Instant Analysis: Just when Ohio State fans felt that they had witnessed an offensive debacle last weekend against Wisconsin, the offense came out and laid an even bigger egg against Purdue, losing 26-18 in West Lafayette, Ind.
The loss tremendously damages Ohio State's hopes of winning the Big Ten and earning a Rose Bowl berth. This loss also was Ohio State's first loss to a non-BCS bowl opponent, since the 2004 loss, also at Purdue .
More importantly, this loss will only serve to intensify the completely justifiable criticism towards Jim Tressel, QB Terrelle Pryor, and Ohio State's offensive line.
Ohio State suffered throughout the entire game with five turnovers and numerous penalties. Almost from the onset, Ohio State never seemed to be in synch offensively with Pryor fumbling during the first set of offensive downs for Ohio State.
Pryor made it interesting at the end, throwing a desperation touchdown pass to DeVier Posey and running for a two-point conversion.
Pryor's frustrations with the inadequate pass protection could be seen on Ohio State's last offensive possession, with Jim Tressel being seen trying to calm Pryor down before Ohio State attempted a play on 4th and 14.
Purdue deserved to win this game as they completely dominated Ohio State in every phase of the game.
WR Aaron Valentin was especially effective throughout this game, scoring two touchdowns. Unlike Ohio State, Purdue's offense kept Ohio State's defense off-balance and was efficient enough to score 26 points.
Where does Ohio State go from here? With a homecoming game next week against a resurgentMinnesota team, as well as a tough November schedule that calls for games at Penn State, Iowa, and at Michigan, it is not beyond reason that Ohio State could be playing in one of the lower-tier Big Ten bowl games.
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