Grading the Bucks -- Week 12: MSU

Yeah, it was ugly...and close...but a win is a win and all that matters now is one thing...

Offense: C-

MVP: Mike Weber

Woof...  The running game seemed to be working well, but the gameplan of the last few weeks seemed to disappear.  I like have JT involved in the running game, but maybe not that much.  Give the workhorses a few more touches and let them make plays.  Mike Weber was fantastic aside from a bad fumble in the redzone, with an ability to make something out of nothing more than expected.  Curtis Samuel was pretty nonexistent other than a nice TD grab on a beautiful throw by JT. I wish I could understand how the coaches really see his role in this offense because I have no clue based on the on-field playcalling.  My biggest beef is with the WR play.  JT wasn't throwing perfect darts on every pass, but 95% of them were easily catchable.  I think there were double digit drops and that can't happen in a game where points are a premium.  Go back to the last few weeks of safe (non swing) passes that utilize the middle of the field more and catch the freaking ball.

Defense: B

MVP: Jalen Holmes, Chris Worley, Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard

Something about MSU... Discipline seems to go out the window at times vs. this team.  The defense played well overall, but the big hitters were devastating.  Give LJ Scott credit for finding the holes, but a lot of the big plays seemed to contain Buckeyes out of position on misdirection.  MSU is a 3-8 team and while they have some ability at skill positions, the missed tackles are very concerning from a unit that prides itself on sure tackling.  The line played the pass extremely well but was pushed around on the man up runs and the misdirection screens.  Next week, they'll need to shore up the run defense.

Special Teams: C

This is a tough one.  The fake punt was the most obvious fake punt of all time and yet still succeeded.  However, if you look closely, it appears the Buckeyes were playing the fake the whole time and may have gotten were definitely held in a about 5 places that were missed.  Another muffed punt (paging Demario McCall, your position is ready) is certainly a concern as well as ANOTHER FREAKING KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS, but the punting game was solid.  Some good, some bad.  Average performance.

Coaching: C

I still don't get the gameplans of this staff.  When the run is working, they throw and vice versa.  2 major concerns are the weak play recognition early on in the game and the lack of swagger as the game moves forward.  I worry that this team doesn't always have the belief that they can do anything in any situation and can get knocked off kilter very easily (by taking some early haymakers).  Mental fortitude is huge next week and that needs to be solidified.  On field, fundamentals of catching and blocking up front are paramount on offense while the defense needs to maintain discipline (likely) going up against a 2nd game starter.

Overall: B-

Yeah, we won, but I don't feel great about it.  Good news is we've seen this team rebound from a 'so-so' performance before like gang-busters.  Also, getting the monkey off your back is never easy...stupid Michigan State.  All the preseason is finally over.  Only one thing matters now.

BEAT BLUE!!!