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OSU's Bollman says skill players are crucial
Friday, October 03, 2008
What's brewing today with the Ohio State Buckeyes:
Buckeyes buzz
In the wake of the Buckeyes' loss to Southern California, there were lots of calls on Columbus sports-talk radio for the firing of Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman.
Two wins have quieted that talk.
Bollman, who also coaches the linemen, was asked this week if a great running back can cover up the mistakes of a mediocre offensive line.
"I think anywhere on offense you'd better have guys who can carry the ball and throw the ball and catch the ball and do all that kind of stuff, and up front we can figure out some way to trip them up," Bollman said. "That's what I think. Everybody always says it starts up front, and it does start up front.
"We always talk about our responsibility (on the line) is to give all those other guys a chance to operate. But you'd better have some other guys who can operate, because you can block 'em all you want and if there's no one to run the ball or throw the ball or catch the ball, we're not scoring any touchdowns."
Injury update
Coach Jim Tressel said Thursday, Oct. 2, that freshman OL J.B. Shugarts injured his shoulder and probably wouldn't be able to play at Wisconsin (8 p.m. Saturday kickoff on ABC). TE Rory Nicol (ankle) and LB Austin Spitler (concussion), a Bellbrook grad, also are sidelined. OL Steve Rehring (foot) is back after missing last week's game.
Status quo
OSU beat Minnesota in its Big Ten opener last week, but remained No. 14 in the Associated Press media poll.
Speed read
You've probably seen the play cards that Ohio State's offensive players have attached around their forearms. They contain the names of plays and the order they'll be called. WR Brian Robiskie said there's no worry that a defender can steal that information. "If they can memorize 30 plays in 5 seconds, then go ahead," he said. "But I don't worry about it."
