This Week In Tressel
In a cliche form, I have some good news and I have some bad news. I guess I’ll start with the bad first, and end on a positive note. This is something that’s going to make your eyes roll at least once, maybe twice. You may even give out a disgusted groan. Heisman Pundit named Jim Tressel as the second most overrated coach in college football, behind only the Ol’ Ball Coach at South Carolina. Spurrier was given the nod for being well past his prime and running a Gamecock program clearly stuck in neutral and unable to compete with Georgia, Florida and even Tennessee in its own division. While that’s clearly not what’s afflicting Tressel, Heisman Pundit makes sure you know what the reasoning is for Jim Tressel coming in second for this ignominious distinction:
Is any coach more stubborn about his system and way of doing things? Sure, he is successful to a point, but he gets a ton of talent every year and lately has found a way to get pummeled in the big games. It’s almost as if he is satisfied to lose, as long as it is his way.
I suppose the impassioned, obsessive fan in me is supposed to react violently to that comment. My reaction was a little more withdrawn, indicative of the inefficacy that I struggle with in most social settings and, for this purpose, how to deal with the discussion of Ohio State football. I’d love to prove this wrong and spin Heisman Pundit as a fool. I ultimately can’t, since the only reason Jim Tressel is on this list is because of big game boners against Florida, LSU and USC. Losing to Texas, Penn State and Illinois (not exactly “pummelings” as Heisman Pundit seems to believe) on national TV1 doesn’t help either.
Yes, those first three games clearly explain why Jim Tressel appears on this list — and appears so high on this list. Yes, the Ohio State offense has become rather predictable, as Penn State’s defense found much to their liking on Homecoming. I can’t say much about it, other than wish, hope and pray that it gets corrected soon. It’s cumbersome to have to deal with it being a source of ridicule for everyone who is not a fan of our program.
Still, I can qualify his assertion that Tressel gets “a ton of talent every year”. People who have followed Ohio State recruiting can make a good argument that this might not be the case, and that it might be part of the problem for Tressel in recent years. We know about the spectacular recruiting hauls in 2008 and 2009, but look at Ohio State’s recruiting classes from 2003 to 2007. Sure, names like Ted Ginn Jr and Beanie appear. They were big time, 5-star products who made an immediate contribution. Yet, they are the exceptions and not the rule. The rest of these classes can’t really be described as “a ton of talent”, as Heisman Pundit suggests. 3-stars are the most prevalent in these classes, leading to Jason Lloyd’s interesting question of if Jim Tressel just excels at turning 3-stars into all-stars2. Often times, these sparsely populated classes feature more than a few players who never make any kind of contribution. 2003′s class might be the worst of it: Kirk Barton, Todd Boeckman, Anthony Gonzalez, Donte Whitner and Ashton Youboty might be the only names you recognize in that 16 member class. In a forthcoming publication, I argue that Tressel’s inability to stack the offensive line with quality recruits has been crippling for that unit. The offensive line has played the starring role in Ohio State’s big game debacles, and the way we’ve recruited that unit has been unfortunately subpar.
So, no: accusing Ohio State of bringing in “a ton of talent” does not do justice to how I think the Buckeyes have recruited in the years that have mattered most to the seasons in question. 2003-07 was probably the nadir of Ohio State recruiting and this is most pronounced in the offensive line. The suggestion there is that Ohio State recruits on a USC-level, only to get punished in big games. Ohio State has been recruiting on a USC-level the past two years, and it’s given some immediate returns. It leads me to be optimistic that the past two classes can yield higher returns for Tressel, putting to rest any curiosities of him being “overrated”.
Oh, and minor point: if Jim Tressel is on this list, Bob Stoops has to be too. The unwillingness for anyone who enjoys scoffing at Tressel’s past 3 seasons to throw Bob Stoops into the same category only suggests some kind of hatchet job against the Midwest, Ohio State, or Jim Tressel, or — most likely — shows someone who hasn’t done his homework on this issue.
…And the Good News
Jim and about 5 other coaches are on a morale tour visiting troops overseas. The gym was almost all Ohio State fans, it was hilarious. The UCLA coach (ed. His Coachness) came in first and started to talk to the OSU “side”. Tressel walked in and the whole place just ignored UCLA (ed. His Coachness) and started chanting OH-IO…..it was awesome. I got Tressel’s book, for free of course, and he signed it, a hat, shirt, and some photos…yea!!!
I’m grateful Jim Tressel is doing this and, of course, I’m grateful for the service of the people that Tressel is currently meeting. You people are infinitely braver than I and I salute you for it.
I agree with your assessment of the offensive line….I would throw the defensive line recruits out there as well. We are just starting to go after the right kids in this area in my opinion. Large, explosive, very fast, and let’s be honest…African-American. Hands down better athletes. Very, very few white boys on the d-line in the SEC or the pros. Fact.
I think JT is a phenomenal person, coach, and representative of tOSU. He is also a great developer of young people, even through diversity in their lives…he seems to be a steady hand that prevails and makes him a force in their lives. (IE: Mr. Ray Small).
However, college football is now a mean, dirty, nasty sport that has become competitive in every area. It seems to me that the teams that are the most successful on the field (judged by NC’s and big game play) are coached by men who are good at managing the ego’s and envelope-pushing behavior of these elite athletes. Much like pro coaches. They also excel at convincing these 5 star kids to come in and sit behind another 5-star kid who is starting, when this kid could play immediately somewhere else. This to me is the most baffling thing and has to be JT’s Rubik’s Cube. You have to have the uber-talent nowadays to expect to compete with the likes of Florida, USC, LSU and frankly alot of the SEC teams. Developing 3-stars is not the route we should go IMHO. I think if we are happy with this and love the feel good stories (J. Laurinaitis…who was overrated…that’s right..I said it.) we have to be happy and satisfied with being just good but most of the time on the backside of an ass-whoopin’ against the big boys. We can always say we lost but we did it the “right” way. I kind of liken us now to the Virginia Tech of the BigTen. Stable coaching staff, take alot of in-state players, program run by homespun guys, etc.
I am on vacation right now in Greyton Beach, Florida. I was at a local hotspot last night called the Red Bar. Lot’s of SEC fans talkin’ shit. Especially LSU, Alabama, and Auburn fans. My good friend who is a Hokie grad met another Hokie (ex-quarterback even) and was whoopin’ it up too (he knows my sensitivity so he didn’t reveal my OSU loyalties.). I quietly sat at the bar, just didn’t have the energy to go there.
I haven’t posted in awhile…you’re still the man Vico. Comments?
other glaring omissions from the “over-rated” list:
1. Charlie Weis–lost EVERY big game since he has been head coach.
2. Bob Stoops (previously mentioned)
3. Dennis Erickson
4. Ron Zook– what meaningful game (other than Beating OSU by gaining a TD on a fumble) has he won??
5. DickRod–Chocked in the game vs. ArchRival Pitt to get the NC game vs OSU following 2006 season and got beat by Toledo and beat bad by every decent team Michigan has faced to date.
Vico, your commentary is always some of the best I’ve read, insightful and never over the top. I have been saying for years that OSU suffered some lean recruiting classes after the 2002 nc because of the hit job that espn and others inflicted from the Clarett saga. Yes we got some great players but as a whole we had to settle for some plan b and plan c players. That said, I think this staff has done a remarkable job with the talent they had. The national perception was OSU was on par with with Florida, usc, LSU in talent and they were not. The last two classes are the type of classes OSU would have gotten every year but did not due to negative publicity. They light seems to have come on in oline recruiting as they are trying to get the numbers up. Johnboy, you are right about James. He was a 3 star recruit and for 3.5 years played like it. The last 1/2 of 2008 he played with intensity. I do think that Tressel can and will compete with these other coaches. Better players will get us over what I think is a small hump. In fact, I will say it now. 2010 Tressel will field a dominate team, barring devastating injuries.
forgot about this:
http://www.freep.com/article/20090604/SPORTS06/90604084/1054/SPORTS06/Ohio+State+s+Jim+Tressel+among+coaches+to+sleep+in+Saddam+s+palace
Agreed Jack Nause. 2009 might surprise if Pryor becomes Vince Youngish and galvanizes the team.
Jim Tressel overrated. HHHmmmmm just the statement is just absolutely laughable. Folks its always the indiviuals and the somewhat bias media that make ridiculous comments like this. Yes we lost badly to Florida ( in a NC game ), lost to LSU ( in a NC game )………man there is a pattern here, oh yea Tressel wins football games to get to these games. We lost to Texas last yr on a missed tackle in the last 13 seconds of the game ( Texas should have been playing in the NC game , instead a team they beat during the yr got the nod ). He will be going for I believe #6 or #7 straight against Miiiiichigan ( I lost count , cause its been that long.)
People will knock on us regardless, they want it both ways ………….especially the SEEEEEEEC fans. As a matter of fact I just saw the replay of the Michigan / Florida Cotton Bowl. Who would have thunk it?? Miiiiiiiiichigan ……who lost to Ohio State a month before would go down here to my neck of the woods ( Oralndo ) ; which is a fart away from Gainesville, and really take it to Florida. Oh……..wait……….listen …………do ya hear it????…………thats what I thought S-I-L-E-N-C-E ( crickets ). Mum is definately the word when ya bring that up around the SEC faithful.
Tressell’s record speaks volumes folks, volumes. And for those who disagree, thier not paying attention nor or willing too.
I Tressell We Trust………………….thanx for the read Vico.
Oh and may I add ………….Tressel played 3 count ‘m 3 #2 ranked teams back during the 2006 season. ( Texas , Michigan , Florida ). Losing of course the important NC to Florida. Can someone tell me when was the last time a team played 3 #2 ranked teams in the same season? I am sure its been done , but I am just making a blunt point. He doesn’t come up short as much as some claim.
great points Ed, Tressel is the best coach we’ve had at OSU in my lifetime and I’m 62
Ed and Jack, I agree with you on Tressel. Best coach ever at tOSU. Ed, I think our points were that the talent desparity we’ve been dealing with the last 4 years or so has caused some of our big game woes…. and I’ll go a step further in saying we have ridden the system into these big games a couple of times, pitting us against a much stronger opponent. OSU’s problem has been depth and competition at key positions and playing in a currently down conference. There is also possibly a development problem with talent as well….we seem to have an inordinate number of kids who never emerge, maybe it’s just perception, I would like to see some numbers on that. Tressel can get it done when he has the boys (2002, 2003, 2004). I totally agree that they barely lost to Texas in last year’s game and changed ALOT between Michigan and the bowl game. It was just a great game someone had to lose.
I will disagree with you respectfully on 2006 and 2007. We did play 3 #2 teams, beating 2 of them, but Texas WAS NOT deserving of that rank and Michigan WAS NOT deserving of the rank. Look where they finished. Florida…they were definitely deserving as we found out. So, in my observation we have a system based on people’s opinions and not on games being decided on the field. (And I quote Jack Nause:” The national perception was OSU was on par with with Florida, usc, LSU in talent and they were not”). In a playoff, there would likely have been no game against LSU, let’s be honest. As for Michigan beating Florida…awesome….but look at the big picture. The BigTen ain’t so hot right now. I think it’s the lack of beaches. That was for you Vico.
The record against Michigan is great…but it may be time to think beyond that game. I’m definitely for change in the conference with a championship game and a national playoff. I’m definitely in agreement that the Bucks need some minor tweaking in talent to get over the hump. I will add that the team needs an injection of confidence and swagger on the national stage…I think that will go as Terrelle Pryor goes. I believe he is the key…as he makes plays and keeps things alive he could boost these guys to play at their highest levels. The great ones do that.
One final thing, ten years ago NO ONE could beat Florida State and Miami. NO ONE. 12 years ago Nebraska was someone you did not fuck with. Ten years ago….USC was in the crapper. In 1996 I watched Nebraska hang 62 points on Florida in the WORST AND MOST THOROUGH ass whooping of all time in college football…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VojVTyYWGds
the ‘Ole ball coach lookin’ like he just shit his pants on the sideline.
Things change. Let’s hope we stay on the upswing of it.
JohnBoy……..great post. Ahhhh the even flow of college football………gotta love it!!
http://www.kplctv.com/global/story.asp?s=10490264
Great little story on MJ. This guy always brought his A game. If only some of his teammates would have shared his intensity and confidence.
At bucknuts.com, Mr. Bucknut’s Bucket of Bullets this week addressed this very issue. He broke it down by recruiting, and showed that the offensive line was THE weakest area recruited by Tressel and Co. Sometimes they only took 1 guy (2003, 2007). Apparently, with the exception of the 2008 season, there was a walk-on at the 2-deep spot on the offensive line in every year prior to that since Tressel took over.
They were not recruiting people to play that position. It’s changing, though. Going into next year, every name on the O-line’s 2-deep was recruited specifically to be there.
THAT is why we couldn’t stop the Florida pass-rush. That is why we couldn’t protect Boeckman. That is why we couldn’t stop USC from teeing off. That is why Penn State had their way with our running game. And that is why we couldn’t score points against Texas.
All that changes this Fall. The TD’s return to Columbus, OH.
http://bucknuts.com/news/articles/2009/6/7/mr-bucknuts-bucket-of-bullets-10-5
Hello fans
New to the site… Luckily I stumbled upon it tonight. Be sure to check back. Really like the getting to know the recruit stuff… The zany antics aren’t a deal killer either..
I’m responding to an older piece I guess But… Vico your recruiting thoughts (02 till present) are dead nuts..
We have had a an issue landing a roster full of top talent ..ala USC, Fla.
Granted we’ve had our share of serviceable stars.. Top to bottom however.. We haven’t had the ability to match up personnel wise with the warm weather vacation spot schools.
If you weigh the results against the other cold weather schools north of say Norman or maybe Knoxville.. Who else has maintain competitiveness on our level.
Tressel with his fence around Ohio… Has singlehandedly destroyed Michgan’s program.. They survived on Ohio athletes for decades…No More.
JT has gotten the most out of less 95 percent of the time.. That however does not match up at seasons end against the best, as we’ve seen.
I believe the Clarret ordeal was a hindrance for a while…along with some missteps recruiting and a few five star flops in the biggest area of need to… the offensive line. Was a direct contributer to some setbacks.
Maybe Tressel have a little learning curve to endure in his jump to DI. The last few classesin fact.. have compared nationally with anyone..
The next couple years should tell the tale.
We may be in for a special season here in 09…Who predicted 02.. I’ll be back good stuff people..
Please Dig up that Corey Brown Bio… this kids a special athlete… Next two way player/Superstar.. Once again good stuff..Good site