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12:00
toledoblade: Chat away.
12:01
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
What happened on Saturday? Just flat play?
12:03
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--In a word, yes. UT didn't come out ready to play and Western came out with something to prove after an embarassing loss to NIU the week before. Like DaJuane Collins said, the Rockets didn't match the Broncos' intensity from the start, and that was the difference early on.
12:05
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
The Broncos had a few key players come back too. What's next for Toledo? What happens this week in preparation for NIU?
12:06
[Comment From Brutus]
What's up with the boo birds in Columbus early in the game with Pryor? Kind of classless if you ask me, Matt.
12:07
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--The Rockets needed a wake-up and they got it. I know everybody was very disappointed with the game, as they should be with a terrible effort like that in your homecoming game. But when you step back and look at it, UT still has a great shot at reasserting itself in the MAC West in the next two weeks with home games against NIU and Temple.
12:07
mmarkey@theblade.com: Bru-- The OSU fans are a demanding bunch, and the way the offense was struggling, they let it be known they did not like what they were seeing. Other than that final possession of the first half, the offense did not have much go well. People seem to forget Pryor is a sophomore and he is essentially learning the position facing live fire.
12:08
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
I don't think the season is over by a long shot. I'll take a 3-3 record. I think fans have to see the overall picture, there is more to resurrect at Toledo than the Win Loss column.
12:11
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--Agreed. But looking strictly at the win-loss column, I thought a 4-1 record in UT's Drive for 5 (the five games in October) would be a success and still have them in contention for a MAC West title heading into the game at Central Michigan in November. If they can take care of business in the next three weeks, the Rockets will be more than fine.
12:11
[Comment From Columbus Chuck]
Isn't part of the problem a boring offense? I hate the handoffs from the shotgun. Kind of easy to defend.
12:13
mmarkey@theblade.com: CC -- boring, lack of creativity, conservative -- no matter what you call it, the offense seems to be missing imagnination. there was one play in the second half where they overloaded the right side, had pryor and everyone moving that way, then ran Saine the opposite direction for a nice gain. it looked really different. Tressel seems hesitant to put too much on Pryor, so the opposing defenses have less to prepare for. Plus they are using spies to track Pryor and keep him from hurting them with the run.
12:15
[Comment From Ollie]
I dodn't get to go to the game, how was the turnout for the homecoming game, Zach?
12:15
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Is there something that can be done to ensure the Rockets don't come out of the gates flat this Saturday? Is it the coaching staff? Perhaps the senior leaders? All of the above? What do you think will have the biggest effect?
12:15
[Comment From Skip]
The bucks seriously need to look at another QB, or develop a "Wildcat" offense. Pryor is just not a leader and his throwing skill is ?????.
12:16
zsilka@theblade.com: Ollie, the announced attendance at the Glass Bowl was around 18,000 -- a bit lower than I would have expected for a homecoming game
12:17
[Comment From L8N]
Pryor would have been a better fit at another school.
12:18
mmarkey@theblade.com: Skip-- don't expect them to bail on Pryor -- they have way too much time invested in him. plus the coaches believe he is improving, and he will be very good very soon. not sure the wildcat is any answer. it might just damage the psyche of a guy like pryor, who is constantly being reassured that he is a quarterback, not a runner
12:18
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets, In his postgame comments Saturday, Beckman first blamed the coaching staff and said they didn't have the team ready to play. The seniors also need to share some of that blame because I think they let the rest of the team get a little too high after that Ball State win. Barry Church promised after the game Saturday that the Rockets would never come out that flat the rest of the season under his watch.
12:18
Who is the frontrunner to win the Big Ten now?
Ohio State
( 60% )
Iowa
( 40% )
Penn State
( 0% )
Michigan
( 0% )
12:18
mmarkey@theblade.com: L8-- there are places where his particular skill set would be more fully utilized in a shorter time frame.
12:19
toledoblade:
Oh, and I guess Northwestern should have been listed ...
12:20
[Comment From Steven]
There seems to be the start of a witch hunt for the OSU Buckeyes head coach to at least give up control of the offense. Who are these people that can't live with season after season of wonderful seasons?
12:20
[Comment From Ollie]
How impressive was WMU's Hiller?
12:21
[Comment From Ollie]
Next big NFL QB from the MAC?
12:21
zsilka@theblade.com: Ollie, Hiller was very impressive. I expected him to play like an NFL-caliber QB and he did just that. He consistently picked apart the UT defense like he has done his entire career against the Rockets. UT had no answer for him.
12:22
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Hopefully the Rockets don't come out flat the rest of the season! What do you say to the fans who want Beckman out after this season?
12:22
mmarkey@theblade.com: STeven-- they want it all, and nothing short of a national championship will do. any other school in the big ten, and most anywhere across the country, would be thrilled to win 80 percent of their games and dominate their league, but OSU fans don't consider that enough. they come after tressel following wins, when they don't like the way the buckeyes won. crazy, but true
12:22
[Comment From Photodan]
After one game?
12:23
zsilka@theblade.com: Ollie, I still look at Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan as having a higher NFL stock, but Hiller will get plenty of consideration from GMs at the next level.
12:24
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets, I don't think anybody -- especially in the MAC -- would fire a coach after one bad game in his first season. UT officials know the talent level Beckman is working with and he will be given ample time to build his program.
12:24
[Comment From Brutus]
Ohio State's chances to run the table in the regular season, Matt?
12:25
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
I don't see him being let go either, nor do I want him to be let go. I think he is the perfect fit for the Rockets. I'm just going off of what is being spread around the BB's after "The worse loss in UT history"
12:26
[Comment From Photodan]
I wouldn't call this the worst loss in UT history. Maybe the worst effort...
12:26
mmarkey@theblade.com: Bru-- the chances are decent. biggest test will come at Penn State, likely a night game, insane atmosphere, the usual stuff. plus they will be foaming at the mouth over pryor, who left the state to play for the Buggeyes. next toughest will be Iowa in Columbus. they look like the Iowa we all know and love -- tough, methodical, and playing it close to the vest until the opponent makes a mistake.
12:27
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets, It's not the worst loss in UT history by any means. And if UT loses to Miami, it won't even be the worst loss this season. I've also learned to stay away from message boards after tough losses like UT experienced Saturday.
12:27
Are you happy with UT and Tim Beckman this season?
Yes
( 100% )
No
( 0% )
To be seen
( 0% )
12:27
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Seems like they are embarrassed after Saturday's performance. I don't think that happens again.
12:29
[Comment From Photodan]
They should be embarrassed after relapsing to the same underperforming habits from last year. I really hope that it prompts them to change for good.
12:29
[Comment From Brutus]
Your opinion of the post-Tiller Boilermakers, Matt?
12:29
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--I agree they were embarassed after the game and like I said, I think they got the wake-up call they needed.
12:29
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
We're on the Beckman bandwagon. He has a lot of work to do, both on and off the field, but with his great coaching staff, they'll get the job done.
12:30
[Comment From Photodan]
Did anyone see the play that injured Opelt? Was it the trick play where he lined up as a wideout?
12:32
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
PhotoDan - I didn't see it.
12:32
zsilka@theblade.com: Photodan--Still trying to figure out when the injury occured. Beckman said it happened late in the first quarter, but there was a 7-yard run on the same drive where he came out of the game and after that he seemed to really start favoring the shoulder.
12:33
zsilka@theblade.com: That was midway in the second quarter
12:33
[Comment From Brutus]
Any chance Pryor says heck with it and plays basketball?
12:35
[Comment From Photodan]
Since it wasn't a catastrophic event, maybe there's hope for Opelt yet this season.
12:37
zsilka@theblade.com: Photodan--I'd like to believe that also, but nobody was talking at UT last night about the injury, which also makes me wonder if there's something serious going on.
12:37
mmarkey@theblade.com: Bru-- there is a reason Tiller decided to drop the headset and go fly fishing. there was not a lot of talent on hand, and he got tired of getting kicked around by the big ten tough guys.
12:37
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Toledo can still beat NIU this Saturday, IMO. What matchup problems with the Huskies should concern Toledo?
12:38
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--there's also cause for concern if your starting QB is banged up. Beyond that, though, UT's secondary needs to start performing better or Chandler Harnish will pick them apart like Hiller did.
12:40
[Comment From Big10]
Who is Ohio State's biggest competition in the BigTen?
12:40
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
NIU is a pretty good running team too. I think they can attack us at any angle.
12:41
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets, NIU is a very solid team and they completely dominated Western. But the Huskies also have a little Jekyll & Hyde in them because they've not shown they can be consistently dominant from game-to-game.
12:41
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Toledo's cornerbacks are both under 6 feet tall. I would think opposing QB's would be looking to exploit that matchup.
12:43
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Zach, hopefully the team that played Idaho comes to the Glass Bowl.
12:43
mmarkey@theblade.com: Big 10 -- the competition comes from Iowa and Penn State. I don't see anyone else who can play with these three, although Michigan might have that kind of presence by late Nov.
12:43
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--Yep, and when you throw in the fact that they are young and inexperienced, I'm sure that leaves most QBs licking their chops.
12:44
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--the Idaho loss is exactly what I was thinking about. Never know what team is going to show up when NIU takes the field.
12:45
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Zach - What does Toledo need to do to help these 2 corners? Play a lot of zone? I'd like to see Church blitz and not have to stay back to help prevent the long ball.
12:46
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--UT hasn't been able to use Church much in the pass rush because they need his help in coverage. Desmond Marrow has been working with the secondary a practice and trying to help them along, but clearly there's still work to be done.
12:46
[Comment From Big10]
You think Michigan will be competition by the time they play Ohio State? Michigan State handled them pretty well, despite the pressure that comes with that game. Too bad the Spartans and the Buckeyes don't play this year.
12:47
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Marrow looks to be a redshirt this season, is that correct?
12:47
[Comment From Brutus]
Is part of the reason the Buckeyes don't turn to anyone at QB, that they don't have anyone else? I mean, Bauserman? Really?
12:48
mmarkey@theblade.com: Big 10 -- Michigan has the potential, but they seem to be at a crossroads right now. the QB nonsense has to end for them to settle down. can't recall a system where bouncing back and forth between two guys has ever worked long-term.
12:48
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--Beckman mentioned last week that they were looking into a redshirt for Marrow, yes. But he will need to petition the NCAA for a sixth-year because he's already taken a medical redshirt earlier in his career.
12:49
mmarkey@theblade.com: Bru-- Bauserman is decent, but I don't think Tressel will go to him unless there is an injury. Tressel is concerned with Pryor's mechanics and his footwork, but a bigger concern is his confidence, and the confidence the offense has in him. If tressel bails on pryor, all that goes out the window and they essentially start over.
12:50
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Do you think recruits left with a bad taste in their mouth after the WMU game? Or can they justify it's Beckman's first season and they want to be apart of bringing UT back to the top of the MAC?
12:51
zsilka@theblade.com: Rockets--That's the way Beckman and his staff will sell the loss. 'Hey, if you thought we stunk, then come help us change it' And that pitch often works in recruiting. Just look at Michigan. They still managed to bring in a great talent in Tate Forcier even though they went 3-9 last season.
12:51
[Comment From Tank]
How does Deron Carter look?
12:53
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
I know it depends on which NIU team comes to Toledo, and which UT guys put on the pads, but what are the oddsmakers this week? 4-3 or drop to 3-4 overall?
12:53
zsilka@theblade.com: I'll withhold my opinion on that until I find out about Opelt's injury later this afternoon.
12:53
mmarkey@theblade.com: Tank, they like carter, and he looks like the best of the young guys at receiver. with his dad's influence, we can assume he knows the nuances of playing the position, and he appears to be very coachable. the test comes when he has to catch the ball and take a lick over the middle. lots of incoming freshmen have never felt a hit like that first one from a safety at full speed.
12:54
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Assuming Opelt is healthy and plays?
12:54
zsilka@theblade.com: That's the key
12:54
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Is Beckman holding a press conference at 2? Will we find the results from the blades website?
12:55
zsilka@theblade.com: Yep. I plan on sending in that story to our online desk as soon as I get it.
12:55
zsilka@theblade.com: award-winning online desk I might add.
12:56
[Comment From Brutus]
More playing time for Small after that return? He's faaaaast.
12:56
toledoblade:
Thanks, Zach.
12:56
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Do you get sidelines pass for the games or are you in the booths?
12:57
zsilka@theblade.com: Press box. Media is allowed on the field for the final 5 minutes of play, however.
12:57
mmarkey@theblade.com:
Bru-- he has sloooowwly worked his way into the first receiving corps, and should be on the field more and more as the season goes on. it takes one screw up to get in Tressel's doghouse, and a long penance to get out.
Nothing fancy about that TD return -- he caught it and ran straight up the field.
12:57
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
I see. Well I'll be back around 2 for the good news
12:57
zsilka@theblade.com: Sounds good
12:58
[Comment From letsgorocketsdotcom]
Looking forward to more Rocket news later in the week about the upcoming game. GO ROCKETS!
12:58
toledoblade: Thanks for participating in today's chat. See you next week.
12:59
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