It wasn't (that) pretty, but they took care of business. Honestly, it's hard to call a 20 point victory on the road against a ranked opponent a 'bad' win.
Offense: C
MVP: Mike Weber, RB
The running game was reasonably effective against a rugged MSU defense. The passing game has evaporated over the last few weeks which is immensely concerning. I'm hopeful that the goal was to develop the run game (success) and hide the 'strength' but I worry about the ability to flip the switch. Haskins has looked timid which could be a very real issue come to TTUN. Here's hoping we can find the key to reset Haskins to the beginning of the season. The O-line got closer to average with this performance (but Prince has dropped off the map). I loved the addition of the Tate Martell package (imagine the Bucks STARTING Martell vs. Meatchicken...). More to follow.
Defense: A
MVP: Dremont Jones, DT
Let's be clear: Michigan State is bad on offense. Horrible. But, the defense did what they were supposed to do and shut them down. While the offense faced is atrocious, credit is deserved for doing their job. I'm a bit concerned that teams have been able to scheme away the D-line with quick passes (nullifies the advantage). The secondary needs more work of course, but White had another nice game.
Special Teams: A+
coMVPs: Drue Chrisman, P, Terry McLaurin, WR
What a day! The worst punt in OSU history couple with one of the greatest punting performance in OSU history. A 4 yard punt set the defense back, but 5 punts inside the 6? Crazy good. Those also led directly to a safety and defensive TD. Phenomenal effort. Terry McLaurin deserves credit for the unsung fielding of the punts at the one.
Coaching: B
Confusion still abounds. Offensive playcalling is still a mystery. The decline of Haskins accuracy and comfort is worrisome. Defensive playcalling was fine this week but the Spartans are a mess. The Martell package was great (and the coaches seemed very comfortable calling plays), it gained 8 yards....and then we went away from it. Why? The QB run option completely opens up the running game but it's painfully clear no defense respects Haskins running (which they shouldn't). A creative mix can be used effectively, but the gameplan needs to be scripted to allow for it. Maybe it's more of a threat to TTUN but I think Tate should be peppered in situationally as well as on certain drives. The O-line and coaches are much more comfortable utilizing a running QB. If Haskins could run....he'd put Tua to shame (maybe).
Overall: A-
20 point road win over a ranked opponent. Credit is deserved even if the CFP committee has shown they don't care. Perhaps one of these days the scales will be balanced. Buckeyes, take heart. This was a good win. We are right in the thick of playoff hunt (to be sacrificed on the alter of Saban).
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