Grading the Bucks: Week 7 -- Penn State

The Return of Captain Smooth (let's hope)

Offense: Incomplete
How to grade this unit? Cardale looked horrible and the offense sputtered with him at the helm.  To be clear, this was the worst Cardale has looked as a starter.  Passes were 'Brett Favre'd' off target, indecisiveness reigned, and there was no rhythm.  Enter Captain Smooth, Joe Thomas Barrett IV, who calmly stepped into the breech and took charge.  4/4 passing, of course a very small sample size), was perfect as well as total command of the ground game.  All of a sudden, Zeke started to break free, the receivers looked more crisp in routes and blocking, O-line gained confidence, and J.T. was able to run the read option that we love.  Once the change happened, I love what I saw from the offense on almost all levels.  The misdirection JT excels at was phenomenal, so much so that the Penn State D-line (who is quite good) felt the need to celebrate the one time they broke up a play.  Tale of two leaders.  Grades will be completed once we see a full JT game...if we see a whole JT game.

Defense: C+
This was the most difficult grade of all time.  This game had some absolutely fantastic plays but there were some historic fails.  Apple was off as he has been most of the year, tackling was sloppy, and PSU's freshman RB Saquon Barkley tore us up.  Yes, he looks like he could be really good, but giving up nearly 200 yards is unacceptable.  The D-line was great on the pass rush, even while being held on every play, but the rush defense needs to step it up.  The loss of Perry could be costly going forward as Booker looked a little iffy in his absence.  We'll see if there are any lingering effects.

Special Teams: A
Cam Johnston was fantastic pinning most punts inside the 5 (!) after great coverage.  The one attempted FG was converted and coverage on all kicks/punts was fantastic.  There is little (if anything) to complain about from this unit.  They were fantastic.  The return game wasn't special, but no turnovers are good enough for me.  Cam Johnston for Ray Guy? If only we punted more...let's hope not.

Coaching: C
This has to be the final straw, doesn't it?...DOESN'T IT??? I've been shocked at the refusal to see facts by the coaching staff.  JT jumpstarting the offense upon arrival is due to more than his abilities.  He exudes a quiet confident presence of a leader who's skill set fits the talents of this team to a tee.  The misdirection opens up running lanes for both him and Zeke as well as confusing the DBs.  For the air game, he doesn't have the cannon Cardale has, but he can diagnose the defense and carve them up efficiently.  He takes what is given and gets as much as possible.  In game adjustments were ok but the failure to stop the run was an issue.  The D-line could stop all but quick passes by forcing the issue, but there didn't seem a concerted effort to stop the run.  While the decision eventually paid off, I was baffled by Urban's decision to punt from the opponent 34.  Yes, Johnston is good and pinned them deep (although I believe they scored on that drive), but I would prefer to go for it that deep in enemy territory.  The extra yards of field position don't seem worth giving up the chance to extend the drive.

Overall: B
Solid victory over a decent team (one of the best we've played) that is improving greatly.  Note: they've only lost to currently undefeated teams.  Good performance, but I'd like to see a stauncher run D.  From a 'point' perspective, the defense was great, but I worry down the road.  Offensively, JT ran a great game...but the question is: 'Has he earned the keys to the car?"  In my opinion, yes (but you already knew that).  Can Urban swallow his pride and make the call? The time is now.

Uniforms: BUTT
Here are my thoughts: If you really think recruits choose their school based on uniforms, I think you're insane.  Yes, high school students are not known for their deep wisdom, but if you don't want to come to OSU for the tradition, the excellence, and, oh yeah, the Championships, the fame, the exposure, and the ticket to the next level of the NFL, then I can't help you.  This is nothing more than a money grab because fans will pay whatever they ask for new 'swag'.  I know the players like them, I know the recruits like them, but there's something to be said for the strength of tradition and the pride of donning the Scarlet and Gray.  We don't need gimmicks...we're Ohio State.  The tradition of excellence speaks for itself.