[NU Sports] Thoughts about OSU

[NEONRye at aol.com]

I think Special Teams play may be the fulcrum on which the game  swings.  OSU 
is so dangerous on punt and kickoff returns.  Against  Michigan we were 
always pinned deep because their punter was a monster, as was  their PK guy, whose 
name escapes me.  We need good field position and to  not fall behind 2 TD's 
early, which seems to be our new habit, so that (a) we  are able to use our 
whole offensive game plan and (b) keep the noise factor  down, especially at the 
"shoe" end.  Also, we need to make our FG's and  have a decent punting game.  
We just can't give things away at all.
 
I am starting to believe that our "D" has found an identity--bend (a lot)  
but don't break, and take(away).  Sorry for the horrible pun.  They  are 
starting to make plays--and key stops--and in the process are actually  contributing 
to wins, rather than being an albatross the "O" has to  overcome.  
This is a game where if we can get over the initial nerves, and can hang  
around, and do our unique "Rope-A-Dope", our senior leadership, and the mental  
toughness that clearly has been forged (but was somehow lacking against Mich.), 
 could lead to a huge upset, or at least a closer than expected loss.
 
One fear I have is that Tyrell will be too psyched playing before the home  
state crowd.  We obviously need a big game out of him, and he certainly  will 
have a big stage on which to stake a future Heisman consideration  claim.   
This could be his (semi-) national coming out party, if he  can get off to a 
decent start, settle down into his usually-confident and  consistent mode, start 
moving the pile, maybe spring a long one to cause  OSU to put an extra player 
or two "in the box", and, most of all, not put the  ball on the ground.  
 
Paul Levinson