[NU Sports] NU v. OSU

[Tom Maycock]

The good news was that the talent gap between NU and OSU seems smaller
than it's ever been (excepting, of course, 95 and 96 when we didn't get
to see them go head-to-head). That's particularly impressive given
OSU's #1 ranking. 

And the coaching staff seems more than capable of getting the team
ready for a big challenge. 

The bad news was obviously the turnovers. We looked amazingly crisp on
just about every offensive play, except on the few painful
blunders--many of them self-inflicted. 

It's (very) odd to be encouraged after a 40-point loss, but that's how
it feels. Disappointed too, of course, but I kind of figured this game
was all about next year, and the year after that. And from that
standpoint, it was mostly good news.

Re. McManis--I happened to watch him line up against Ginn on the play
where he made the interception, and his coverage was perfect the whole
way. I was actually happy to see the ball thrown that way, wondering
what would happen. And he made the play, which he always seems to do. 

I think *everyone* in the stadium was watching those two on the later
TD pass to Ginn. McManis was only a step behind, and only a spectacular
pass (under heavy pressure) got the ball in there. I'm sure it will go
down as a lesson learned. 

Mcmanis did get dinged up making yet another solo tackle on punt
coverage. Looked like they were stretching out a cramp or something, so
hopefully he'll be OK for Illinois.

Tom