Grading the Bucks: Week 7--Maryland

Welcome to the B1G Maryland! Sadly, you didn't pull Michigan like Rutgers did.

Offense: A
J.T. Barrett.  That's all that needs to be said.  He is currently on pace to DEMOLISH Troy Smith's single season TD pass record by more than 10 TDs. Doubtful that he can keep up this frenetic pace, but why not? The defenses aren't getting better (other than Nov. 8th) and the offense has improved each an every week.  Virginia Tech is a horrible stain on the resume, but in the category of 'what have you done for me lately', no team has been more impressive on offense.  Zeke is really churning it out on the ground (see the dominant first drive) and Wilson seems to be an explosive play waiting to happen (although we've been waiting for an awfully long time).  If the O-line can keep Barrett upright and these receivers keep improving (Good God Michael Thomas...Uncle Keyshawn taught you well), watch out for the Bucks going forward.  The one stain on the offense continues to be picking up a 3rd or 4th and short.  GIVE IT TO HYDE--Sorry, PTSD from B1G championship-- ZEKE!! The I-formation its uses.

Defense: B+
The pass defense is still getting hammered and I just don't get it.  Yes, there was another 'oops' play on Saturday, and that can't happen, but you can't compare this defense to a Tressel defense point by point.  I do believe that Tressel/Heacock defenses were superior but the point totals don't do this team any favors.  When your offense scores 50+, it's nearly impossible to keep an opponent below 10 or even 20 (sorry Kent State).  The stats (yards/points) aren't a fair comparison.  The safety play is still subpar but the D-line is phenomenal (Bosa....freak of nature).  I've been very impressed with the progression of the linebackers but that may be due to the emergence of Raekwon McMillon.  Curtis Grant is a fantastic run stopper, but a detriment in the passing game.  Raekwon and Darron Lee are improving by leaps and bounds.  Now, if Powell, Apple, and Bell can get it together, it's time to get excited.

Special Teams: B-
Eh....again, nothing memorable comes to mind in this game.  Maybe something happened, but nothing special. The downgrade is not due to missing the long field goal (that happens), but stop kicking the ball out of bounds on kickoffs!  Nothing wrong with a touchback.  Yeah, we pinned them at the 10 on a kickoff once, but you can never ever give them a starting field at the 40.

Coaching: B
The offense is chugging and the defense is improving, but I continue to be dumbfounded with some of the stupid decisions to go for it on fourth down.  I get the desire and want, but sometimes, a kick is the best decision from a utility standpoint.  Being aggressive is not a bad thing, but it is also important to call good plays if you decide to roll the dice.  4th and 1 continues to stymie this team because the offensive playcalling refuses to call a straight up dive.  We're OSU! We're bigger, stronger, and just simply better!  Snap the ball, and force the ball pass the chains when needed.  These sweeps and shotgun snaps are nice and sparkly, but sometimes, you just need to bulldoze. 

Overall: A-
Keep rolling along.  I love the improvement week to week.  Sadly, the true measuring stick won't arrive until Nov. 8.  All we can do is keep dominating the opposition in preparation for the end game.


Bonus: Everyone keeps spouting off that the B1G is a pipe dream of making the playoff.  If they give anyone a chance, it's Sparty.  I'm here to be Aaron Rodgers and to tell you to R-E-L-A-X.  If the Bucks take care of business, there's a really good chance to be there at the end.  Don't underestimate the power of 'how they are playing at the end of the season' and more importantly, the attrition that will follow.  I've heard talking heads say the Big Ten needs another Saturday of carnage like this past Saturday.  Here's the secret: 1 more day of Armageddon is unlikely, but many more days with semi-Armageddon is a virtual certainty.  The Bucks need to handle their business and avoid the craziness while letting the other teams crap the bed.  Trust me: the others will oblige.