Ohio State needs Schiano to coach with instinct, not a call sheet
After watching the Ohio State defense get shredded by Maryland, I continued to wonder why Greg Schiano refuses to take his head out of his call sheet and call the game on instinct and emotion?
For most of the season the Ohio State defensive coordinator’s eyes have been buried in his call sheet. I have secretly wished that Urban Meyer would walk over, grab it and tear it up in front of everyone.
Every week I watch great defensive coordinators like Brent Venables roam the sidelines with passion directing their units without the use of any cheat sheets.
At this point, it is safe to say that method is not working. The defense is giving up 24.6 points-per-game and ranks No. 63 in rushing allowing 161.3 yards-per-game.
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Numerous excuses have been given to explain the up and down play. Injuries, youth, loss of Nick Bosa. I could understand a slight dip in play, but 11 games into the season the defense is making the same mistakes as it was in game one.
Is that on the coaches, players or both?
My gut says it is mostly coaching. It appears that this unit does not want to play for Schiano. Coupled with Billy Davis’ inability to develop the linebackers, the unit is lacking cohesion.
Given the turmoil to start the season and lack of defensive firepower, I believe it is a minor miracle the team is 10-1 with a chance to win the Big Ten East and play for the Big Ten Championship and perhaps more.
Michigan stands in the way and despite all the noise around Jim Harbaugh bringing his best team into the Horseshoe, the Buckeyes should win the game.
Buckeyes still No. 2 in B1G power rankings after Week 12. dark. Next
Schiano just needs to look up from his call sheet and get his unit in position to make plays. If he does that, Ohio State will win the game.