TTUN
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Ohio State 30-0 Over Illinois: Anyone Else Unimpressed?
Instant Analysis: Even though Ohio State defeated Illinois 30-0, and has now had two straight shutout victories, I am not feeling entirely comfortable with Ohio State as they have officially begun their Big Ten conference play.
Ohio State offensively still looks very inconsistent, largely because of QB Terrelle Pryor.
Yes, I know...people are going to say, "Chip, they won 30-0! Why are you complaining?!?". I am not complaining, but I do believe there are areas of concern.
First, the aforementioned Terrelle Pryor. Pryor still is taking way too long in the pocket, waiting for plays to develop.
So many opportunities for positive yardage were squandered by Pryor as he tries to show people that he is a quarterback and not just a tremendous athlete.
Pryor nearly threw an interception by throwing a pass late down the middle when he felt pressure.
Against a better defensive team, or perhaps on a day where the weather is not as much of a factor as it was today in Ohio Stadium, that is a pass that will be intercepted and thus take points off the board for Ohio State.
The Ohio State running game is slowly making improvement.
Hopefully, Daniel "Boom" Herron will be able to play next week at Indiana. Even so, Brandon Saine is showing me that he has fully recovered from last season's injuries. True freshman Jordan Hall also shows a nice burst.
The defensive line, led by Thaddeus Gibson, was impressive.
Illinois was never truly able to get anything established today, and Gibson was a major reason why. He gets my vote for player of the game today.
I did not like Ohio State throwing the ball into the end zone for a touchdown when already up on Illinois 23-0.
The fact that Ohio State took a time-out before throwing the ball to Dane Sanzenbacher made it worse. If Ohio State had scored a touchdown running the ball with Jordan Hall, that would not have been bad in my estimation; if Illinois, or any team, cannot stop the run, there is not much Ohio State can do about that.
Throwing the ball into the end zone when already up 23-0 with the game well in hand under a couple minutes just smells of poor sportsmanship to me.
Major thumbs down to Kurt Coleman for spearing Illinois QB Eddie McGee.
I hope Coach Tressel tells Mr. Coleman to sit down for the first quarter of next week's game against Indiana, otherwise, The Big Ten may intervene like they did for Michigan a few weeks back.
A win is a win, and Ohio State is now 3-1. Indiana will be an interesting venue, as Ohio State fans traditionally make the trek to Bloomington and pack the stands.
Indiana should be a fun game to watch, as Indiana lost a tough one today at Michigan after leading most of the game. I will be anxious to see what kind of mental state the Hoosiers will have as they face the Buckeyes next week in Bloomington.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ohio State Looks To Bottle Up "Juice" Williams & Illinois
Game Four: Illinois Fighting IlliniLocation: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) 3:30PM EST, ABC
Head Coach: Ron Zook
Illinois Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: LB Martez Wilson, QB Juice Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, WR Cordale Scott, DL Josh Brent, and RB Justin Green. WR Jeff Cumberland was on Ohio State's radar but was not cleared academically by Ohio State. LB Martez Wilson is out for the season due to a herniated disk in his neck. WR Brian Gamble, LB Justin Staples, and DL Antonio James were all on Ohio State's recruiting radar for a time but were not offered scholarships.
Illinois Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Illinois currently ranks 2nd in The Big Ten in rushing offense, while Ohio State's rushing defense ranks 5th. Illinois' rushing attack is led by Jason Ford, Daniel Dufrene, Troy Pollard, and Justin Green. QBs Juice Williams and Eddie McGee are also threats out of Illinois' read-option offense.
Two years ago, Juice Williams was the key in Illinois' victory over Ohio State in Ohio Stadium. If Ohio State cannot limit Juice Williams' rushing, Ohio State could be in trouble.
Edge: Illinois
Illinois Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Illinois' passing offense currently ranks 10th in The Big Ten, while Ohio State's pass defense ranks 5th. Illinois has been suffering due to the ankle injury sustained by WR Arrelious Benn. If Benn is able to play against Ohio State, look for Ohio State to match Benn up with CB Chimdi Chekwa.
Edge: Ohio State
Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Illinois Defense: Ohio State's rushing offense currently ranks 5th in The Big Ten, while Illinois' rushing defense ranks 3rd. The loss of Illinois LB Martez Wilson will bear watching.
With Ohio State RBs "Boom" Herron, Brandon Saine, and Jordan Hall struggling to establish a consistent running game in the first three games, look for QB Terrelle Pryor to supplement the Ohio State rushing attack. If Pryor is able to gain positive yardage on designed quarterback draws or on scrambling plays, Ohio State will be able to keep the dangerous Illinois offense on the sidelines.
Edge: Ohio State
Ohio State Passing Offense vs Illinois Defense: Ohio State's passing offense ranks 9th in The Big Ten, while Illinois' pass defense ranks 11th. Ohio State WR Dane Sanzenbacher has become Terrelle Pryor's "go to" receiver, with two touchdowns last weekend against Toledo. A good match-up for Ohio State is RB Brandon Saine out of the backfield isolated against a linebacker - Saine has 6 receptions, averaging 12 yards per catch.
Edge: Ohio State
Special Teams: Ohio State ranks 2nd in kickoff returns and 9th in punt returns; Illinois ranks 9th in kickoff returns and 10th in punt returns. This might be the game Ohio State WR Lamaar Thomas finally breaks one for a touchdown; Thomas has had 7 kickoff returns for 166 yards, with a long return of 32 yards.
Edge: Ohio State
Intangibles: Illinois has won seven of the last ten visits to Ohio Stadium. Another interesting fact is that Illinois was able to generate 455 yards against Ohio State last season, despite losing to Ohio State 30-20.
To be fair to Coach Jim Tressel, most of the seven losses to Illinois took place during John Cooper's early tenure at Ohio State (1988-2000). Still, Tressel did lose to Illinois in Ohio Stadium in 2001 and suffered the painful loss in 2007.
Edge: Illinois
Prediction: Illinois seems to play Ohio State better in Ohio Stadium. Considering how Illinois had a bye week last weekend, Illinois should be truly well-rested for its game against Ohio State.
One of the early indicators for Ohio State is the performance of QB Juice Williams. If Williams is efficient early, it usually points to Williams playing efficiently throughout the game. Consequently, if Juice Williams is playing inconsistently early, it usually points to an inconsistent performance throughout the game.
Ohio State needs to find its offense with this Big Ten opener. I predicted this game to be one of Ohio State's toughest games, and nothing has led me to back away from that prediction. I think this game will come down to the wire...
Ohio State 27, Illinois 21
Monday, September 21, 2009
Could Eddie George Serve As Honorary Captain Against Illinois?
This coming Saturday in Ohio Stadium, Ohio State will take the field against Illinois to kick off Big Ten conference play. Ohio State fans can painfully recall the last time Illinois visited Ohio Stadium in 2007, as Illinois defeated top-ranked Ohio State 28-21. Obviously, Ohio State fans would prefer an outcome closer to the 2005 contest, when Ohio State romped over Illinois 40-2 in Ron Zook's first season as Illinois' head coach.
If I was Coach Jim Tressel, I would ask Eddie George to be the honorary captain for this week's Illinois contest. My reasoning is simple - Eddie George has been on both sides of this long-time rivalry with Illinois. Eddie George has suffered through an agonizing defeat at the hands of Illinois in Ohio Stadium, and also can tell the players the joy of playing arguably the game of his career in a victory over Illinois in Ohio Stadium.
In 1992, Eddie George was a freshman recruit out of Virginia's Fork Union Military Academy. Even though Ohio State had running backs such as Robert Smith, Butler By'not'e, and Raymont Harris, George quickly impressed the coaching staff to begin earning playing time. George's best contributions came in a 35-12 victory at Syracuse, where George ran for three touchdowns.
After a loss at Wisconsin, Ohio State came home to play Illinois. Eddie George suffered two critical fumbles - one was fumbled by George into the end zone and returned by Illinois for a touchdown, and another fumble occurred at the Illinois' one yard line that was recovered by Illinois. Illinois defeated Ohio State 18-16, and Eddie George only carried the ball twelve more times the remainder of the 1992 season.
In 1993, Eddie George primarily served as a backup for Raymont Harris before earning the starting tailback position in 1994 with a solid 1442 yard season. Little did anyone suspect that Eddie George was saving his best for his last season in 1995, and that his best game would take place against Illinois in Ohio Stadium.
In 1995, Eddie George began the season with a solid performance against Boston College, then rambled for 212 yards against Washington. George ran for 122 yards against Pittsburgh, then showcased his talents against Notre Dame for 207 yards on 32 carries. But the best was yet to come.
On November 11, 1995, Eddie George set the single-game rushing record for Ohio State in a 41-3 victory over Illinois with 314 yards on 36 carries in the cold and sleet of Ohio Stadium. What is often overlooked, or possibly forgotten by Ohio State fans, is how Ohio State was playing without WR Terry Glenn due to a shoulder injury. Eddie George was able to rush for 314 yards while playing against an Illinois defense with future NFL stars Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy geared up to shut him down. It was after this performance that Eddie George cemented his invitation to New York City to pick up the Heisman Trophy.
Eddie George had a very productive career in the NFL, has opened up several businesses, and has the honor of having his jersey retired in Ohio Stadium. If I were Coach Tressel, I would think long and hard about asking such a prestigious former Buckeye as Eddie George this weekend to talk about what it means to play against Illinois, and the importance of persistence and determination in the face of adversity.
If I was Coach Jim Tressel, I would ask Eddie George to be the honorary captain for this week's Illinois contest. My reasoning is simple - Eddie George has been on both sides of this long-time rivalry with Illinois. Eddie George has suffered through an agonizing defeat at the hands of Illinois in Ohio Stadium, and also can tell the players the joy of playing arguably the game of his career in a victory over Illinois in Ohio Stadium.
In 1992, Eddie George was a freshman recruit out of Virginia's Fork Union Military Academy. Even though Ohio State had running backs such as Robert Smith, Butler By'not'e, and Raymont Harris, George quickly impressed the coaching staff to begin earning playing time. George's best contributions came in a 35-12 victory at Syracuse, where George ran for three touchdowns.
After a loss at Wisconsin, Ohio State came home to play Illinois. Eddie George suffered two critical fumbles - one was fumbled by George into the end zone and returned by Illinois for a touchdown, and another fumble occurred at the Illinois' one yard line that was recovered by Illinois. Illinois defeated Ohio State 18-16, and Eddie George only carried the ball twelve more times the remainder of the 1992 season.
In 1993, Eddie George primarily served as a backup for Raymont Harris before earning the starting tailback position in 1994 with a solid 1442 yard season. Little did anyone suspect that Eddie George was saving his best for his last season in 1995, and that his best game would take place against Illinois in Ohio Stadium.
In 1995, Eddie George began the season with a solid performance against Boston College, then rambled for 212 yards against Washington. George ran for 122 yards against Pittsburgh, then showcased his talents against Notre Dame for 207 yards on 32 carries. But the best was yet to come.
On November 11, 1995, Eddie George set the single-game rushing record for Ohio State in a 41-3 victory over Illinois with 314 yards on 36 carries in the cold and sleet of Ohio Stadium. What is often overlooked, or possibly forgotten by Ohio State fans, is how Ohio State was playing without WR Terry Glenn due to a shoulder injury. Eddie George was able to rush for 314 yards while playing against an Illinois defense with future NFL stars Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy geared up to shut him down. It was after this performance that Eddie George cemented his invitation to New York City to pick up the Heisman Trophy.
Eddie George had a very productive career in the NFL, has opened up several businesses, and has the honor of having his jersey retired in Ohio Stadium. If I were Coach Tressel, I would think long and hard about asking such a prestigious former Buckeye as Eddie George this weekend to talk about what it means to play against Illinois, and the importance of persistence and determination in the face of adversity.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Can Ohio State Avoid A Rocket-Sized Hangover?
Game Three: Ohio State @ ToledoLocation: Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland, OH). 12pm EST kickoff, ESPN360.com
Head Coach: Tim Beckman
Toledo Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: N/A. There are not any players on Toledo's roster who were actively recruited by Ohio State. Freshman QB Terrance Owens is from Cleveland Glenville and visited Ohio State unofficially, but was never offered a scholarship.
Toledo Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Toledo rushed for 305 yards last week against Colorado in a 54-38 win, and only 70 yards rushing against Purdue in a 52-31 loss to Purdue. Ohio State was able to limit Navy's vaunted triple option attack to 186 yards in its 31-27 victory in game one, and hold USC's talented rushing attack to 118 yards in its close 18-15 defeat last weekend.
Toledo averages out to almost 188 rushing yards per game, while Ohio State averages out to limiting opponents to 152 yards per game. I am going to give the edge to the Buckeyes here on this one.
Edge: Ohio State
Toledo Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Toledo's stellar offensive output so far this season can be traced to senior QB Aaron Opelt. So far this season, Opelt has been the MAC Player Of The Week both games and is completing 62% of his passes in Toledo's spread attack.
Ohio State was largely able to limit USC's Matt Barkley due to the intense crowd noise of Ohio Stadium as well as Barkley's inexperience. Aaron Opelt has had two good games against teams from BCS conferences.
Ohio State's pass defense is ranked 10th in the Big Ten, with 193.5 yards per game being allowed. Considering that Toledo's offense is averaging nearly 371 yards passing per game, I am going to give the slight edge to the Rockets on this one, despite Ohio State's talent on the defensive line. If Ohio State cannot pressure Aaron Opelt, this could turn out to be a shoot-out.
Slight Edge: Toledo
Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Toledo Defense: Ohio State's rushing attack has only been able to generate 241 yards rushing this season. Toledo surrendured 315 yards to Purdue in week one, and 95 yards rushing to Colorado last week.
Translation ~ if Ohio State cannot run the ball on Toledo, it is going to be a long season in Columbus. I look for Ohio State to try to get QB Terrelle Pryor more involved in the rushing attack, and for a heavy dose of RB Daniel "Boom" Herron and RB Brandon Saine.
Edge: Ohio State
Ohio State Passing Offense vs Toledo Defense: Ohio State has been struggling through the air as well so far this season. QB Terrelle Pryor is completing under 55% of his passes and looks generally indecisive in the pocket. While Pryor had some shining moments in last week's game against USC, it seems as though he is hesitant to run when opportunities present themselves.
Toledo's pass defense ranks 12th in the MAC at 288 yards per game being allowed. While I do not believe Ohio State will throw for nearly that many yards, I do look for Jim Tressel to try to develop Terrelle Pryor's confidence as a thrower before Big Ten play begins next weekend. Keep an eye on WR DeVier Posey; I have a feeling this may be Posey's break-out game.
Edge: Ohio State
Special Teams: Toledo ranks 11th in the MAC on kickoff returns, last on punt returns, and last in punting. Ohio State has some dangerous returners in WR Ray Small, RB Brandon Saine, and WR Lamaar Thomas. Junior DB Grant Schwartz came oh-so-close with a punt block attempt last week against USC. Here is an area where Ohio State may be able to obtain some distinct field advantage against Toledo.
Edge: Ohio State
Intangibles: Even though this is a "home" game for Toledo, look for a heavy Ohio State flavor to the crowd at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Toledo's Tim Beckman is a former Ohio State secondary coach under Jim Tressel, so I look for Beckman to try to capitalize on his familiarity with Tressel's coaching styles and strategies.
The biggest "X" factor in this game is how will Ohio State bounce back after such a tough loss to USC last weekend. If Ohio State is still moping about last week's defeat to USC, Toledo will make them pay for it dearly.
Toledo is not coming into Cleveland Browns Stadium thinking that they are going to lose to Ohio State. Toledo is brimming with confidence after the beating they gave to Colorado last week, and nothing would please so many of the players on the Toledo roster how much of a mistake Ohio State made by not recruiting them.
Edge: Toledo
Prediction: This game hinges completely on Ohio State's ability to put the tough loss to USC behind them. Ohio State has not lost to an in-state rival school in 88 years. I look for Ohio State to use the enthusiasm of the crowd in Cleveland Browns Stadium, as well as QB Terrelle Pryor's best performance of this young season, to carry them to victory. This one will be close at the half, but I look for Ohio State to pull away by the end of the 3rd quarter.
Ohio State 35, Toledo 17
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Could Jim Tressel Assemble His Own "Team Of Rivals"?
It has been nearly 24 hours since the close and tough defeat to USC, and I have been thinking about the lack of offensive production by Ohio State. Ohio State was only able to generate 256 yards of total offense. So far this season, Ohio State has routinely had to settle for field goals while in the red zone, has struggled on short yardage plays, and Terrelle Pryor has seemingly developed little as a passer from last season when he was a freshman. One of the frustrations is Ohio State has developed a reputation for having an inconsistent offensive identity, and that comes back to Jim Tressel solely and completely.
One of the very first thoughts I had about this game regarding Jim Tressel was how Tressel would have to address the lack of offense. While Ohio State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman is a convenient scapegoat for Ohio State (and we will get to Bollman later, I promise), the reality is Jim Tressel is Ohio State's offensive coordinator. Tressel takes a play suggestion from Bollman and either agrees with it, or suggests something altogether different. Either way, all of Ohio State's offensive strategies go entirely through Jim Tressel.
I do not want to turn this into a "bash Jim Tressel" article. Considering the success Ohio State has had since Jim Tressel was hired in January 2001, it would be foolish to do so. Ohio State is fortunate to have Jim Tressel leading the program. Let me repeat that statement - Ohio State is fortunate to have Jim Tressel leading the program.
Any Ohio State fan who has followed the program since Jim Tressel knows that Tressel prefers a strong running game that can chew up the clock and a low-risk passing offense led by a quarterback who is more of a game manager but has mobility (think of Craig Krenzel, Troy Smith, and now Pryor). Tressel's stated goals on numerous occasions is to have at least 400 yards of offense, with over 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. Ideally, a balanced attack.
Reflecting on when Jim Tressel was hired back in 2001 made me think of the other candidates who were strongly considered for the head coaching position when it was open after John Cooper's firing. Men such as Glen Mason, who was a finalist along with Tressel. Walt Harris, who was at the time the head coach of Pittsburgh but never interviewed.
I do not want to turn this into a political article either, but I started thinking about a book by noted presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin entitled Team Of Rivals: The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln. The book discusses how Lincoln had three of his political rivals in his Cabinet as political advisers.
What if - and I know this is a long shot - what if Jim Tressel could swallow his pride and assemble his own team of rivals at Ohio State to help him with the offense? Let me give you an idea as to what I am thinking.
Glen Mason served with Jim Tressel from 1983-1985 (Tressel was the QB, RB, and WR coach) under Earle Bruce as the offensive coordinator. While as the head coach at Kent State, Kansas, and Minnesota, Mason's teams developed a reputation for being able to run the football consistently. Mason is currently an analyst for The Big Ten Network.
It had to be terribly humbling and beyond disappointing for Glen Mason to lose out on the Ohio State job to Jim Tressel back in 2001. Mason is an Ohio State alumnus, played for Woody Hayes, and was a former assistant at Ohio State longer than Tressel was. Ohio State was his dream job when it became open back in 2001.
To the best of my knowledge, Mason and Tressel are on good terms. Mason served as an honorary captain for Ohio State in last year's Minnesota game.
Tressel could hire Mason as offensive coordinator, and Keith Uecker could become the new offensive line coach. Both would be able to infuse an emphasis on the power running game that Tressel prefers. Uecker is a former NFL lineman who is currently serving as the offensive quality control coach. Jim Bollman could take a break from being the poster boy for Ohio State fan abuse.
Let me bring up Walt Harris. Harris has no connection professionally with either Jim Tressel or Glen Mason (as far as I believe), but all Ohio State fans can recall Harris' contributions to Ohio State football in 1995 and 1996. Harris was not the offensive coordinator for Ohio State at this time; Joe Hollis was. Harris' contributions came from his previous jobs (such as QB coach for the NFL's New York Jets in 1993 and 1994) that resulted in Ohio State developing a prolific passing attack, led by QB Bobby Hoying, WR Terry Glenn, and TE Rickey Dudley. Harris is currently the Passing Game Coordinator and QB Coach for The University Of Akron.
One of the selling points made to Terrelle Pryor was the belief that Ohio State could develop him into a NFL-caliber quarterback. Considering that Jim Tressel has had only Craig Krenzel (5th round in 2004 NFL Draft) and Troy Smith (5th round in 2007 NFL Draft) selected in his tenure, it would not be so bad to have a coach like Walt Harris on the staff - Harris has coached 14 quarterbacks who have gone on to the NFL, among them Bobby Hoying.
Harris could do wonders for Terrelle Pryor's mechanics and footwork in the pocket. Having someone like Walt Harris on the staff could actually be a recruiting selling point to up and coming high school quarterbacks around the country. Tressel could emphasize the importance of game management, which is his quarterbacking commandment, but Harris could work on developing a pro-style passing attack to compliment the power running game led by new offensive coordinator Glen Mason.
How I can envision this working is similar to what I wrote up above - Tressel could still have the headset, and could still overrule Glen Mason if he strongly disagrees with the play call. I could never envision a time when Jim Tressel would not have his involvement in the offense. I do believe it could become a system similar to what Penn State is currently doing with Galen Hall as the offensive coordinator for Joe Paterno, or Florida State is doing with Jimbo Fisher for Bobby Bowden.
You can laugh, scoff, and say that it will never happen and could never happen. Just remember this - Ohio State's athletic director is Gene Smith, a former Notre Dame football player and coach. While Smith has given Jim Tressel free reign with the football program, Smith knows and hears what the fans, and probably powerful alumni, are saying about the lack of Ohio State offense under Jim Tressel. Who knows if Gene Smith isn't strongly suggesting some changes this coming off-season to Jim Tressel?
If I was Jim Tressel, I'd pick up the phone to Glen Mason and Walt Harris and ask them to come back to Columbus. Both know their way around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. What to do in the meantime? Maybe read a good book by Doris Kearns Goodwin on working with old rivals towards a common goal.
One of the very first thoughts I had about this game regarding Jim Tressel was how Tressel would have to address the lack of offense. While Ohio State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman is a convenient scapegoat for Ohio State (and we will get to Bollman later, I promise), the reality is Jim Tressel is Ohio State's offensive coordinator. Tressel takes a play suggestion from Bollman and either agrees with it, or suggests something altogether different. Either way, all of Ohio State's offensive strategies go entirely through Jim Tressel.
I do not want to turn this into a "bash Jim Tressel" article. Considering the success Ohio State has had since Jim Tressel was hired in January 2001, it would be foolish to do so. Ohio State is fortunate to have Jim Tressel leading the program. Let me repeat that statement - Ohio State is fortunate to have Jim Tressel leading the program.
Any Ohio State fan who has followed the program since Jim Tressel knows that Tressel prefers a strong running game that can chew up the clock and a low-risk passing offense led by a quarterback who is more of a game manager but has mobility (think of Craig Krenzel, Troy Smith, and now Pryor). Tressel's stated goals on numerous occasions is to have at least 400 yards of offense, with over 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. Ideally, a balanced attack.
Reflecting on when Jim Tressel was hired back in 2001 made me think of the other candidates who were strongly considered for the head coaching position when it was open after John Cooper's firing. Men such as Glen Mason, who was a finalist along with Tressel. Walt Harris, who was at the time the head coach of Pittsburgh but never interviewed.
I do not want to turn this into a political article either, but I started thinking about a book by noted presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin entitled Team Of Rivals: The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln. The book discusses how Lincoln had three of his political rivals in his Cabinet as political advisers.
What if - and I know this is a long shot - what if Jim Tressel could swallow his pride and assemble his own team of rivals at Ohio State to help him with the offense? Let me give you an idea as to what I am thinking.
Glen Mason served with Jim Tressel from 1983-1985 (Tressel was the QB, RB, and WR coach) under Earle Bruce as the offensive coordinator. While as the head coach at Kent State, Kansas, and Minnesota, Mason's teams developed a reputation for being able to run the football consistently. Mason is currently an analyst for The Big Ten Network.
It had to be terribly humbling and beyond disappointing for Glen Mason to lose out on the Ohio State job to Jim Tressel back in 2001. Mason is an Ohio State alumnus, played for Woody Hayes, and was a former assistant at Ohio State longer than Tressel was. Ohio State was his dream job when it became open back in 2001.
To the best of my knowledge, Mason and Tressel are on good terms. Mason served as an honorary captain for Ohio State in last year's Minnesota game.
Tressel could hire Mason as offensive coordinator, and Keith Uecker could become the new offensive line coach. Both would be able to infuse an emphasis on the power running game that Tressel prefers. Uecker is a former NFL lineman who is currently serving as the offensive quality control coach. Jim Bollman could take a break from being the poster boy for Ohio State fan abuse.
Let me bring up Walt Harris. Harris has no connection professionally with either Jim Tressel or Glen Mason (as far as I believe), but all Ohio State fans can recall Harris' contributions to Ohio State football in 1995 and 1996. Harris was not the offensive coordinator for Ohio State at this time; Joe Hollis was. Harris' contributions came from his previous jobs (such as QB coach for the NFL's New York Jets in 1993 and 1994) that resulted in Ohio State developing a prolific passing attack, led by QB Bobby Hoying, WR Terry Glenn, and TE Rickey Dudley. Harris is currently the Passing Game Coordinator and QB Coach for The University Of Akron.
One of the selling points made to Terrelle Pryor was the belief that Ohio State could develop him into a NFL-caliber quarterback. Considering that Jim Tressel has had only Craig Krenzel (5th round in 2004 NFL Draft) and Troy Smith (5th round in 2007 NFL Draft) selected in his tenure, it would not be so bad to have a coach like Walt Harris on the staff - Harris has coached 14 quarterbacks who have gone on to the NFL, among them Bobby Hoying.
Harris could do wonders for Terrelle Pryor's mechanics and footwork in the pocket. Having someone like Walt Harris on the staff could actually be a recruiting selling point to up and coming high school quarterbacks around the country. Tressel could emphasize the importance of game management, which is his quarterbacking commandment, but Harris could work on developing a pro-style passing attack to compliment the power running game led by new offensive coordinator Glen Mason.
How I can envision this working is similar to what I wrote up above - Tressel could still have the headset, and could still overrule Glen Mason if he strongly disagrees with the play call. I could never envision a time when Jim Tressel would not have his involvement in the offense. I do believe it could become a system similar to what Penn State is currently doing with Galen Hall as the offensive coordinator for Joe Paterno, or Florida State is doing with Jimbo Fisher for Bobby Bowden.
You can laugh, scoff, and say that it will never happen and could never happen. Just remember this - Ohio State's athletic director is Gene Smith, a former Notre Dame football player and coach. While Smith has given Jim Tressel free reign with the football program, Smith knows and hears what the fans, and probably powerful alumni, are saying about the lack of Ohio State offense under Jim Tressel. Who knows if Gene Smith isn't strongly suggesting some changes this coming off-season to Jim Tressel?
If I was Jim Tressel, I'd pick up the phone to Glen Mason and Walt Harris and ask them to come back to Columbus. Both know their way around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. What to do in the meantime? Maybe read a good book by Doris Kearns Goodwin on working with old rivals towards a common goal.
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