Purdue Retrospective

I heard some commentators say that the Bucks win over Purdue was a statement game. Nearly shutting out one of the highest powered offenses and winning easily on the road at night puts the Buckeyes near the top teams.

I got home from a wedding just in time to see us go up 17-0. The part that I saw ended up having us being outscored 6-7. The defense - obviously - was outstanding. But I have never been so frustrated at the Bucks as I was watching this win.

1. Did Boeckman ever plant his feet on his throws? They always seemed to be moving or he was throwing off his back foot.

2. Why the obsession with the deep ball? I can understand establishing it early, but after you get up 14-0, or 17-0, why limit yourself to only that option? I saw one screen pass to Roy Small, one slant to Brian Hartline and one deep in to Robiskie (that he had to climb the ladder to get). The slant to Hartline went for 30+ yards. Why not try another? Instead we get "telegraphed" (per Herbie), floating, underthrown deep balls. I don't know if it was Tressel or Boeckman, but could we throw different routes?

3. Boeckman's progression reading seems painfully slow. There were 2-3 sacks where Boeckman held the ball - presumably waiting for Robiskie to get open 35 yards downfield - while Purdue came at him with pressure. On one 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1, the TE was wide open on a 3 yard crossing route - and was standing right in front of Boeckman! Where's the comprehension that if the defense is bringing extra guys, go to the TE or RB dump off?

4. I understand Mo Wells is the change of pace back, and most times when he is in there the package of plays for him call for no FB. But when Beanie nicks his ankle, we have the lead, we can't throw (because we only throw deep INTs) how about putting in a FB to block for Wells? Mo can get 6 or 7 yards sometimes without a FB, but the rest of the time it's going to be 1 or 2 yards, especially when Purdue knows we are going to run.

The offense cost the D the shut out and if I was on the D I'd be pissed. I'm still not sold on our offense and I don't think we are a top ten team, let alone No. 3.