Grading the Bucks--Week 2 UCF

Many were frustrated with the 15 point win against the Golden Knights, but I would posit that UCF was the 4-5 toughest opponent on our schedule.  With that being said, there are still many issues that need to be worked out.  I think the game was better than most starry-eyed Buckeye fans thought, but this is not a world beater of a team.  It's a very good team, but not elite...yet.

Offense: B

The Knights made Braxton put on a show to beat them which is not what OSU needed.  I still firmly believe that the backs are being criminally under-utilized.  Braxton has learned the safe underneath throws, but he needs to be able to challenge the safeties deep to keep the secondary honest (the interception was just gross).  I haven't seen enough of that which will lead to some jumped routes against a better team.  Receiver execution was good enough.  The run-blocking (both the line and the second level blocking of the receivers) has been fantastic.  This appears to be our strength which is why I'm confused that we don't run a little more.  Finally, the dynamism of Miller's running ability is unquestioned...but he cannot tote the rock that often.  His 'ouchy' nature will catch up with us if we don't start to take it easy on him.

Defense: C+

Only 16 points given up, but we were fortunate.  Orhian Johnson played a spectacular game, and probably single-handedly cost UCF another 7-10 points.  The secondary still has plenty of issues and it just gets thinner with no Travis Howard (even though, I don't have much respect for his abilities).  I'm more concerned about the defensive line.  We have total studs on the line, but we're getting little to no pressure.  More concerning to me, was the lack of strong tackling that allowed the Golden Knights to develop a running game.  That can't happen if these lineman are as strong as advertised.  I gave a pass against Miami (OH) because of the game-plan.  UCF ran a more traditional offense and we needed turnovers to keep a 2 score lead--can't happen at THE Ohio State University vs. this UCF team.

Special Teams: A-

Good punting, good coverage, good kicking.  The blocked PAT pushes them to an A-.  Not too much to discuss but I liked what I saw.

Coaching: B-

I get what Urban is doing, but going for a 4th and 1 is a bit risky on your side of the field early on.  Yes, we're Ohio State.  Yes, we should get it. Yes, it's a culture change.  But if you go,  you better have a good playcall and you'd better get it.  UCF is not a scrub team (no matter what the media tells you).  I'm ok rolling the dice, but that went a little far.  The second time we went for it, I firmly believe Meyer did it as a message.  I'm convinced that, had we not converted, the entire backup offense would have been in next series.  Sending messages is one thing...against Miami (OH), but this is not a nobody team.  Also, if you go for it and you want to change the old culture, don't run a simple off tackle run.  Be creative!  Braxton's use is a major coaching issue as well.  Meyer said this week that he didn't want Miller running more than 12-13 times in a game (on a called play).  Miller has QB runs on 27 plays! This is way too high for a guy who has never played a complete season in his high-school or college career.  He is our best player, and you have to use him; just don't overuse him.  He won't be able to take those hits from MSU.

Overall: B

Many locals have crushed the Buckeyes for the 'tight' win.  I still think it was a nice hard-fought win, but there are things that need to be cleaned up.  The margin isn't the concern in my mind.  The concern was the overall level of execution.  I don't see any issues over the next 2 weeks so A performances are expected.  If we play like we did this week, we won't be Sparty.  Please, stop talking about these ridiculous national championship scenarios and focus on each game at a time.