Calling 'em as I see 'em

Sporting News, The, Nov 22, 1999 by Sean Deveney

Failure to prepare what has doomed Buckeyes

After a humiliating home loss, 46-20, to Illinois, Ohio State coach John Cooper said, "I take the blame for this loss. We did not play like we should be at this part of the season."

Coaches always say this sort of thing, taking blame for the lousy performances of their players. But this time, Cooper is right. It is his fault.

Most of Cooper's tenure in Columbus has been spent on the hot seat and, in his defense, the criticism often has been unfair. But Cooper did not have the Buckeyes ready for this season, and they never should have opened the year playing Miami (Fla.) in the Kickoff Classic. Ohio State was too young, having had three players selected in the first round of the NFL draft last spring and quarterback Joe Germaine, the '98 Big Ten offensive player of the year, going in the fourth round. But that's old hat for the Buckeyes. They should be used to losing players.

This year they weren't, entering the season with sophomore Steve Bellisari at quarterback. He had three career completions before the season, and his inexperience has hurt. Against Illinois, Bellisari was 9-of-24 for 133 yards.

Bellisari's backup, Austin Moherman, also has struggled. That lack of production at quarterback is a big reason the Buckeyes are 6-5 and must win at Michigan to earn a bowl bid.

To prevent a repeat of this season, the Buckeyes must be better prepared. Next year, for instance, they lose two interior offensive linemen and their top running back. They must have adequate replacements ready, or Cooper will get more heat.

Sean Deveney is an associate editor for THE SPORTING NEWS.