Grading the Bucks--Week 9 Wisconsin

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Just had to get that out.

Offense: B+
Braxton looked terrific under the lights but the star of the show remains Boom Herron and the O-line. Boom was running like a man possessed looking to carry the team. With that being said, Braxton really matured into a leader. When Wisky took that late lead, he was super-confident and composed to lead the Buckeyes to an ENORMOUS win with all on the table (great adjustment on that last pass to keep his eyes downfield and find the wide open receiver to crush the Badger's spirit!!). I can't say enough about the heart of the offense with some very questionable play calls. The option was run to perfection but the dive inside on every goal line play wasn't happening. Why no A? Braxton and Boom need to run North and South and hit the hole more consistently. I know that's nit-picking but it needs to be said. I question the lack of Carlos Hyde in the goal line situation and the insistence of using Jordan Hall in the backfield, but that's for the coaching section. The WRs need to catch the easy ones as Stoneburner and Philly Brown dropped some big ones (but Philly made up for it with some nice catches). Oh yeah, the key stat: 0 turnovers by the offense. HUGE PLUS!!

Defense: B+
This unit gets a straight up A for the heart and poise they showed....until those last few drives where they pulled a Houdini disappearing act. Christian Bryant made one key stop on a 3rd down, but was constantly missing important tackles (going for the pick on the first Badger TD, whiffing on key 3rd downs and going to sleep in the last 4 minutes). The secondary still has a LONG way to go but the good news is we don't play anyone for the rest of the year that can throw. Now to the excellent. The D-Line played possessed. Big Hank is a force that draws double teams on every single play and he still disrupts the play and John Simon will play at the next level without a doubt. The bigger plus is the fact that the Left Tackle (#58) as well as the remainder of the offensive line for Wisconsin was HOLDING ON EVERY PLAY!! With the occurring, John Simon was still a beast making key hurries, sacks, and ending Russell Wilson's Heisman run. If the comeback didn't happen in the last 4 minutes, I'd go with an A, but you can't give an A no matter how awesome the first 56 minutes were when you give up a 12 point lead in 4 minutes. Secondary is young, but played their hearts out. Look out for the defensive line next year. They will be among the best in the country (if they aren't already without Nate Williams).

Special Teams: B+
Another unit deserving an A+ if it weren't for one enormous brain fart. Basil was perfect (close but it still counts) on FGs and while the kickoff coverage was lax late (I don't think they started beyond the 20 until the 4th quarter), there were no huge game changers. In fact, the MVP of the special teams was Drew Basil for the 2 textbook tackles he had on kickoffs late (watch the replay, he looked better than Bryant and probably saved a TD!). Jordan Hall's fumble/turnover was a turning point that was the only thing that OSU could do to give the Badgers hope....can't do that. I don't care if he lost 20 yards on the return....catch the ball. He did redeem himself with an absolute MUST of a kickoff return at the end of the game, but it wouldn't have been needed without the muff. I love that he came back from adversity to save it but you need to know the situation. Buchanan was great on punts as he has been most of the year. Picky, but that's how I roll.

Coaching: B+
Nice job, Luke. Don't think it's enough to keep Meyer away, but I'll give credit for the gameplan and execution this week. Bollman called a pretty good game but the goalline offense was pedestrian (QB SNEAK IS ALLOWED!!!) and the choice of Hall in the backfield was a huge gaffe. The 4th and goal decision to go for it was very risky in my mind after the 3 straight failures up the gut but it worked (not saying a bad decision but tough call). I don't like punting from the opposing 38 when you have 3rd and 2. Run the ball twice instead of a bomb then punt. Again, it worked ok (pinned them deep and forced a punt), but I disagree with the decision. Hard to argue with success but I didn't like that one at all. Defensive fire and intensity was maintained all game even in the scary moments which is a credit to the coaches. I will question (as I do every week) the lack of screen and slant passes. It gives the QB confidence and it's EASY!! Especially when the defense was playing 20 yards off the line. Those plays MUST be instituted as we move forward considering we seriously have a chance of winning the B1G. Love the heart and focus from the team, love the execution for the most part, and....happier but not all the way with the playcalling. More short routes, more QB draws, more options, and more Boom. Less bombs, less Iso, less Dave....don't think that last will ever happen. Overall, great job beating the Badgers. Anytime they lose, a child smiles!