Grading the Bucks: Week 2 -- Oklahoma

Buck Yuck.  Let's get to it.

Offense: D+
Well, that was disappointing.  JT has yet to show the improvement in accuracy, the receivers are still great athletes that can't get open, the running backs are fine but have cobwebs on them, and the Oline is suspect.  Did that cover it all?  Don't get me wrong, OU is a very good team, but the inept nature of this offense just should happen.  I haven't figured out how the receivers as a group seem to be absolutely stagnant.  They look completely unenthused.  No effort in breaking to get open or continuing a play.  It seems like they check in, run the route prescribed (sometimes), then simply sit down and watch.  This leads to the immense vitriol on Mr. Barrett.  I don't think he deserves the hate, but he does certainly need to improve his own game by quite a bit.  Is the lack of a downfield passing game because: a) JT can't throw it, b) the receivers can't catch it/get open, c) the coaches don't call it because they don't like it, or d) the coaches don't call it because of a) and b).  I tend to lean more to choices b and c (with a little a and d thrown in), but it would be nice just to give it a whirl once in a while.  Need ten yards? You can bet we're getting some stupid swing pass to the boundary.  I honestly don't know what JT is capable of because we never see it (maybe because the coaches know more) but if we trust these 'mega-recruit' receivers, wouldn't we be chucking it up a lot more?  Notice, I didn't say much about the running backs...it's almost like I forgot about them....like our coaching staff.

Defense: C+
This unit is getting ripped every which way from Sunday, but I'll be honest, they exceeded my expectations for this game.  The Sooner offense is very good and Mayfield is a top QB in the nation.  Most of the secondary is in the NFL so I fully expected a point total in the 30s.  They overachieved in that that staved off the Sooner attack pretty well until the end.  Yes, they caught some breaks with turnovers and missed FGs, but they also created some of those breaks with hard hitting and a bend but don't break mentality.  They certainly let up in the 2nd half, but the offense wasn't giving them anything to work with.  The Dline was great as always, but the secondary showed their youth.  The linebackers have been MIA this year as well.  They'll improve over time, but this was a tough opponent for a secondary as green as this early in the year.

Special Teams: A-
Let's look on the bright side: the punting and field goal units looked great!  I have no clue how Urban has recruited these punters when he traditionally punts less than most teams, but I'm liking what I see.  Nuremburger was solid on FGs as well which is a welcome change.  My only beef is an Urban staple of kicking off short attempting to start inside the 25 on defense.  It's a risky strategy that hasn't worked out that well this year (in my opinion).  OU started between the 30 and 40 with the potential of more far too often.  Take the start at the 25 and move on.

Coaching: F
Herein lies my major beef with this game.  I've seen little to no strides at wide receiver, quarterback, or offensive line in a few years which is a real issue.  Also, when it comes to offensive gameplan, I have no clue what is happening.  The spread offense loves the lateral pass, but not at the abandonment of everything downfield.  We don't even attempt slant routes or go routes for that matter more than once a game...and they usually work (if the receivers could catch).  At the very least, I'm willing to waste a down to expand the depth of the defense from time to time.  Does anyone remember that we have 2 stellar backs? Dobbins and Weber were effective when they got the ball, but the amount of carries was almost nonexistent.  Completely inexcusable when the downfield passing game is stagnant.  I'm tired of nothing but stretch passes to the boundary and QB runs on every freaking play.  They have value, but only when there is a little variety...AND WE HAVE THE WEAPONS TO PROVIDE VARIETY!!  In fact, there are times when I yearn for the days of the walrus because he never forgot we had a running back.  Many a steady dose of "Dave" is when this team needs--and our receivers may not be able to catch, but they can block their tails off.  Defensively, the story is different with a new secondary every year.  They need to scheme a little better for the checkdowns but that will come with time.  My major issue is with the lack of any semblance of offensive identity and desire with this team.  Senior QB, stud running backs, receivers who may not have started but played significant time last year...we should see more.

Overall: D-
The special teams saved the F, but there is work to do.  I do remember the last time the Buckeyes lost their home opener, they hoisted the trophy in January.  Many have said that was a different team, but after that VT loss, these same complaints reigned supreme 3 years ago.  I have to have faith that things will improve.  The next 3 games provide a lot of options to get better (although this week is going to be eminently frustrating for Buckeye Nation due to the option), but we need to start seeing development to come close to achieving our goals for the year.