Grading the Bucks -- Week 2: Tulsa

Before I get to the grades for the this week, I want to make a slight change.  The loyal readers (reader?) of the letsgobucks posts mentioned I was overly harsh last week in grading the statistical record performance of the Buckeyes.  After reviewing the tape and considering the case, I have decided that I did indeed make errors in judgement.  Unlike the MAC officials in Stillwater this weekend, I'm going to change the results after the fact because it's hard to have anywhere to go while grading last week harshly.  The performance wasn't perfect last week but it was darn near perfect.  With that in mind, I am upgrading all units to an A for week one vs. BG.  Offense had one bad play which shouldn't curtail a nearly flawless game, the defense gave up 3 points, special teams was great (careful Dontre), and coaching was fine. 

On to Tulsa, this game started sloppy but still, not a whole lot of beef going into Norman.

Offense: B+ (general), A- (considering conditions)

The first half was brutal.  There was no downfield threat which allowed the box-stuffing by Tulsa and keeping Mike Weber in check.  I'm willing to chalk that up to the conditions and the wind.  Still the first half offense was bland and uninspired.  The second half was a different story.  Once this team starts clicking, there is very little that can stop it. Samuel, Barrett, and Weber all seemed to turn the page when the monsoon stopped and Tulsa had no answer.  The O-line wasn't a solid this week, but still played quite well.

Defense: A

6 turnovers including 2 pick sixes when the offense was held in check? Yes please, more of that.  Not to mention the goalline stand when Tulsa looked to take an early lead.  Malik Hooker bated the QB like crazy on his pick 6 (watch the replay, you can see it coming).  The D-line started to get a push as the game progressed which is always a positive.  Overall, other than the first FG drive, the defense was nearly perfect.  

Special Teams: A

Tyler Durbin hit his first 2 FG attempts which is always nice.  Cameron Johnston got some trash talking in there.  My heart leapt in my chest when a kickoff almost went out of bounds, but disaster was averted.  No issues here.

Coaching: B+

Again, the lack of a down-field passing game was bothersome, but the weather might have been the reason.  Also, there's a chance Urban didn't want to tip his hand to Bob Stoops.  I expect a much more dynamic offensive gameplan next week.  Defensively there is again little to nothing to comment on.  Keep the train rolling.

Overall: A-

Not quite the level of last week, but a blowout none-the-less.  Next week, everything ramps up to 11.  That's when we find out what these young studs are capable of on the field.  BG and Tulsa beatdowns at home are one thing, the Sooners are the first real test.