Grading the Bucks--Week 3: California

Offense: A
No Braxton, no problem.  Kenny G was masterful (granted, against a horrid Cal defense) and Hall was above average.  I'm still not sold on Jordan Hall up the middle/breaking tackles (enter Carlos Hyde), but he has good vision.  Wilson was spectacular as usual.  The only complaint I have is that the QB sneak is a legal play. Going for it on 4th and inches is fine, but these shotgun sweep plays are super frustrating.  There is simply too much chance for a negative play.  Back on Guiton, he was running the option (on the few plays that it was called) flawlessly.  I have the highest faith in Kenny G and expect him to be a viable threat in Urban's arsenal after Braxton returns.

Defense: C-
Not. Good. Enough.  Cal has a very good offense with some explosive playmakers, but our defense was out of position and missed way too many tackles.  Roby had a horrid game which cannot happen going forward.  The linebackers are often overpursuing and missing tackles. The defensive line has been a positive in my mind, but they need to shut the door to prevent exposure of the secondary.  If Roby doesn't return to form of a shut down corner, we better hope the O keeps chugging.  Bryant and Barnett improved on the tackling front, but are still not starring in any 'how to tackle' films.  The scoring defense needs to tighten up.

Special Teams: A-
Nothing bad, but nothing good.  I honestly don't remember much about our special teams this week (which is usually a good thing).  No missed kicks/blocked kicks so I'll take it.

Coaching: B
I would have given an easy A, but I can't get the shotgun on 4th an inches out of my mind.  QB sneak for 99% of the teams out there will give you a yard every time.  If you're OSU vs. Cal...100% success rate.  I was completely comfortable with the choices to go for it on 4th down, but go with the higher percentage play.  Practice a few plays under center.  Diversity in playcalling is important (even if that isn't your base package).

Overall: B+
Let's be honest: Cal sucks.  Defense needs to improve and offense needs to keep it up.  What we really learned was Buckeye Nation is crazy supportive.  That was a clear home crowd (around 60/40 OSU advantage) 2000 yards away from Columbus.  Well done.