Endzone: OSU 10-06

10/6/2011

The fingerprints on Ohio State's wretched offensive performance this season can be traced to one guy. It's not Terrelle Pryor, although he's at fault for plenty of mischief. Pryor thought running the option meant free tattoos, fast cars, and unlimited withdrawals from the equipment room. The culprit behind the current mess on offense is Jim Tressel.

He was the iron-fisted dictator of OSU's offense during his tenure with the Buckeyes, and when he slinked off, Tressel took the memory card for the offense with him. Sure, other guys held phony titles that indicated offensive authority, but Tressel wore the alpha headset and carried the play card. If this was Oz, he was the man behind the curtain, pulling the levers and pushing the buttons. Now that the wizard is gone, all that's left is the scarecrow, the tinman, and the cowardly lion. You can decide who is who.

The Buckeyes' offense lacks leadership and direction. Several players openly criticized the play-calling in the Michigan State loss. The Buckeyes are trying to circle the wagons before the wheels come off. But don't fault the guys blocking up front, they're plenty good enough. It's not a problem with the young quarterback or the old one with the beard. Blame the guy sitting in the recliner inside the gated estate in Upper Arlington, with you paying his robust pension and his health care. A lot of people should take offense with his actions, and what his final play did to the program.

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