J.T. had another 'eh' game. He missed too many open receivers that can't happen against a better team. I love him, but he hasn't been as ridiculously good as he was early in the season. He's still a stud, but he needs to become more consistent. The first pick was horrible. The second wasn't his fault (yes, a little high, but the ball should have been caught). The big issue is turnovers. Was the Michael Thomas play a fumble? I'm not sure. But I do know we should have scored at will on the Hoosiers. See the first drive as an example. The O-line wasn't up to par as they should have DOMINATED the IU line. Zeke was pretty non-existent after the first big run. Oh yeah, that Heuerman guy is pretty darn good.
Defense: B
Stop. Missing. Tackles. This is an epidemic that must be stopped. Overall, the Buckeyes bottled up Coleman for most of the game (ignoring those two HUGE runs). The long run by the (non-mobile) QB on 3rd and 11 was inexcusable. Stop there and the game is a blowout from the start. The D-line sleepwalked through the game. Secondary was pretty good, but this run D must improve before Melvin Gordon (or David Cobb again). This team's defensive woes come down to one thing...big plays. If we can limit those, this team can do some great things.
Special Tea
Jalin Marshall returning a punt for a TD => Good. Jalin Marshall nonchalantly hopping over a bouncing punt on the way to the sideline => Bad. Marshall calling for a fair catch, picking up the bouncing ball on the 5 => BAD. KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS AGAIN => BAAAADDDD. I get the strategy about pinning the opposing team inside the 25 on kickoffs, but the kicker can't keep it in bounds. The risk isn't worth it. The bright spot was another fantastic day by Cameron Johnston. The punt that checked up at the 2 was beautiful. And bad to bad...another missed FG. GET BETTER!
Coaching: C+
JT was struggling but there seemed to be no commitment to running the ball. I still don't get this coaching staff. Also, IU apparently was the first team to watch OSU film and realized that Herman ALWAYS calls a QB Power run from an empty set on 3rd and 1. Predictability isn't a good thing for the coach (granted, OSU should be able to tell IU what the play is and still have it work). Defensively, there is a bit too much overpursuit. Aggressiveness is not always a good thing.
Overall: B-
It was a 15 point game overall a bad-OK IU team. The Hoosiers this year are better than in the past, but Coleman is a special player (that Gordon has overshadowed). That being said, the Bucks didn't play their best and got it done. Also, everyone points out that the score wasn't indicative of the game saying it was a lot closer...don't forget, Coleman broke another long TD in garbage time. Yes, it was close in the 3rd, but the score may have actually been CLOSER than it was.
Now, nothing else
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