I know everyone wants to talk about the game but I want to talk about something far more consequential – the commentators.
I literally think that was the worst-called game I've ever heard. Not exaggerating.
According to Mike Patrick, when we held NIU to a 3-and-out up 13-10 late in the 3rd, we were "starting to dominate the game."
And when NIU was consistently getting 3 yds/carry on 1st and 2nd down, that's b/c they were dominating the LOS – NOT b/c we routinely had 6 guys in the box, were more than happy for them to have a 3rd-and-4 at the start of every series, and completely shut down their passing game (in other words, our base strategy on D).
So I did something I don't ever remember doing – I muted the TV.
Four game observations:
I literally think that was the worst-called game I've ever heard. Not exaggerating.
According to Mike Patrick, when we held NIU to a 3-and-out up 13-10 late in the 3rd, we were "starting to dominate the game."
And when NIU was consistently getting 3 yds/carry on 1st and 2nd down, that's b/c they were dominating the LOS – NOT b/c we routinely had 6 guys in the box, were more than happy for them to have a 3rd-and-4 at the start of every series, and completely shut down their passing game (in other words, our base strategy on D).
So I did something I don't ever remember doing – I muted the TV.
Four game observations:
- Not a bad word to say about the defense. Dominated the game even when routinely put in awful positions.
- Darron Lee is becoming one of the best OSU defensive players I've ever seen. Sideline-to-sideline, playing downhill, shedding blocks, tackling, coverage, blitzing, playmaking – I mean, there's nothing the guy isn't SUPERB at.
- NIU is very good.
- Not an expert but my general sense is our issues are about offensive coaching as opposed to players or motivation. To have so many offensive players and units look so shaky so far this season after being so dominant last year, and for the defense to be playing so well at the same time, it's gotta be about coaching on the offensive side of the ball. Glad we have some time to get these issues worked out before we face our toughest competition. I trust Meyer, but I believe he has work to do with the offensive staff…
