For the average Buckeye fan, the in-state games against Cincinnati and the MAC schools around the state can be a bit of a snooze. We have everything to lose and nothing to gain and the whole week before the game, we're softened up by stories about how this one guy at the smaller school is cousins with or beat someone from the Buckeyes in Madden.
For the die-hards, however, these games offer a great chance to actually focus and analyze the game alone or with little company. Compare the game yesterday against UC to the Texas game a week before. You were probably intoxicated. Possibly telling lame one liners in between screaming at the screen and high-fiving people around you. How many plays did you miss running to the bathroom? Actually, that's not a good one.. if you're a true fan, you hold it until commercials. What about all of the commentary and insight from the broadcast booth. Granted it's not the best, but there are hidden gems from time to time. With that in mind, here's what I took away from the game:
- Ignore the first quarter. The letdown was inevitable and the in-state school kids always put up an early fight. Good Buckeye teams snuff that out and put these teams away. This is what the Bucks did yesterday.
- Troy Smith continues to look like he's playing a video game. God forbid we ever find ourselves down by a score in the 4th, but if we do, I'm feeling good.
- The defense is getting scary good, scary quick. Granted it was UC, but three (3) takeaways and eight (8) sacks is pretty impressive.
- Pittman looked great after a couple of mediocre outings. His ability to bounce outside from a big set will be a tremendous asset as the season progresses.
- It's nice to see The Vest borrowing a couple of my favorite Xbox 360 NCAA Football plays. The option and the underneath crossing route have worked wonders for my digital offense.
