Grading the Bucks--Week 14: M!ch!g@n

Offense: A-
The offense was certainly not the issue in the close win thanks to Mr. Miller and Mr. Hyde.  This OSU ground game is fantastic (#2 in the nation behind Army).  While we have the most dynamic backfield in the nation, the Buckeye offensive line needs more credit.  They have been absolute studs frontlined by Jack Mewhort.  The downgrade comes from the incessant need to bomb downfield and the lack of short passes.  Braxton hasn't been right passing for the last few games.  The running game has hidden the blemishes in the passing game, but it's apparent to anyone watching the games.  That first pass attempt for Miller was an easy completion and he whiffed.  I've seen him perform far better and expect more.  Don't fall into the trap of excusing it for a better defense.  Michigan's defense isn't much better than the rest of the trash the Buckeyes have faced.

Defense: D
This defense...woof.  Let's be very clear: Michigan is not good.  They have some weapons (Funyons and Gallon are studs), but Devin Gardner is not an elite QB.  The secondary has some serious issue that will likely not be fixed without another year and some new personnel.  The loss of Christian Bryant is more and more apparent with each passing game (Philly Brown had a horrible game).  Ryan Shazier's performance is being overlooked as he's been an absolute beast, but the overall performance of the defense is not near where it needs to be.  I was surprised with the lines lack of pressure throughout the game.  I know Lewan will play at the next level, but the rest of the line is awful.  I'm very nervous about the performance of this defense in a bowl game.

Special Teams: B-
No major hiccups so why the downgrade?  I think we all know why.  The fight was unacceptable as were the punches thrown.  Was it 'fair' that 2 Bucks were thrown out and only 1 Wolverine when they 'started it'?  No, but I just don't care.  This cannot happen in any game; even when emotions are this high.  Punches? Brawls? Beat them on the field.  I liked what Cameron Johnston did as usual and the coverage teams were fine.

Coaching: C-
Back to the brawl.  Marcus Hall was clearly flipping out.  Where was a coach to settle him?  Tough to be everywhere at once, but someone on the staff needed to identify the tantrum and calm the situation.  Back to the game, Braxton needs confidence and he's not getting it on deep bombs.  I believe we need more short dump off passes (screens/slants) so he trusts his arm a bit more.  There's clearly no lack of confidence in his legs, but there always needs to be a double threat.  Defensively, I was surprised there wasn't some adjustment to defend the passing game, but the return of Dileo gave the Wolverines 3 offensive threats that the Buckeyes couldn't cover.  The weak offensive line suggested we needed to blitz more in the hopes Gardner was on his back before picking us apart.

Overall: C+
Beating your rival (even by a point) is always sweet.  There are no moral victories.  Again, Michigan is BAD and there are no excuses for that defensive performance.  It appears the Buckeyes control their destiny for the Championship, but they need to step it up in preparation for an elite opponent (on both sides of the ball).