Jim Tressel sticks by Terrelle Pryor
Not surprisingly, Jim Tressel has indicated he is not planning on benching Terrelle Pryor or giving backup Joe Bauserman any playing time. As I mentioned the other day, Tressel has to consider benching Pryor at some point given the way he’s playing, but that none of us should hold our breath.
Tressel did what he had to do. If he still has any hope of Pryor emerging as a good quarterback for Ohio State, he needs to publicly support the kid when he’s down.
That said, there’s no doubt in my mind that Tressel in running various scenarios in his head. Pryor seems to be getting worse, and at some point Tressel’s hand will be forced if Pryor doesn’t improve. Naturally, Tressel will do all in his control to prevent that scenario, but he’s certainly thought it through.
I think everyone was thinking that Pryor might benefit from a series on the bench during the second half of the Purdue game. But the reality is that Tressel must have zero confidence in Bauserman. We painted ourselves into a corner with Pryor and now we need to coach this kid up.
QB coach Nick Siciliano is really on the hot seat here. Pryor’s regression combined with this guy’s lack of qualifications would seem to indicate he’s in way over his head. Tressel needs to step in and help figure out a way to enable Pryor to succeed. Tressel can not give up on Pryor or else we’ll never get another star QB recruit again. The only option is to get to work on improvement.
The Rose Bowl is still out there for us if the ship can be turned around. If not, a major shakeup on the coaching staff will be most necessary in the offseason. It’s very sad to say that Pryor closer resembles Stanley Jackson than Troy Smith right now, but there is still time for him to develop. However, it needs to start happening this week vs Minnesota.
Good point – He does look more like Jackson.
I’ve wanted Tressel to bring in an offensive coordinator for years. Coaching Pryor and the offense is a full-time job, and Tressel is spreading himself way to thin by insisting on calling the plays.
He needs to put his ego aside and bring in a real offensive coordinator.
Looks like Tressel’s faith in sticking with Pryor is working out pretty good now. The people who were saying he should be moved to wide receiver sure feel dumb now I hope! It’s not hard to imagine the Purdue game being the last time Pryor loses at OSU. Let me know if you’re interested in a report from Ann Arbor on November 21.