Offense: B+
MVP: JT Barrett
All you haters need to step up and take it. The Wisconsin defense is really REALLY good (better than I expected) and the environment in Camp Randall is known to be crazy. This team of younguns went in with a 10 point deficit and rallied to win. JT is never going to set the world on fire passing, but he stepped up in a big way and showed his strengths. The running game was pretty good (let's not forget that Mike Weber kid) but JT hit some big passes down the stretch when needed. I think a lot of the questions about the offense can be addressed in scheme (I'll address below). Overall, the O-line showed some youth but JT was able to escape some pressure and get things done. This was the worst showing by the O-line but Wisconsin is far and away the best defense we've faced. The major knock on the offense is on the receivers. JT wasn't absolute perfection on every pass, but there were plenty that were catchable balls dropped by our receivers...and on key plays. Stone hands need to be a think of the past, especially in a tough place like Camp Randall. Also, MORE MIKE WEBER!
Defense: B
MVP: Chris Worley, Jerome Baker, Nick Bosa, Jalen Holmes
This unit was disappointing for most of the game as Wisconsin's offense just isn't that good. I'll give all the credit to Paul Chryst for developing a gameplan that accentuated his team's skill sets (the jet sweeps and power running game), but the OSU defense just seemed out of sorts against a QB who has done little to nothing all year and a running back who has failed to live up to the hype. The most disheartening aspect was watching the D-line get pushed around at times in the first half and the huge run by Clement deep in Wisconsin territory. I named Worley as an MVP because he never gave up on that play in which the defense just seemed to throw up their hands and quit. He almost forced a turnover and completely switched momentum but for an obscure (but correctly called) rule. The uptick came in the 2nd half and OT when the Bullets rose up and took control. The TD drive in the 4th quarter was no good, but Hornibrook laid an absolute beauty into the receivers hands on a crucial 3rd and 9 that was indefensible. When Hooker, Conley, and Company woke up, I loved the fire....let's not wait until the 3rd quarter next time.
Special Teams: B
MVP: Tyler Durbin
Dontre Wilson makes me crazy. He seems to be the new Jalin Marshall (although Marshall has had some nice returns). I have to hold my breath every time hoping he won't fumble punts...and I'm close to the point of recommending the Buckeyes let every punt drop without a punt returner. THe risk is just too great. That being said, the kicking specialists were fantastic. Johnston was his usual quick kicking phenom, but Tyler Durbin going into that environment with his lack of experience and drilling 3 KEY field goals is just amazing. Cannot give him enough credit.
Coaching: C
I thought the coaches dropped the ball this week in preparation. I need to give Wisconsin credit for a superior gameplan, but the talent on OSU's squad was outschemed for the entire first half which cannot happen. The lack of adjustment to the jet sweep is one thing (that was a new wrinkle...but it kept working!), but the offense looked out of sorts most of the game (somewhat due to the Badger D) and the defense seemed confused vs. a nobody QB. One other major concern was noticed by me and many of my friends: Urban seems to be forcing the ball to Curtis Samuel (a la Braxton Miller) to the point that the offense is losing flow. I get that Samuel is a special talent and he needs touches, but they should arise organically in the gameplan, not a required touch or three every series. I really like Mike Weber's between the tackle running style that seemed to work when needed, but pigeonholing Samuel into a situation for which he isn't suited scares me. The other major concern I have is the lack of an intermediate middle of the field passing game. I noticed that called passes always seem to be on the periphery of the field and either behind the line of scrimmage or 20 yards down field. JT's strength passing the ball is the short 5-10 yard pass and by ignoring the middle of the field the defense can cheat up on the run. When 3 and medium arose, the call always seemed to be a deep pass or a swing pass trying to get the playmaker in space. I think we need to utilize the entire field and hit the underneath throw (and the receivers need to catch the ball). There are many more options which will open up space for the playmakers by not being stale.
There was one aspect of coaching which was phenomenal this week and that was in-game decision making. I give Urban tons of credit for going for it on 4th down twice deep in Wisconsin territory. Many coaches shy away from that, especially on the road, but he made the absolute right call.
Overall: B+
My overall grade is higher than any single unit because winning at Camp Randall against a quality defense (and better offense than I though) is very very impressive. While there were things I think could have been approached differently in terms of offensive gameplan and defensive execution, this was a big win for this young team psychologically and practically. The team is solid and really excites me not just for this year but going forward.
Dontre Wilson makes me crazy. He seems to be the new Jalin Marshall (although Marshall has had some nice returns). I have to hold my breath every time hoping he won't fumble punts...and I'm close to the point of recommending the Buckeyes let every punt drop without a punt returner. THe risk is just too great. That being said, the kicking specialists were fantastic. Johnston was his usual quick kicking phenom, but Tyler Durbin going into that environment with his lack of experience and drilling 3 KEY field goals is just amazing. Cannot give him enough credit.
Coaching: C
I thought the coaches dropped the ball this week in preparation. I need to give Wisconsin credit for a superior gameplan, but the talent on OSU's squad was outschemed for the entire first half which cannot happen. The lack of adjustment to the jet sweep is one thing (that was a new wrinkle...but it kept working!), but the offense looked out of sorts most of the game (somewhat due to the Badger D) and the defense seemed confused vs. a nobody QB. One other major concern was noticed by me and many of my friends: Urban seems to be forcing the ball to Curtis Samuel (a la Braxton Miller) to the point that the offense is losing flow. I get that Samuel is a special talent and he needs touches, but they should arise organically in the gameplan, not a required touch or three every series. I really like Mike Weber's between the tackle running style that seemed to work when needed, but pigeonholing Samuel into a situation for which he isn't suited scares me. The other major concern I have is the lack of an intermediate middle of the field passing game. I noticed that called passes always seem to be on the periphery of the field and either behind the line of scrimmage or 20 yards down field. JT's strength passing the ball is the short 5-10 yard pass and by ignoring the middle of the field the defense can cheat up on the run. When 3 and medium arose, the call always seemed to be a deep pass or a swing pass trying to get the playmaker in space. I think we need to utilize the entire field and hit the underneath throw (and the receivers need to catch the ball). There are many more options which will open up space for the playmakers by not being stale.
There was one aspect of coaching which was phenomenal this week and that was in-game decision making. I give Urban tons of credit for going for it on 4th down twice deep in Wisconsin territory. Many coaches shy away from that, especially on the road, but he made the absolute right call.
Overall: B+
My overall grade is higher than any single unit because winning at Camp Randall against a quality defense (and better offense than I though) is very very impressive. While there were things I think could have been approached differently in terms of offensive gameplan and defensive execution, this was a big win for this young team psychologically and practically. The team is solid and really excites me not just for this year but going forward.
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