TBDBITL TIDBITS
 
The 41st TBDBITL Alumni Band reunion has come and gone for another year.  Perfect weather, along with capacity crowds in St. John Arena and the Horseshoe, made was a great way for 800 or so marching band alumni to gather for "one more time" down the ramp entrance.  I'm happy for every year I can go back to Old Columbustown and perform reasonably well with a group of folks I've known for my entire (mostly) adult life.
 
Especially fun was the floating anchor drill at halftime.  Last performed in 1931, this moving formation actually preceded the incomparable Script Ohio and was quite revolutionary at that time.  Anytime TBDBITL attempts a drill with that many turns on an hour and a half of field practice time it is a significant challenge. 
 
If the stirring rendition of the Navy Hymn last Saturday by OSUMB didn't bring a tear to your eye, then the play of the offensive line certainly did.  For all the pre-season talk about our new "nasty" offensive hosses, it looked pretty much like the same old bunch of underachievers to me. 
 
Too harsh?  When we can't pick up a 4th and 2 while going in for the clinching TD against Navy then something is wrong up front.  I admire JT for taking the blame publicly for the call; I hope that privately he is up the backside of the offensive coaches to get this group motivated to perform.
 
My one game analysis is this; the Buckeyes will go as far this year as Terrelle Pryor can carry us.  And that may be pretty far considering he is now 10-1 as the starting QB.   He has obvious control of the offense and seems pretty unflappable out there.  And his mobility helps negate the ineffective offensive line play noted earlier. 
 
Looking ahead to U$C can give you heartburn.  Scoring 56 points in 3 quarters of play and amassing 620 yards of offense is on the early-2009 resume they bring to town next week.  And their "inexperienced" frosh QB?  He passed for 233 yards in his debut.  Stats like that give Pete Carroll time during the week to practice the chorus line dancing we saw the Trojans perform along the sidelines in the Rose Bowl last year at Penn State's expense.
 
Speaking of that juvenile sideline stuff, the only high stepping I want them doing is in the privacy of the locker room before the game as OSUMB performs the ramp.  We are not to be embarrassed like that ever...especially not in the Horseshoe at night.
 
My plan for Saturday night is simple.  We are showing up at Dan McGuinness Pub early for dinner and then enjoy the game with at least 100 (or more) Buckeye faithful.  Maybe we can actually win a big game and, for one night at least, muzzle Mark May.
 
GO BUCKS!  YEA OHIO