Looks like I was wrong about the days being gone in which we bash opponents to the ground. That's the performance I've been waiting for the last few weeks. Now, it's time to keep the trajectory to greatness.
Offense: A
MVP: Curtis Samuel
What a difference a 3rd lackluster performance makes. The game was defined early by Nebraska being unable to generate any short of pass rush and the Buckeye's carving up the secondary. I love that the coaches finally started utilizing the middle of the field in intermediate passing routes (perhaps it took a realization that Samuel is the best receiver in the middle of the field). JT looked great even though he still missed on a few deep balls (although people need to realize that the greatest QB in the world doesn't hit all the downfield bombs). Weber still looked phenomenal between the tackles fighting for extra yards, but the day belonged to Samuel. It really felt that he was used a lot in the game, but used properly. He seemed to get the ball via pass and run in appropriate situations in which it didn't feel like he was forced into the action. The action came to him and the Buckeyes flourished.
Defense: A
MVP: Malik Hooker
What more can you say? The front seven demolished the Husker line and the secondary shut them down. Tommy Armstrong or no, this game was over before it started. McMillan has really had a great year that has gone unappreciated with the defenses avoiding him. The tipped balls yielding interceptions show his dedication to film and quick reaction. The only reason Nebraska got their 3 was because of a fluky tipped pass on 3rd and 7. Without that, we're staring a goose-egg in which the defense puts up another 2 scores. Total domination.
Special Teams: C+
MVP: Everyone not named Dontre Wilson
Urban, you've had your fun, but it's done. #2 should not ever return a punt again. The muffed punt by Wilson was really the only negative play in the game and gave a little momentum to the Big Red (that the defense quickly destroyed). Durbin made his FG (yay) and the kickoff coverage was actually really good. Johnston...didn't punt (even though he said 9 people came from Australia to see him play) so no problems there. I don't care what happens going forward as long as we try someone else returning punts that doesn't make all of Buckeye Nation hold their breath (in a bad way) ever time he attempts to catch the ball. Demario McCall looked really good (albeit in a small sample size). I'd love to get the ball in his hands more often via punt returns.
Coaching: A-
The playcalling finally found that groove from earlier in the season which was a joy to see. Both sides of the ball schemed and executed nearly flawlessly. The only problem was the special teams which I believe will be rectified soon enough. I need that fire from the coaches to continue over the next few weeks. No mercy to Maryland or Sparty. Those need to be absolute drubbings with no let ups to let the Sun and Blue know...we're coming for you.
Overall: A
It's hard to have 'beef' when you beat a top 10 team by 59, never punt, and stifle the opponent at every turn. Sure, Nebraska probably isn't as good as their record, but it never hurts to teach the young-uns who's boss. No mercy.
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