Grading the Bucks: PSU

Nice win in a tough environment.  Credit where credit is due, this is game showed me more maturity which is a huge plus going forward.

Offense: B+
We still have work to do.  I know I'm a broken record, but this offense, while far better than last year, is still very raw.  Miller showed what makes him special, but also showed what makes him so frustrating to watch.  His 1 yard TD run was spectacular and video-game-esque....but let's not forget about his inability to throw a decent pass.  Once he becomes a semi-competent passer...look out! I was quite impressed with the PSU defense who really showed up and brought the lumber.  Hyde never really got going, but Braxton's feet made the difference.  Also, a Stoneburner sighting was a pleasant surprise.  Miller needs to learn to go through his progression and get away from the progression of 1) Smith, 2) Smith, 3) run.  While he is the most dynamic player, the QB option that we run is not nearly as effective as it could be because Braxton refuses to hand the ball off (and the defense is figuring it out).  PSU stuffed those read options until Braxton handed the ball off and it completely stifled them--they couldn't fathom the handoff.  I know I'm tough on Braxton, but that's because I KNOW he has the physical skills to be one of the best of all time.  He just needs to embrace the expectations and keep chipping away.  What if he connects on those screens, slants, and bombs? The ridiculous runs won't be needed to pull away.  He's been the starter for over a year; it's time to step up a become the mature leader the offense needs...not just the best player on the team.

Defense: A-
PSU is not an exceptionally dynamic offense, but McGloin has been extremely efficient.  The Bullets seemed to come back as they shut him down cold and made the Lions (finally) look like the sanctions have hit.  Shazier was spectacular (maybe he should keep 48) with a pick 6 and multiple key plays.  Roby had a good (not great) game in which he showed his mastery of the Malcolm Jenkins defense (get burnt, make amazing recovery to break up the pass, rinse, repeat).  The line jammed up the middle and Boren/LBs looked reasonably confident in their abilities.  Don't go crazy, Penn State isn't Oregon, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.

Special Teams: D
Another blocked punt...that cannot happen.  Total momentum was given over to the Lions in a tough environment due to a breakdown in blocking (I think Zack Boren blocked outside in rather than inside out).  Can't let Buchanan off the hook as he takes a week to get those punts off.  On the road, a fundamentally sound kicking game is of paramount importance (see Indiana).  Everything else on special teams was so-so, but that giant blackeye (3 blocked punts already!!) really hurts this unit.

Coaching: B+
Bland offensive playcalling again, yet effective.  I thought the defensive gameplan was finally effective so I'll give them credit.  Get Braxton comfortable throwing the ball on offense (the quick slant is a very effective and simple play that I still haven't seen nearly enough).  More creativity is always what I want rather than the 'Go be good, Braxton!' offense we see now.

Overall: B+
Penn State was a lot of fool's gold so let's bring it down to earth.  They aren't great, but the Buckeye's played well as a whole.  Beating PSU doesn't make us ready for Bama, but that is a very tough place to play.  Good for the Bucks; keep it rolling.