Boeckman and the Boo Birds

No, that's not some Jimmy Page side project from the 70's that you've never heard of. It's what unfolded yesterday in the 'Shoe.

Much maligned and badmouthed OSU QB Todd Boeckman saw his reign as starting QB and certified pussy-magnet come to an end yesterday. No one was all that surprised, and I'm assuming that includes Boeckman.

Things seemed to start off well enough for TB. He towed the company line and offered to pay his own way during his first year at Ohio State, thus maintaining a year of eligibility while Justin Zwick and Troy Smith duked it out for the top stop. That didn't turn out to be quite the battle that folks thought it would be.

Justin Zwick of course came in with the accolades and Smith was the afterthought. Only Troy Smith's own discretion's would ultimately limit him, causing him to miss several games including the Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State as a result. Even all that couldn't keep Troy from claiming the Heisman Trophy.

Who would have guessed that Todd Boeckman would find himself in a similar situation? Like Justin Zwick, TB appeared to be the heir apparent. During the greatest ride of his life, Boeckman would lead the Buckeyes to the national title game, would be the Big Ten's most efficient passer, and would even garner brief Heisman consideration of his own.

Then it all came crashing down.

Todd Boeckman did well enough against mediocre competition. When facing any team with a pulse, it seems TB is woefully overmatched. To wit:

- The QB didn't cost the Buckeyes the game against Illinois, but he certainly didn't help

- He didn't cost the Buckeyes the game against Michigan, but he certainly didn't help

- He didn't cost the Buckeyes the game against LSU, but he certainly didn't help

And so on, and so on...

This all culminated against USC in the Coliseum a week ago. We didn't know it at the time but that would be it for the Todd Boeckman era. Barring an injury to Terrelle Pryor, I doubt we will ever see TB play significant minutes for Ohio State again.

It should be pointed out that while the change at the QB position is needed, by no means is Todd Boeckman solely to blame for the struggles of the team over the last five games or so. He is getting no help from his offensive line, no help from his receivers and no help from his coaches.

The most obvious example of this in my mind was the decision to run option with TB behind center against USC. WHAT IN GOD'S NAME ARE THE COACHES THINKING?

You have Terrelle Pryor, a world-class athlete on the sideline ready to play, and yet you decide to get cute and run an option with Todd-fucking-Boeckman under center? HUH? Why not just take a knee and then punt on third down?

To call that play once was bad. Perhaps you could catch the defense sleeping, PERHAPS. After it's sniffed out and stuffed once though? WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU RUN THAT AGAIN? Did you think Boeckman was suddenly going to turn into Randall Cunningham or Michael Vick?! WAKE UP!!

So anyway, as I said, it was time for the change. Boeckman might have the...grades(?), but Pryor definitely has the upside. The sooner they get TP up to speed the better for everyone.

HOWEVER, that all being said, why did they need to boo Boeckman yesterday after he threw one incompletion? That was classless.

I would never say that college football players should be immune to a little criticism. After having a rough stretch though and clearly demonstrating that his confidence is shot, why do people need to pile on Boeckman?

It was obvious that the coaches were already going in another direction. Terrelle Pryor started the fucking game. What did you think? Boeckman was going to come in, throw one good pass and then Tressel wouldn't go back to Pryor?

Had I been sitting in the 'Shoe near anyone booing Boeckman yesterday I would have gotten up and damn-near smacked that asshole. Why are you booing? These guys aren't pro's, they're college kids. Sure they're not "regular" college kids but still kids nonetheless.

How'd you like it if someone came to your job and yelled at you while you spilled coffee all over the break room floor? Assholes.

The facts are, everyone that was booing Todd Boeckman yesterday was merely voicing their displeasure with their own disappointing life. It's not Todd Boeckman's fault that things haven't turned out the way you'd hoped they would fatass.

Hang in there TB. The real Ohio State fans still got your back.