wasn’t good either.

But that’s all said and done. Now let the festivities of rivalry week commence!