Grading the Bucks--Week 6: Northwestern

Offense: C+
The Buckeye offense left much to be critiqued this week.  First let me say, Northwestern is good.  Unfortunately, their defense is not.  This should have been a field day for Braxton and the receivers going up against the B1G's 12th ranked pass defense, but alas, it was among Miller's worst games.  I'd love to give more credit simply based on the fantastic performance of Carlos Hyde, but there were too many errors elsewhere.  3 turnovers (2 fumbles were horrible) are usually a dagger, but the O responded when needed.  Why can't we keep this early explosive offense going?  Where is Dontre Wilson?  When did Braxton forget how to throw a 5 yard fade?  And, one of my biggest pet peeves, where has the quick slant gone?  Our receivers are good enough to make plays in space given the chance.  Hyde was phenomenal in his vision and toughness, but he shouldn't have to be the only weapon on this talent-laden roster.  One final note: Urban absolutely made the right call in sticking with Braxton.  The fumbles were inexcusable, but the interception was an easy TD if his arm wasn't hit.  Braxton did not play well, but a quick trigger in a hostile environment to bring in Kenny could very easily have cost us not only in that game, but down the road.

Defense: B-
This defense is simply not as good as past Bullet defenses.  That being said, they tightened up in the redzone well and played pretty well against an extremely talented Northwestern team.  30 points should never be the goal of any defense, but, post-game, I was somewhat pleased with the defense.  Northwestern is explosive and the Buckeyes exhibited a classic bend-don't-break defense.  The pass defense needs serious work, but the line was playing very well.  I wish that more teams ran the ball because I like the run defense.  Seems like the Buckeyes can use a Ryan-esque defense in which the goal is to get the QB before they can throw.  We can't seem to cover with any number of people in coverage.  Let's also not forget the defensive TD that cost Vegas $100 million.

Special Teams: B+
Blocked punt...BOOM.  Huge momentum swing and really gave OSU some belief back when they were on the ropes.  The kicking game was fine even if someone got some punt return yards this week.  This unit has been pretty solid all year. That fake punt was terrible but I don't blame the unit.

Coaching: D
Credit the coaches for sticking with Miller (I really don't think they were that close to pulling him).  That was a good decision.  Otherwise.... Let's examine a fake punt on 4th and 9.  Woof.  I get the 'surprise' factor, but come on.  The return team didn't bail and the punter had no blocking setup...and he needed 9 yards!!! On the road, taking a risk like this isn't sneaky, it's stupid.  In addition, the Buckeyes seemed to be getting pressure on the QB when blitzing.  Every time a big down came up, we consistently dropped 8 into coverage and were picked apart.  Blitzing may open you to a big play, but sometimes you need to trust the athletes to make a play in the backfield.  It is a risk, but a calculated one.  Offensively, there still seemed to be a few too many designed runs for Braxton.  Also, quick slant!!!  We need to get more inventive throwing the ball other than 'bomb'.

Overall: B-
Big win against a very good opponent in their biggest home game ever.  Credit for the win, but expectations are always higher in Columbus.