Grading the Bucks: Week 1 -- Oregon State

Not bad.  Not perfect, but I near perfect game from a coaching standpoint.  Game was never really in doubt, but there were some flaws to work on.

Offense: A
Offensive co-MVPs: Dwayne Haskins, Mike Weber
Can't ask much more from the offense.  Haskins was nearly flawless in his first start and Weber reminded people that there's more to the backfield than JK.  Everything was churning at a high clip.  It was weird seeing the receivers run routes and catch passes (I wonder what changed for the receivers...hmmmmm....I wonder....not the QB....something else....).  My favorite part of the offense was the emergence of a quick slant game that has been missing for years.  Perhaps that was due to JT's skill set and lack of the quick strike (although I thought he was under-utilized in that capacity), but it was nice to see the Bucks carve up a secondary.  No real deep game to speak of, but it was totally unnecessary.  Honestly, nothing to harp on here.  Mack, Hill, and McLaurin stepped up and the backfield got the job done.

Defense: C+
Defensive co-MVPs: Nick Bose, Chase Young
Honestly, this is a dichotomous grading.  The line was spectacular (primarily in pass rush).  Bosa and Young are going to terrorize QBs all year and Dremont Jones plugs up the middle with style.  This unit will contend with Clemson's juggernaut line for title of best D-line throughout the year.  Then we get to the back 7....eh.... It wasn't a total loss, but there were some serious problems that need to be fixed ASAP.  Yes, Tuf Boreland and Jordan Fuller were out, and there return will help bolster the unit, but the linebackers and DBs simply looked slow (something we've been spoiled with avoiding in the past).  The lineabackers haven't been great for year (weird for OSU) but the secondary is essentially all in the NFL now.  The biggest concern for me was the lack of initial and closing speed (simply getting beat by an RB on multiple huge runs).  Oregon State is a power 5 program...but in name only.  They stink.  I'm hoping it was the weather delay (very well could be), but it was concerning to me.  In addition, the let down before the half (giving up a 3rd and 19 on an obvious draw is inexcusable).  The team likely checked out as the game was in hand, but that's a great mistake for coaches to harp on in practice next week. 

Special Teams: C
Special Teams MVP: Drue Chrisman
Nice punt (on the only attempt) and no miss kicks...that's good.  but........ Another fumble on a punt return.  Can. Not. Happen.  With this team, I'm essentially to the point at which I don't want to field any kick.  It seems like they always want the homerun, rarely get it, and turn the ball over far too often.

Coaching: B+
Coaching co-MVPs: Ryan Day, Brian Hartline
Coach Day stepped into the big time and didn't disappoint.  Granted, I think a hippo from the zoo could have coached the team to a win (Brady Hoke available?), but Ryan Day made it look like nothing had changed and kept the train rolling.  The playcalling on offense was great (finally throwing vertically?!?!) but the defense looked a little shell-shocked (when Young and Bosa weren't meeting at the QB).  Seeing receiver technique, poise, and focus was also a major plus (welcome back Hartline!).

Overall: A-
C'mon, first game jitters happen, and the offense was spectacular.  I'm a little hyper-critical of the defense, but the flashes of brilliance up front are going to lead to a lot of exciting plays this season.  This is likely one of the most talented teams in the Urban era, but it's going to be a wild ride! Go Bucks!