Offense: C+
MVP: Curtis Samuel
Well, that wasn't the explosive Buckeye offense we've seen sporadically this year. First things first, Michigan has a fantastic defense that lived up to the billing. Much of the Buckeye woes on offense were directly attributable to the Wolverine defense. JT was clearly not at his peak...in fact, he was downright bad at times, but the Michigan defense was playing at another level. I am concerned with the lack of improvement in JT's passing (he missed a few throws early on that he should have hit) as he seems to have devolved since his freshman year. He has also been late on his release too often. Is that lack of faith in himself, his receivers, or something else? No matter what, he needs to make his decision to throw quicker and follow through. I'm quite concerned with the offensive line play as well (especially the right side) that didn't protect JT well at all for most of the game. UM has some fantastic pass rushers, but 8 sacks is unacceptable. Bang on JT all you want for his passing, but when crunch time hit (and the coaches remembered his legs) he got it done on the ground. To explain some of JT's woes through the air and his success (and the O-line's positives on the ground) please look at this great film study by Eleven Warriors. Overall, they got the job done.
Defense: A-
MVP: Raekwon McMillan; Jerome Baker
The defense was an epitome of bend but don't break, but they were fantastic for most of the game. They were the story of the first half keeping the Bucks alive. I thought we should have had a bit more of a pass rush against an injured QB because when they got home, Speight made mistakes, but credit the UM coaching staff for an effective gameplan of short passes and getting the ball out quickly (take note Warinner and JT). Speight was throwing guys open early in the game, but the linebacker play was just phenomenal as the Bullets shut them down in the 2nd half. Jerome Baker's interception provided the belief and McMillan's play prevented UM's running game from coalescing. Worley was also all over the field. Hooker made a few mistakes in overpursuit but still had a great game. Secondary and linebackers won this game for us...and it wasn't close.
Special Teams: C-
Hmmmmm....2 missed kicks that were easily makeable nearly cost us dearly (with the first setting the momentum for the day), but Durbin came in and got it done late to send us to OT. The kick coverage was poo as well giving BuckeyeNation a heart attack at the end of regulation. Oh yeah, the fake punt? What was that? Had Hubbard held his block, maybe we'd be telling a different tale, but why (potentially) put the fate of the season on a D-lineman blocking? Once again, the lone bright spot was Cameron Johnston and his punting. His ability to flip the field was an absolute must with the Michigan punter Kenny Allen having a flawless game as well.
Coaching: C+
See above: why hasn't this staff been able to cure Mr. Barrett of his passing woes? I know he has the ability, but it never seems that he's in a position to succeed. Why not have more quick reads? Because of the receivers? Because he's regressed? Why isn't he running more? Look at the huge success on the first drive and the fourth quarter/OT. For those saying to protect him, I don't get it. This is the type of quarterback he is. He's built for this and he knows how to take a hit properly. Use his skills! The defense was great...no complaints. I'm glad they gave Durbin the shot for redemption in regulation and the call to go on 4th in OT was spot on, but the fake punt was baffling. If you're going to do it, I have no problem with it, but the personnel in the game for the Buckeyes should have been slightly altered to give the play a slightly better chance of success. Also, running the punter on 4th and 10 is a low probability even if the returning team is clueless about it.
Overall: A
Stop with the whining Buckeye fans. This was a HUGE win over a very very good team. I keep hearing "but that won't work against Alabama..." I also recall a lot of "but that won't work against Michigan" two weeks ago and they got it done. Maybe it wasn't pretty but this was a well fought victory against the best Michigan team since 2006 by a mile. Let's not forget that this was UM's best shot for a few years with the amount of veteran talent leaving unfulfilled...again...and the extreme youth in Columbus. Don't care if it was by hook or by crook. Beating TSUN is always an A in my book. Who's got it better than us?
Helmets: BUTT!!!!!
STOP IT WITH THE STUPID GIMMICKS! Give me this any I'll love you forever!
No comments:
Post a Comment