Do Jim Tressel’s team lack a certain amount of killer instinct? 

I do not want to make too much of one lousy game but Saturday’s ‘game’ against MAC opponent Ohio University got me to thinking about the Buckeyes over the last several seasons and I cannot remember any of them having that nastiness in them.  Not one seemed to have that cocksure attitude that I associate with championship teams.

I recognize that this was just a glorified scrimmage whose purpose is to allow the Buckeyes to warm up for the real games and fatten OU’s wallet.  But the Men of Scarlet and Gray need to suit up every week and be ready to dominate any and all comers.  Not only does this work wonders for the team and their morale but it works to help intimidate future opponents.  And let’s not forget that, right or wrong, these guys have something to prove to the rest of the nation. 

Even in the NC season it was more of a 'We shall overcome’ type of mentality.  Sort of a 'work hard and hope for the best' way of thinking.  Just because it worked that year does not necessarily mean that it always will.  That was a dream season with unique circumstances. 

I think, under current circumstances, these players need to come out of that tunnel every week with the plan to kick #### up and down the field all day.  Score fast, score big and shut down the opponent.  Winning by huge deficits should be the name of the game.  I am not talking running up the score by kicking field goals with 10 seconds left or throwing up Hail Mary’s at the half when you are winning by 28 points.  But don’t hold back either.  OSU should be able to score on the Mighty Bobcats even when they are trying not to, for God’s sake. 

One last thought:  I worry that this team (and last year's, for that matter) is carrying the weight of the program on their shoulders.  That might be too much to ask.  It just seems like they are not having fun - and teams that aren't having fun do not win as often.  

This may sound ridiculous but a loss at USC could end up being the best thing that could happen to these seniors.  If they lose, much of the pressure is off.  If that happens, look for them to have fun, win games, and start kicking ####.  Hopefully, they will cap it with a grand victory in a BCS bowl and loosen things up for the teams to come. 

I only hope that my beloved Buckeyes will prove me wrong.

Go Bucks! 

The reason I ask this is because a lot of posters on this very site seem to be making assumptions that Terrelle Pryor craves the spotlight when everything that I have seen or read seems to be to the contrary.

I am sure that most of you know the saga so I will spare you most of the details.  But, in case you just got back from some survivor camp in Idaho, this lauded high school recruit continues to delay deciding just which college football program is best for him.

The latest news is that he is putting off his decision until he visits Penn State and Oregon.  But, as a star on the Jeanette, PA, basketball team he has been busy with playoff games.  For this reason, he has recently been quoted as saying that he will probably wait until after basketball season is over to make his official visits.  If his team does well in the state tournament as expected we are looking at mid-March before he even starts his visits.

Ultimately, when the time comes to make his decision it will be one of the biggest of his life.  Ever.  He owes it to himself to make the right one.  And if the rules say that he has until April 1st, why should he not take his time?  National Signing Day is just the FIRST day of a 56 day window that recruits have to sign.  Just because most recruits tend to sign this day does not mean that TP is delaying for the attention or even just to be different.  Maybe he just does not know.

From what I have read he had his mind made up but his dad is giving him pressure to check out PSU.  What kid who loves his father would not follow his advice?  And maybe his dad is right.  There is no harm in finding out since he has eight weeks.

And for those of you who would compare his decision to delay choosing a college with his decision making on the field:  We would all do well if we stuck to comparing apples to apples.  A decision made on the football field (other than very, very, very few of them) are not significantly life altering anywhere near to the extent that choosing a football program could be.  Second, with the yardage this guy has put up in high school I think it is safe to say that he has shown that he can make good decisions on the field. 

But, let me take a stab at comparing the two, if only to strengthen my point.  If a QB has (let's say) 4 seconds in the pocket to throw a pass, why should he throw the pass after 1 second if he feels that it might be a bad idea?  Why rush it if you don't have to?

 To me, his decision to delay shows that he has the maturity not to give in to all of the derision and the questioning and the accusations and make sure that he is doing what is best.

So do not assume the worst about this kid just because you are ready for this story to have an ending.  Maybe his intentions are noble.  Maybe he is still deciding DESPITE the attention rather than FOR the attention.

(This is my first Blog so go easy on me)