So, WOW! What a Game. What a Game.
Congrats to Utah and their faithful, they came out guns a blazing, scoring at will, flying around on defense, and I was thinking; "oh great TTUN part 2." They definitely deserved to be at the Rose Bowl and totally played like it was the most important game. Way to go Utah.
I was part of the camp that thought Stroud's numbers was inflated due to the dynamic receivers at his disposal. I was very worried about having Olave and Wilson sit out. And I did not expect record breaking days out of JSN and Stroud.
For the record: My complaint with Stroud has been how much worse he becomes when under duress. (I'm making up numbers here, but other "good" QB's pass 75% with a clean pocket, and 55% under duress; while Stroud passes 90% with a clean pocket and only 12% under duress.) The formula to beat OSU was easy; run block, and fluster Stroud. Then OSU offense became inert, TTUN did that to a "T". Stroud did much better on Saturday when under duress. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was super-human, we knew he was great, but we didn't know how he would perform as "the man". Hartline has done an amazing with the wide receiver group.
Can I complain about the Refs for a bit? I guess I don't know what holding is any more, but both D Lines, every play the Linemen were pulling their Jersey's back on because they were being held! But nothing was being called! For Utah's punt return OSU's 13 got blown up from behind. why wasn't that called back? And what was up with the phantom pass interference to extend Utah's last drive?!?! (Not the correct pass interference in the end zone the earlier one.) Also in the first half there was a call not made against Utah where the DB initiated contact and held OSU receiver. But on the very next possession, and even less egregious foul was called against OSU, where the Utah receiver initiated contact, held OSU's DB, and the DB didn't hold back, but a foul was still called against him. We also had a PI not called where the DB rode the wide receiver's jersey for 15 yards, slowing him up and everyone yelling for the PI but the refs was like "what???"
Injuries: It was good to see Utah's QB up and walking around after the game, I hope it was just concussion protocol that kept him out. So, wow Ransom's injury was nasty. I'm reading it's a fracture, and he should be able to fully recover, but will prolly miss spring ball.
Overall, I guess it's better to win this game than lose it, but the Buckeye Defense looked confused most of the 1st half, not sure what changed in the locker room, but they totally came out the 2nd half and played better. (I also think Utah got more conservative with a 2 score lead.) I was also impressed with Harrison Jr. Did Fleming really dislocated his shoulder and come back in?
Go Bucks, and hope you all enjoy the off season.
