Drew Thurman (5:59 pm)

Last night's game no doubt messed with the hearts of the Buckeye faithful. Most fans would have no doubt told you that above all else they wanted Ohio State to get some respect back, and were primarily worried about not getting blown out. As each second ticked off the clock though, it became increasingly evident that the Buckeyes could actually pull this thing off, they could beat what many believed to be the best team in the nation. Fate was cruel though, and the Scarlet and Gray Nation was forced to watch a McCoy to Cosby slant that would sink the dreams of an upset with 16 seconds left on the clock.

This loss will obviously go down in Buckeye lore, and it may be one of the most hurtful losses in Buckeye history. There was a lot to take away from the game though, and quite a few things I noticed that were both positive and negative, so let's take a look:

Negatives:

First Half - I said this last night and I will say it again, the missed opportunities in the first half came back to haunt the Buckeyes. Ohio State controlled the tempo and momentum throughout the first half, and had nothing more than a three point lead to show for it. Drives continued to stall somewhere between the 30-40 yard lines, and the Buckeyes had three field goal chances, two that were actually made. Had at least one of those three drives gotten punched in, we would have been looking at a different outcome.

Third Quarter - Just as crucial to the final outcome as the first half was the third quarter. Texas had the ball first, and put together an incredible six and half minute drive. On that drive, the Longhorns killed the Buckeyes on third downs, and actually converted twice of fourth down (including a faked punt). That drive in my opinion also set up the next scoring drive due to the exhaustion of the defense. The Buckeyes went three-and-out twice, and put the defense in a very bad situation. I understand many of you are probably mad at Tressel's playing calling on those three-and-outs, but it was obvious that he wanted to run the ball to take time off the clock. It's hard to disagree with that too much, even though I would have liked to have gotten a first down before committing to the run.

Pryor Throwing - Terrelle is a superstar in the making, but his limited throwing ability in this game hurt. Now given, Boeckman came in and threw the ball in his place at times, but the Buckeyes needed Pryor's arm as well. The Longhorns committed to stop his mobility, and he had some very nice opportunities down the field.

Brian Hartline - I really want to know where Hartline was in this game. I have feeling it hurts your draft stock when you make a big ZERO catches in the biggest game of the year!

Gibson's Penalties - I like Gibson's aggressiveness and his future is very bright, but the two personal foul penalties really hurt.  

The Blitz - I have already seen a lot of Buckeye fans complaining about the defense on the last drive, but its always easier to point out mistakes after the fact. The blitz on the touchdown throw was not my favorite call, but in Heacock's defense (which I rarely take part in), Texas had picked apart the zone the entire drive. So Heacock went for the big play, and neglected to use the back of the end zone as a defender. Like I said, it was not my favorite call, though many fans have completely overreacted.

Positives: 

Todd Boeckman - Boeckman has taken a lot of heat this season, but he rose to the occasion in this game. In fact, without his throwing presence the Buckeyes would have not been in this game. I am sure he would have wanted to be remembered for a final win, but he did end his career with a gutsy performance.

Boom Herron - If nothing else I think we once again saw the emergence of Boom. It did hurt to loose Beanie, but Herron stepped up nicely in the second half with 30 yards and a touchdown. I am a big Herron fan, and I think he will be starter next season if Beanie does indeed depart. Most have already handed the starting job off to Hyde or Berry, but I would not diminish Herron's role.

The Intensity - It was very refreshing to see the passion that the Buckeyes played with. I can get over a loss, but I cannot get over playing without heart (*cough* Florida *cough*). The team fought hard all night, and when things looked bleak they played their best football to get back in the game. This team came a long way from the one that rolled over when things got rough in the past three big games.

National Respect - It's hard to say you win over the public's perception with a loss, but I think this game has that ability. The media and fans everywhere were expecting a blowout, and instead they got the best game of the bowl season thus far. Ohio State showed in this game that they were as fast as Texas, that they did indeed have a premiere defense, and that things are not falling apart for Tressel (by the way, everyone please shut up about firing him).

On top of that, I think we will see a very hungry team next season (especially Terrelle Pryor). A large senior class may be heading out the door, but next year's team may be way better than anyone thinks!

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