Grading the Bucks--Ohio U (week 3)

Another shellacking but still some critical comments for the Scarlet and Gray

Offense: B+
Again, 34 in the 1st half? What do they need to do to get that coveted A??? This offense certainly clicked through the air this week and Pryor was solid for the first 28 minutes. I can't give an A to a team that has yet to establish a running game. Against OU, the Buckeyes should have run it right through them, but it just didn't happen. The interior line seems fine on pass protection, but not nasty enough to run it down their throats. Also, Pryor's INTs were, plain and simple, bad. He lofted them up into coverage which is a no-no. I understand the game was over, but the offense was way too 'bored' in the late 1st and entire 2nd half. Regardless of the score, the offense needs to play with a sense of urgency at all times.

Defense: A
Another great game by the Silver Bullets. Total 1st half dominance exhibited in which I don't think Ohio broke the 50. Also, 5 more turnovers to add to the total. I know it was Ohio, but that's quality no matter who it's against. Not too much to complain about here other than the garbage touchdown at the end. With our DLine, we still need a little more pressure on the QB when we enter Big 10 play. Little concerned about the injuries to the Buckeye secondary but I think we'll be ok.

Special Teams: C-
Nothing special about our return teams but nothing wrong there either. The coverage teams were much better this week but don't forget that OU returned a kickoff (thanks to some blocks in the back). Even with penalties, you cannot let OU (or anyone) return kicks. It was of course called back, but the refs miss those often so need better coverage. The placekicking was fine so no complaints. The big mark on this unit is a blocked punt....against Ohio. Are you serious? Buchanan actually punted pretty well, but the protection scheme is terrible. Tressel needs to fix these special teams gaffes as we go forward.

Coaching: B
Ok OSU coaches. You listened to me with regard to Stoneburner and started using the spectacular TE, and for that, I thank you. I have one major problem with the playcalling in that the Buckeyes refused to establish a running game. I know we started a bit slow on the ground, but it seemed like Pryor passed 4 times more than he handed off (I'm not counting the scrambles since those were called passes). The defense seemed to sit back a bit but no complaints on the defensive playcalling, but the offense played a little too much of a run and shoot style rather than a Big Ten, Woody Hayes, 3 yards and a cloud of dust style. Note, I love the pass and don't think we need to regress back to the ages of run run run, but you need to mix it up. When the foes are stronger, you can't throw all day with the threat of the run or they'll spy Pryor and drop the rest into coverage. This is a big point of concern for the Bucks.

Once again, great game by the Bucks. Next week will probably be far uglier. Eastern Michigan is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad. Until then, GO OHIO, BEAT THE EAGLES!