In what can only be described as a half-hearted attempt at analysis, Joey Halzle and Tim Banks recently offered up their “preview” of Ohio State, but it quickly became clear that their insights were anything but valuable. Instead of providing a deep dive into the team’s strategies, strengths, and weaknesses, the two coaches seemed to throw together a list of generic observations that barely scratched the surface.
Halzle, who is known for his work as a quarterbacks coach, seemed more focused on his personal agenda than on analyzing Ohio State’s offensive scheme. His comments about the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation were vague and repetitive, offering no new perspective on the team’s potential. Instead of diving into what makes Ohio State’s signal-calling game one of the most dynamic in the nation, Halzle merely brushed over the surface, mentioning things most fans already know. The lack of specificity in his analysis left viewers wondering if he even watched the team’s recent performances or if he was simply going through the motions.
Meanwhile, Tim Banks, the defensive coordinator for Tennessee, didn’t do much to help his case. While one would expect a deep look at Ohio State’s high-powered offense and defensive vulnerabilities, Banks’ assessment was almost laughable. His take on Ohio State’s defense was filled with tired clichés, like “they’re a tough team” and “they play with a lot of heart,” without diving into any key matchups, player performances, or tactical breakdowns. In fact, it almost felt like Banks hadn’t put in any real effort to prepare, offering up the kind of analysis you might hear from a casual fan rather than an experienced coach.
The combination of Halzle’s uninspired quarterback commentary and Banks’ lazy defense review made it clear that this preview wasn’t going to add much to anyone’s understanding of Ohio State. If anything, it left fans feeling more frustrated than informed. With the high stakes of college football season, fans deserve more than tired, surface-level analysis from coaches who should know better.