Commentary
After six years in college, quarterback Todd Boeckman is finally graduating from the Ohio State Buckeye football team.
Being an extremely passionate fan of Ohio State football, I can’t help but get angry when I hear people questioning Boeckman’s 2008 benching.
As if filling Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith’s shoes weren’t enough, Boeckman quickly made a positive name for himself in 2007. Through Boeckman’s first 10 starts, he averaged 196 passing yards per game, had thrown 23 touchdowns to only eight interceptions and only took 11 sacks, helping the Buckeyes cruise through their first 10 games.
Boeckman was sitting on top of Columbus until Illinois came rolling into town on Nov. 15, 2007. The Fighting Illini forced Boeckman into throwing three interceptions and taking two sacks in a 28-21 upset over the Buckeyes. Illinois figured out that if you take away the deep ball, then you take away Boeckman. Well-deserved blame suddenly surrounded him.
Including the loss to Illinios, Boeckman accounted for 132 passing yards per game, throwing four touchdowns to eight interceptions and took 14 sacks over his final six starts.
Defenses began to figure out Boeckman’s tendencies. During the loss to Illinois, he continued to fire into double coverage, forcing the ball down the field. Opposing teams decided to take away the deep ball and force Boeckman to check down.
The Buckeyes second game of 2008 against the Ohio Bobcats proved to me that Boeckman had lost his magic. Continuing to walk right into the defense’s hands, Boeckman held on to the ball too long and took three sacks against a far weaker defensive line. The Buckeyes averaged less than four yards per pass play against the Bobcats.
His terrible performance against the University of Southern California was enough for coach Jim Tressel.
The arrival of super-freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor could not have come at a more perfect time. With an overrated offensive line and receivers, Pryor had the athletic ability to escape from pressure when the line broke down or when the receivers couldn’t find separation. Would Boeckman have taken this team to the Fiesta Bowl? Think about it.
I still respect Boeckman. He could have been a terror to this team after his benching, complaining to every reporter in sight. But, he continued to live up to the standards of a senior captain at Ohio State.
Fare thee well, Todd Boeckman. Trust me, you will not be missed.