Game Summary (includes video highlights at the bottom of the page):
http://bucknuts.com/news/story.php?article=1773
I knew we were going to crush them, but I didn't expect that. I mean, in that first half it was like EVERY PLAY we dominated. It was crazy, we had 4 TDs in our first 12 offensive plays. The defense was giving up nothing, special teams was blocking kicks, getting nice returns, stuffing kick offs inside the 20. I don't remember the last time I saw that dominant of half. 45-0 after 2 quarters, and then the second half was of course all scrubs.
I bet NU won't get a touchdown vs our first string defense. I expect to see everyone in the two deep get lots of action in the first half, and no first stringers on the field after the third quarter.
Well, the defense didn't give up a point period, and that included the 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th string. JT used the entirety of his 100 man roster in this one. There were some walk ons out there I hadn't even heard of before. The first string defense almost didn't give up a first down, let alone a point. By my count they gave up 3 first downs, with 2 of them coming off of dumb penalties.
I'm feeling much better about our kick return situation. Small looked fantastic back there, or at least relative to Robo. He's a play maker on returns that we've had the last few years with Ginn, but had been lacking till now. Hopefully he can stay healthy (which he hasn't proved).
We finally got to see Henton get some real work as well. I don't know if he can throw the ball, but man he had some nice runs. Shades of Smith for sure. Having a qb that can run like that adds such a dimension to your offense. If I'm JT, I start using Henton like Florida used Tebow last year. Bring him in for special plays. Hell, have him and Boekman both in the huddle on some of em, and make the defense have to recognize what's going on, whether you go to him in a trick play, or just use him as a decoy. If nothing else, that kind of thing gives the opposing defensive coordinator nightmares. Gives them, along with the players, a lot more to have to prepare for.
Helwagon had some interesting comments on Henton earlier in the week:
newriegelblues (Sep 20, 2007 12:34:09 PM)
Do you think Henton will end up the #2 quarterback soon? After watching Troy for 3 years it looks like our offense is to predictible.
SteveHelwagen (Sep 20, 2007 12:36:21 PM)
I'll say this. I think the days of the dropback QB standing in the pocket are going the way of the Edsal. The problem is if you have an Edsal with low miles, you need to drive it until it dies. So this is the hand OSU has. Two of the best QBs they have fit this mold. The question is this: What gives them the best chance to win? Boeckman or Schoenhoft standing in the pocket or Henton doing a little bit of everything like Troy Smith did? Right now, it is Todd Boeckman standing in the pocket. The line is keeping him unscathed. He was not sacked against a good defensive front at Washington. If they give him time, he'll rack up 250 yards a game and they'll be just fine.
SteveHelwagen (Sep 20, 2007 12:37:05 PM)
That is the key -- what works best for the team you have. It's more than just a QB question. It's an OL question, and an offense question.
My only complaint, other than not being real thrilled with Beanie getting dinged (fingers are crossed it's not serious), was the snaps on kicks. I saw three bad snaps in the game, and last week we had one blocked on a bad snap. No wonder JT went for it on 4th and long early in this game, rather than attempt a 47 yarder. We don't have a reliable long snapper! That could cost us a game when the schedule stiffens.
Oh, also sucks that Saine is injured. I hadn't heard anything about that till the announcers said it during the game. Let's hope Beanie isn't dinged too bad, as there is clearly a huge drop off from Beanie and Saine to Mo.
So Cali, how about your boy getting his first ever TD?
