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Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel Takes Blame for Upset Loss to Purdue

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ohio State's 26-18 loss to Purdue last week was a shocking defeat, with the Buckeyes looking as baffled as a foreign language. Coach Jim Tressel took the blame for not getting his team to understand the challenge ahead, citing a lack of concern among players. The loss dropped Ohio State 11 spots to No. 18 in the AP poll and 19th in the first BCS standings. Tressel's attempt to deflect questions about quarterback Terrelle Pryor's performance at the press conference did not work, with 22 of 25 questions focusing on Pryor or the team's offensive philosophy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ohio State coach Jim Tressel blames himself for not effectively communicating the challenge ahead to his team, citing a lack of concern among players.
  • The Buckeyes' loss to Purdue dropped them 11 spots to No. 18 in the AP poll and 19th in the first BCS standings.
  • Tressel emphasized that he has committed to Pryor as the starting quarterback and did not consider replacing him during the Purdue game.
  • Pryor threw two fumbles in the first half and two interceptions in a span of 89 seconds in the second half of the game.
  • Ohio State ranks 10th in the Big Ten in total offense and 11th in passing yards.
  • Tressel stated that he has no immediate plans to replace Pryor with backup quarterback Joe Bauserman.
  • Defensive lineman Todd Denlinger and wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher also expressed concerns about the team's focus and potential overconfidence.
  • The Buckeyes will face Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) in their next game, which is a Homecoming matchup.

Statistics:

  • Ohio State lost 11 spots to No. 18 in the AP poll after the defeat to Purdue.
  • The Buckeyes dropped 19 spots to 19th in the first BCS standings.
  • Terrelle Pryor threw 4 turnovers in the game against Purdue, including 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions.
  • Ohio State ranks 10th in the Big Ten in total offense.
  • The Buckeyes are 11th in the conference in passing yards.
  • Pryor ranks 9th among Big Ten quarterbacks in completion percentage and passing yards per game.
  • Ohio State's next game is a Homecoming matchup against Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten).

Sources:

  • The Lima News, Ohio, October 21
  • Associated Press, Ohio State (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) game statistics
  • Big Ten Conference standings
  • The Lima News, Ohio, October 21 (copyright 2009, The Lima News, Ohio, Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services)

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