By: Bill Blanton (BuckeyeCountry.net) –

Believe it or not, the 2009 OSU Football season is at the midway point and you know what that means? It’s time for some mid-season reflection on the 2009 Buckeyes.

Terrelle Pryor…….

After six games in the 2009 season, Terrelle Pryor has shown absolutely zero growth this year. Looking back to 2008, his throwing mechanics have looked better in 2009 and he has demonstrated the ability to throw the ball with more zip. However, he has not demonstrated the ability to read defenses or lead this team.

He continues to struggle against the Top 5 programs like USC and Saturday against a Top Big Ten contender Wisconsin.

When you watch Pryor play, he seems downright indecisive. Even when he runs, he doesn’t look like he runs with confidence in a group. Buckeye fans have to be asking where is that Tebow mentality? Whatever it takes to win, that’s what I’m going to do.

People compare Terrelle Pryor to Troy Smith, as far as athletic ability and talent. But Tereelle Pryor has a long way to go before anyone should ever consider that comparison. Troy Smith is a winner. That’s not to say Pryor isn’t. What it’s meant to say is Troy Smith was a player that was passionate and understood what it meant to be the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Where is Pryor’s passion? Somebody find it and we may have a chance to beat a Top 5 team. But be sure of this one thing, Ohio State will not be able to win against a Top 5 team unless the offense becomes more consistent and at least establishes an identity. Thanks to the defense we’ll be competitive but…….

Ohio State Offense……

It’s time for the Buckeye coaching staff to be reflective of the wildcat, spread offense that is being run almost exclusively. This is Ohio State right? What happened to “three yards and a cloud of dust?” Coach Tressel, please put Brandon Saine in an I-formation and run wide off tackle every now and then?

This team needs to redefine their run strategy. The current spread is way too predictable. Like the pass game, it requires the quarterback to read the defense and be committed to tough running. Pryor has struggled with this aspect.

The offensive line is young, and the inexperience of Mike Adams and J.B. Shuggarts has shown at times. But these guy’s are athletic and require continued repetition to improve and build cohesiveness.

Perhaps the spread isn’t what is most effective for our current personnel. Whatever we do, we do have weapons. Devier Posey, Duron Carter, Dane Sanzenbacher, Brandon Saine and Terrelle Pryor. Our offensive coaches get a huge failing grade on creativity through the first half of the season at putting our play makers in the right position to consistently make plays.

The Silver Bullets….

What can you say about this group? They struggled against Navy but since that game on Sept 5^th, they have improved every week.

I have been extremely critical of Jim Heacock in the past but I have seen some changes in the defensive scheme that makes me think we could compete with a top SEC, Big 12, or Pac-10 offense. Believe it or not, this group has more speed, especially at linebacker where this no name group has been very active in the run game and pass defense.

What can you say about the defensive line accept disruptive, and deep. This group sports eight players that can make plays. They have provided a great pass rush without the need to blitz that has allowed Ohio State to do a better job disguising their coverage and confusing the opposition.

The secondary has done a nice job as well. Kurt Coleman and Jermale Hines have shown themselves to be play makers. They’re active and constantly flying to the ball with the rest of the defense.

Chimidi Chekwa, Devon Torrence and Andre Amos have done a good job of filling the shoes vacated by Buckeye great Malcom Jenkins.

Overall I give the 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes a B-minus. If it wasn’t for the Top 5 defense, this team would have a C-minus.

Forget the record of 5-1. This is not a championship team and based on what the offense is showing as far as growth and development from last year and this year through six games, Jim Tressel will not be adding his sixth national championship ring anytime soon.

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