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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2009 > October > 21 > Entry
OSU and Pryor — “Careful what you wish for”
So how’s Todd Boeckman looking now?
A lot of the Ohio State faithful were quick to trash the senior quarterback last season after he threw two interceptions against Southern Cal — and a Trojan defense that sent seven players to the NFL just seven months later — and some of the OSU coaches were right on board with them.
Benched during the USC game in favor of Terrelle Pryor, Boeckman — a true “team-first” leader, a respected team captain, a guy who led the Bucks to the national title game the year before — ended up in the Buckeyes’ version of Siberia. He rarely saw the field again. To me that was pretty shoddy treatment, but that’s water under the bridge.
Pryor’s ascension to the throne during the USC game lit up the blogosphere and talk radio lines. There was giddy speculation of coming Heisman Trophies and national championships and each and every Saturday watching Superman in his scarlet and gray cape.
To quote that tatted-up troubadour Eminem:
“So be careful what you wish for
‘Cause you just might get it
And if you get it then you just might not know
What to do wit’ it, ‘cause it might just
Come back on you ten-fold.”
Pryor has fallen back to earth this season. Landed with a thud. Done in not by Kryptonite, but a Purdue defense of all things. Two interceptions, four fumbles, two of them lost, five sacks.
A little time in Siberia for him after that loss to lowly Purdue, the Bucks second setback of the season? No way says Tressel. Is it that he thinks back-up Joe Bauserman is that ill-equipped for the job? Or is Pryor held to a different standard, as have been a couple of Tressel’s other heralded “stars” over the years?
The top-rated recruit in the nation two years ago — a mantle he flaunted with more than one press conference to announce which college he’d prep with on the way to the NFL — Pryor now ranks ninth in the league in passing efficiency and doesn’t look anything like the Big Ten’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
People are saying he’s regressed as a quarterback, I disagree. I think he had barely grasped the basic rudiments of his position when he took over, though he thought he knew more than he did.
I remember two players telling me last year how — on more than one occasion — he pushed Boeckman away from him on the sidelines, saying he didn’t need the senior quarterback’s suggestions. This was “his” team now.
That said, I feel for the kid. He’s never really known failure and I’m sure he feels pressure now. After one of his interceptions last Saturday against the Boilermakers, he slammed his helmet on the ground and laced into his intended target, receiver Duron Carter, who he thought should have broken up the pick.
Sure the offensive line is doing a poor job of protecting him, but it’s also obvious Pryor has trouble reading defenses, which is why he so often runs plays right into their teeth and why he’s also not comfortable calling an audible.
So what is OSU to do?
Bucks fans often rail at Tressel for his conservative play-calling, but I can’t see opening up the offense now. He has to make things even simpler, hope that Pryor grasps that and then build from there.
And if that doesn’t work?
Well, back to Eminem again.
I remember a few years back he travelled the country — including a stop in Columbus — with Ice Cube,. Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and a bunch of other hip hoppers.
They called it the “Up In Smoke Tour.”
The Bucks can only hope that doesn’t become their tag, as well.
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Comments
By Boeckmanfan17
October 28, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this
I hate Terrelle Pryor! I tried to tell people last season when everyone wanted him to play that he wasn’t all that. That think about him pushing Boeckman away…what a jerk! He is soooo full of himself! Not to mention he has no reason to be! I think that TP should be treated the same way that Todd was year. I don’t understand why Tressel loves him so much! It’s sickening!
By just me
October 24, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
JT’s junior high play calling does not help the offense or any of the players. JT does not want the QB to audible out of plays that will be ineffective against what the defense is showing. JT consistantly sets up the offense to fail. Opposing teams will continue to blitz OSU until OSU’s offensive minds decide to do something to negate that. Will they - I have lost confidence that OSU’s staff knows how to adjust during the game.
By Jeff K
October 22, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this
It doesnt surprise me about the sideline thing, he is an imature kid that thinks he is all that but the truth is, he isnt due to being that way if he was smart he would have embraced Mr Boekmans help, I think he should have been benched weeks ago, he doesnt impress me 1 bit, he can run the ball thats it, but he is no QB !!
By hopper
October 22, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
T.P. does not want to play in a spread offense. He could have gone to WVU if that was how he wanted to play. He wanted to be coached into a drop back QB. That isn’t happening. He saw Vince Young come out of a school that ran the spread and is still struggling in the NFL. NFL. That’s what it is all about for the young man. Never mind the team, it’s about me and my future. I saw him run a play, forced out of bonds and put his chin on his chest and shake his head in a negative manner and stroll back to the huddle. That’s not a leader. That’s a quiter. Maybe he will get better. Maybe not. Maybe you are right Arch. I say trade him to the bengals for a good tight end who can catch.
By PeeWee
October 22, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
Hey CoachB - You are wrong as JT frequently gets out coached and his preparation and game plan is not very good. When you get some of the best players you are supposed to win. We expect to see improvment year over year and game after game with these kids. After all that is what good coaches do. JT might have a great football mind but he needs to improve his coaching. It is simple to see that you know little about “coaching” football although I hope your peewee team is doing well
By donjo
October 22, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
Proyor has warts. Man are they ugly! his passes wobble down the field and then fall short or off target. He doesn’t fling the ball, looks some what like a shot putter. He has good legs and can run, can he catch a well thrown ball? Maybe JT and his coaches have TP lined up in wrong position. If he tries NFL as QB flop, flop,flop.
By CoachB
October 22, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
A lot of these statements definitely come from people who don’t know college football. Jim Tressell is as good as it gets as it relates to coaching. Sure, his Suckeyes fail to live up to the hype year after year, but remember it’s hype made by the media and the fans. They are ranked high because of the last 30 years of Suckeye football when they were Buckeyes. At coaching conventions, coaches all around college football go to Jim Tressell’s sessions. The likes of Urban Meyer and Mike Dantonio sit there and learn things from him. So, if a three time national championship coach and a coach that turned Cincinatti in to a power house find what he says valuable; who are the fans? what do they know? That said, Pryor would be off my team if I were the head coach. I don’t like premaddonas, I don’t care about “potential” he’s not going to stay four years unless he has too, and we’re not winning championships anyway. I’d rather have harmony and leadership than rogue talent.
By Chad
October 22, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
Lol…sorry but TP will turn out to be another Clarrett. Talent wise…the guy is no quarterback. Character wise….he’s a Michael Vick.
By Arch Dooofus
October 22, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
Hey Arch Dooofus - It is bad coaching, plain and simple. Coaches prepare game plans, call the plays, select players, decide to keep struggling players in the game, let them sit on the bench alone with their head down. OSU coaches need to get on the ball and pump these kids up. Pryor’s passing technique is horrible. Where is the coaching? Oh and you better not complain else JT will tell you to get a life.
By Irvin
October 22, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Pry-or-it-tize his age and experience at this level. I believe he will mature to be a great QB, JUST GIVE HIM TIME!
By fballer
October 22, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
fbfan50, You forgot Cincinnati. We can all move to Cincinnati. The new powerhouse of football in Ohio.
By true football
October 22, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this
Poor Pryor, All I can say is he sucks, sucks, sucks. Just as the Ohio Stae team does. In for a rough few years.
By Guest
October 22, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this
Let’s talk about the sophomore season of TP after his sophomore season. Let’s talk about the results of this season after this season. No need to panick just yet, girls.
By fbfan50
October 22, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this
Why don’t all of you out there who choose to bash OSU and the players;Why don’t all of you organize and divide up into three groups?One could move to Michigan,one to Florida and the third to California.
By Realist
October 22, 2009 3:56 AM | Link to this
Let’s remember that Tressel won the national title with talent recruited by Cooper. Pryor was a good HS QB but that doesn’t equate at the College level. The line is providing the protection, he leaves the pocket way too soon and that pressures the line to hold the block longer and adjust to his movement. He runs outside his protection pocket. That’s coaching. Tressel is a diplomat not a coach. He’s boring and predictable. I like the Purdue coach. Why can’t OSU find someone like him, a Woody Hayes type coach. Tress would pee his pants in the presence of Woody.
By olbuzz
October 22, 2009 3:53 AM | Link to this
This guy just lives for the moment he can heap the smut on Ohio State. Pretty sure it dates back to Clarret and Andy Gieger… burying his foot in some backsides. There was no story to sensationalize then and there’s none now. No Watergate…Sorry Pal. Your feelgood scoop that got away was sad I liked him to. But Boeckman… Had six years to quit throwin the hopes and dreams of everybody in ohio to the other team.. Tressel had enough and deservingly so.. Had nothing to do with the skills of a freshman. It was more the lack of…. in a third year senior. Sometime you just take your losses and move on. It’ll come to this kid… He’s what six games into his soph. season. It took Troy Smith into hhis fourth year. Don’t leach up to em when he turns it around… He will. Be carefull what you instigate. It was twenty lean Years between Woody and Tress. Oh and Isiah Pead never had an offer to Ohio State.. Probably why he settled for less.. You both should try spewing facts
By TO
October 21, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
To: Austin Boucher You should have taken Tressel’s offer and gone to OSU. You are a true quarterback who understands how to perform under pressure. You would be playing right now at OSU. Instead you chose Miami where there were 4 good quarterbacks ahead of you. Big mistake.
By Jack
October 21, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
When you tell smeone’s story, you are one of the best writers out there, we you preach, you sound like ludwig, and I would never wish that on anyone. You sound like the Quinn fans…killing Anderson and saying how terrible he is, never remembering that their QB is below the one they are killing. Its a lot better when people realize that both QB’s are not good.
By Kaimuki50
October 21, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Ohio State has the talent … they just don’t have the coach that can lead the talent he has
By fan
October 21, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
From everything I have read the solution is all of you posters along w/the reporter need to go apply for all the coaching jobs and then the world will see how well every player is.
By Hank
October 21, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this
All of this criticizing and down grading of a 19 year old QB at TOhioStateUniversity is crazy . Terrelle Pryor will play at the next level and next year .. He will probably be the most glorified QB in College Football . Hey ..Every University wanted this young man from Jeannette ,PA . The Buckeyes are 34 - 4 in the Big Ten Conference since the 2005 season and Coach Tressel is 88 - 21 + played in Three-National Championships + 6 BCS Bowl Games - So 4 of the 21 losses were to Four National Championship teams .. Good Competition -If not the very Best .
By Jon
October 21, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this
Hey … Troy Smith lost 4 games his sophomore season and was sensational after that . Terrelle Pryor is 6’6” 240 lbs + the fastest football player in College Football ..the upside will sensational too ! Terrelle was a honor student at Jeannette HS ,Pennsylvania and broke many PA records … He will be sensational at QB .. Go Buckeyes and Go Jim Tressel the best College Football Coach in America !
By Kevin
October 21, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
While he is a tremendously gifted athlete, this kid is not a quarterback. Its painfully obvious evertime he throws a pass from his back foot, which results in a poorly thrown ball. Tressel should salvage what he can get out of him by moving him to wide receiver and letting Bauserman QB. After all, theres not one NFL team out there that wouldn`t move him there anyway. Tressel should be on a very, very short lease. This is UNACCEPTABLE!!!
By Patman
October 21, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this
Let’s change the line in “Hang on Sloopy” from “O - H - I - O” to “OH - How - They - Choke”
By ted
October 21, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
more PR driven greatness, like the supposed great defense, that piles on downed players to pad their tackle stats (Laurenitis), OSU #1 in generating hype
By Tito
October 21, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
Pryor is a good athlete. He just has bad technique and some very bad habits as a quarterback. Pryor had never been a true QB, he was just always the best athlete on the field so in high school of course they wanted the ball in his hands as much as possible. Who touches the ball every play, the QB. Now Ohio State is trying to train him in skills that the top QB prospects have been doing since they were in pee-wee leagues. So at this point I would say put him in the offense that he is comfortable with, spread the field, and throw in some varying option attacks. Use what you got to get what you want.
By medschool
October 21, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
Alex- Your assessment of TP is entirely different than mine. If you hear him speak, watch his ability to manage this “simple” offense and his inability to make quick decisions then I am not sure what you expect 1 more year to do for him? If you are truly being objective then how can you continue to support TP? He is terrible and I seriously doubt one more year, one more season will improve his intelligence or ability!!!!
By medschool
October 21, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
I have been so disillusioned by Tressel’s reaction to the poor play by his qb. Any other program would acknowledge how badly this qb is playing and would make the necessary adjustments. Ever since I heard TP speak with regards to his “un-waivering” support of Mike Vick I could not believe how un-intelligent and “ignorant” he sounded. How can OSU players rally around a teamate that talks like he is still in the 8’th grade?? He is without a doubt the most un-articulate player on the team. Sometimes (Tress) you have to admit when you made a mistake and take responsibility for this program. With TP trying to run this offense the team will continue to struggle. How many freshman qb’s are we seeing every Saturday that is getting better while this clown continues to digress??? I read on a ESPN blog that an OSU fan stated he threw up in his mouth after the Purdue game. That is exactly how I feel after hearing Tressel not admitting how sorry his qb is playing!!! I need to buy some Listerine to get this bad taste out of my mouth….. lol
By eddie70grad
October 21, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
Year in and year out, OSU nearly always has a Top 10 (often top 5) recruiting class. Are these incoming players really not all that good, after all? I don’t think so. To me, it’s about coaching and development; or in OSU’s case, the lack thereof. You want to place blame? Start with the coaching staff. It’s apparent they don’t have their act together. Why should we expect the players to?
By chris newly converted uc fan ..
October 21, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
Lol you can blame Jim Tressel for all this crap…If you are content with just michigan every year then Tressel is your man. I think Tressel and his best buddy from youngstown state as offensive coordinator can pack up and get out. We all know the National Championship game was a fluke end in Miami..They are not setting up Pryor for success..If I was Pryor I would transfer at end of season..
By Rick
October 21, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
It’s a non-BCS bowl game for the Buckeyes this year!! At least they won’t get smoked again. Unless they play a lower SEC level team in that bowl game!
By Rick
October 21, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
It’s a non-BCS bowl game for the Buckeyes this year!! At least they won’t get smoked again. Unless they play a lower SEC level team in that bowl game!
By Uh
October 21, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this
This is like playing marco-polo with Helen Keller …
By Depose All Democrats
October 21, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
Incidentally, Pryor wouldn’t have been a good fit at Penn State (Clark and Newsome will do great though). RichRod’s offense would probably have fit Pryor better. But who knows, maybe Pryor will pull a Troy Smith and be a late bloomer.
By Depose All Democrats
October 21, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Pryor is a very gifted athlete…..but OSU doesn’t need an athlete; they need a QB. Pryor’s potential is going to waste because the coaches aren’t implementing Pryor’s strengths into their offense. It’s like trying to make Ryan Mallett work in Rich Rodriguez’s offensive schemes. BTW, it’s a hallmark of OSU fans to turn on their team at the first sign of trouble.
By db
October 21, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
pryor is an ego soaked punk, its pretty obvious he doesn’t have what it takes to be a qb, probably be a good receiver or cornerback though.
By null
October 21, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
I would NEVER wish for Boeckman to come back. It’s not just Pryor, it’s the whole offense.
By scott
October 21, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this
It really ticks me off that Buckeye fans are so quick to turn on Tressel and the team. The same formula that won a championship isn’t working this year and they are ready to lynch the coach and bench the QB. The offense is young and inexperienced at some key spots. If Tressel decided to air it out and they started getting intercepted folks would complain about that.
By Alex
October 21, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
Anyone who calls for Pryor’s head is crazy. The KID is 19, maybe 20 years old.
By Rah Rah
October 21, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
Boeckman had a strong arm, but was a statue in the pocket and could easily be neutralized by the blitz. He was also a fifth or six year player when benched. Pryor is a sophomore. OSU’s weak offensive line, young receivers and Tressel’s predictable play calling has as much to do with the Purdue loss as Pryor’s performance. The folks in St. Henry will like your column, in spite of these facts.
By confused
October 21, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this
as usual..arch has no idea what he is talking about…he knows very little about football..or any other sport…the only sport he ever participated in was ballet….
By Real Buckeye Fan
October 21, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Go back to Michigan Archdeacon. He is a 19 year old kid learning the ropes. No one complained about Tressel when he won the National Championship or produced a Heisman trophy winner. I think he knows what he is doing.
By Real Buckeye Fan
October 21, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Go back to Michigan Archdeacon. He is a 19 year old kid learning the ropes. No one complained about Tressel when he won the National Championship or produced a Heisman trophy winner. I think he knows what he is doing.
By Tony
October 21, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
Pryor has some intangibles that others don’t have like size and speed. He really needs to work on his passing and reading the D. HE can bring the inate ability to keep a play alive that few QBs can, but he needs to know when to get rid of the ball to avoid the sack as well. Sometimes he tried to do too much and that is a downfall. HE lacks a consistent receiver and has not had much run support this year. If he buckles down and works on his passing, then in a year or two is when there will be dividends paid but if not, then the next couple of years will be above average teams at best.
By bob
October 21, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
Pryor is at the most an average QB, not great or good just average. The ‘O’ line is below average, they can’t give the QB any time to fine his recievers down field. They only look good against a team that is not as good, (which a good high school team could do better.) There isn’t any offensive of any kind all year. What are they going to do against them toughest part of the seasons coming up in the next month. I’m a Buckyeye fan from Woody days and some of his worst teams could give this team a ran for there money.
By joe
October 21, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Let’s remember two things ….. first Boeckman played horribly in big games, he choked in the Illinois loss, played poorly in the title game and also was not stellar in the Michigan game. So there was plenty of reason to pull him based on his history in big games. Secondly, nobody, I repeat NOBODY at OSU spoke of Heismans and championships….. it was the MEDIA. IT WAS THE MEDIA. IT WAS THE MEDIA who hyped him up. It’s funny, the same media who hyped him are now ripping him. Sounds like they missed the boat on Pryor. If a recruiter misses the boat on a recruit his job is in jeopardy. I would love to see every writer who used the word Heisman or championship in a story about Pryor to be suspended or fired.
By Raoul
October 21, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this
Arch, I gotta agree with you. Pryor is an over-hyped under-achiever. I don’t think it will get much better with him, unfortunately for the Bucks. I think the game has been easy for him in the past because he could out-run trouble. He doesn’t seem to understand the defensive schemes and as you say, runs right into trouble. I have rarely seen him plant his feet and throw the ball with the right technique. I hope I am wrong and he improves. It would help to have better protection.