Three keys: Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi
December 31, 2009
What are three keys for Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi?
1. Play loose: Ohio State carries a heavy burden into the Rose Bowl: its recent futility in big games as well as the Big Ten’s sagging national image (fair or unfair). Whatever the players — and coaches — say, that is part of their pregame mindset. Oregon? It carries unusual uniforms into the scenic stadium. It carries its fancy-pants swagger. At least it should. While the Ducks have been poised in big games all year, this is the biggest stage by far. How will the young players respond to the moment, particularly if things go wrong early? The Buckeyes’ defense figures to be the best unit the Ducks have faced this season. Will that stiff resistance cause frustration? Or what if the Buckeyes’ running game has its way against an undersized Ducks defense? Oregon must gear up for a 60-minute game. It can’t tighten up or panic if things go wrong early.
2. Attack Pryor: Texas’ Vince Young had his “hello word” moment in the 2005 Rose Bowl against Michigan, and it’s not impossible to imagine Buckeyes’ talented but inconsistent quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, posting his versus Oregon. The Ducks can’t let Pryor gain early confidence, and they particularly can’t let him run without paying a price. Pryor is banged-up — he’s playing with knee and ankle injuries — so when he breaks contain on scrambles or takes off on designed run plays, the Ducks need to smack the heck out of him. Make him think. Make him want to slide or run out of bounds. And when Pryor and his powerful but often errant arm drop back to pass, the Ducks can’t let him feel comfortable and set his feet. A skittish Pryor is the best kind of Pryor for an opposing defense.
3. Spread the wealth: For Oregon, it all starts with the spread option: quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LaMichael James. Ohio State has to stop that first, and don’t be surprised if the Buckeyes’ rugged front seven is up to the task early. The key is variety and balance. Such as, the spread option becomes a play-action pass and becomes Masoli to tight end Ed Dickson downfield against man coverage. Or, Masoli takes off to the perimeter but then dumps the ball to receiver Jeff Maehl. A little LeGarrette Blount up the middle for some physical play. And, you know, Masoli throws a pretty good deep ball. Oregon can’t let a good Ohio State defense get comfortable. The Ducks must use all of their playmakers and force Ohio State to account for all areas of the field.