One of the things Matt Ray and AP pointed out in the post game minipod was that even in the "middle 8" mins of the game when the coaches were drawing up plays to attack exactly what OSU was doing ...we couldnt get anyone open to throw the ball. Nico carried us down the field for that TD. We couldn't get anyone open ALL NIGHT. Its not like Nico missed them, he had 1 bad throw that I saw and a terrible drop by Brazzell who has been a disappointment this season after being a freshman AA last year...but we couldn't get anyone open to throw to. The pocket actually held up decent half the time.
OSU has arguably the best Safety in FBS. Likely 1st or early 2nd round pick. Their corners are just 4 star guys like ours. The difference IMO is that their secondary practices every day against 4 different 5* WRS. Including the 2 starters outside that could go pro right now and likely be 1st or 2nd round guys. Better than anyone on our roster...including Matthews as a freshman who hasnt played much. No matter who OSU plays, they are going against inferior WRs than what they practice against everyday. Oregon might be as good at WR...maybe. Thats it. Those guys shut us down like nobody has been able to so far in the Hype era. It was ugly.
We arent at a Championship level yet, that was obvious. I dont think any of you guys actually thought we were gonna run that impossible gauntlet and win it all this year? I sure didnt. I didnt think we would get beaten pretty badly though the way we did. Without Sampson though, nobody would have given us a chance yesterday that has any sense. We have gaps in our roster and a talent deficit between us and the top 2 or 3 teams though. We are gonna have to fix that to take the next step. I dont think we are nearly as bad as we looked yesterday though. That stupid, ridiculous face mask by Eason was an absolute killer and took away a 3 and out on their 1st posession. Losing Sampson after only 2 carries sealed the deal. We are a better team than yesterdays result would indicate IMO...despite this being a rebuilding year that most of us thought was 9-3 and a bowlgame before the season started.