Well, that was unexpected. I don't think anyone saw this game playing out like that. A combination of the best half we have played all year, followed by probably the worst half of the year. I am disappointed in the loss, but I a little happy to at least see a little bit of progress. Here are my grades:
Quarterbacks: B- - Miller played much better than expected. It is too bad he got hurt on the terrible field. If he doesn't get hurt, I don't see us losing that game. Bauserman played exactly how you would expect him to play. I don't blame him, though, because he was put in a horrendous situation. They continued to run the same plays as they were for Miller. Bauserman cannot be expected to roll out and they can't run long developing plays that require him to throw deeper passes. Going forward, I don't see how they can keep Bauserman as the backup to Miller. He has proved repeatedly that he cannot play quarterback at this level.
Running Backs: B+ - Hall and Hyde played very well, especially Hyde. I was glad to see Hyde finally running hard and finishing his runs. He is going to be a very good one.
Wide Receivers: C+ - It was nice having Brown back from injury. He was finally able to give us someone who can get separation. He would have had 2 touchdowns if the QB's would have made good throws. The other receivers were below average, as usual.
Offensive Line: B+ - This was the most pleasant surprise of the game. The pass blocking was great. The run blocking was pretty good, but could have been much better later in the game. There was also the obligatory false start by Shugarts
Defensive Line: B - Hankins is a stud. He led the defensive line in dominating the entire first half. They just got completely worn out in the second half. I don't understand why there was not more of a rotation throughout the game, especially in the 2nd half. When the offense continually goes 3 and out and turns the ball over, the defense is going to get worn out. The coaching staff needs to recognize this and make adjustments to the rotation.
Linebackers: F - This is the position that deserves most of the blame for this loss. I have no idea what Sabino was doing. He was lost out there. He was out of position almost every play. Martinez was Sabino's assignment on most of the option plays, yet Sabino continuously ran right by the hole that was his responsibility to try to chase the running back, and Martinez would run right by. Sabino also appeared to be just jogging and running through the motions half the time. As soon as a blocker engaged him, he basically gave up on the play. Sweat and Klein weren't a whole lot better. They made very few plays.
Defensive Backs: D- - Missed tackles, bad coverage, and penalties cover it for the defensive backs.
Special Teams: C - Punting was good, but not great. Punt coverage was good, but kick coverage was average. Would have been nice to have a reliable field goal kicker to allow us to kick that long field goal, but since we don't, I think it was the right call to punt.
Coaching: D - The playcalling with Miller in the game was much better...they actually ran a screen and rolled Miller out!!! However, once Miller was out of the game, the play calling should have been adjusted for Bauserman. Instead, they ran the same type of plays and allowed Bauserman to throw the ball way too much. Defensively, I already mentioned that they should have been rotating the line to keep them fresh for the 4th quarter. I would also like to see some kind of emotion out of Fickell and maybe some coaching on the sideline.
Officiating: B - There were some missed holding calls and the late hit on Moeller on the final drive was a joke, but overall the officiating was pretty good.
Announcers: C - They were very annoying, but I am chalking most of that up to my bad mood from being on the losing end. Millen provides nothing. You don't learn anything from him. He provides very little insight beyond the obvious.
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Saturday, October 8, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Ohio State vs Nebraska Preview
Ohio St. Offense vs Nebraska Defense
Can Ohio St. do anything on offense? That is the key to the game. The good news is that this is not a vintage "Black Shirts" defense for Nebraska. They got completely manhandled by Wisconsin, though our offense is definitely not Wisconsin. Nebraska is 64th if the FBS in Total Defense and 73rd in Points Against. This should give Ohio State's offense a little better chance than against Michigan State.
The big question to me is how conservative will Ohio St be. If they come out playing predictably conservative, like they have all year, then this is going to be another long night. Nebraska is going to stack the box all night to stop the run and will blitz Miller at every chance. Will Ohio St be able to pass the ball to keep Nebraska's defense honest?
What I would like to see: Everyone assumes Ohio St will come out very conservative, so I would like to see Ohio St. come out in the "I" formation and run a play action deep ball the first play of the game. Then, I would like to see a heavy dose of play action bootlegs, WR screens, and RB screens throughout the first few possessions to hopefully keep the defense honest, so they cannot tee off on the running game and blitzing Miller.
What I expect to see: I expect to see a lot of the same. I expect to see Ohio St come out running the ball and playing very conservatively. Most likely, Ohio St will run almost every first and second down, leaving Miller in tough 3rd and longs all night.
Advantage: Nebraska Defense
Nebraska Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
The key to this matchup is whether Ohio St. can stop Nebraska's running game. Ohio St. needs to be able to stop the run and force Martinez to try to win the game through the air. Martinez is a 50% passer and is prone to making mistakes (5 interceptions this year).
What I would like to see: I am hoping to see Ohio State's defensive line dominate this game. The buckeye defense needs to stop the Nebraska running game, and force them into obvious passing downs. I then want to see the DB's make plays. I want at least 2 interceptions, including a much needed defensive touchdown. They have been close a few times this year to getting Int's that would have turned into pick 6's. This is the game they need to convert some of those Int's.
What I expect to see: I expect to see Nebraska play fairly conservative offensively. They have to know that Ohio State's offense is going to have trouble scoring any points, so they will not too many chances.
Advantage: Ohio State Defense
Advantages
QB: Nebraska
RB: Nebraska
WR: Nebraska
TE: Ohio State
OL: Nebraska
DL: Ohio State
LB: Nebraska
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Nebraska
Coaching: Nebraska
Predicion: Both teams will come out conservative on offense and aggressive on defense. This will be another low scoring game. Ohio State's only chance is to get the lead early and try to hang on. It will also be important to get some big defensive and special teams plays. I see the defense keeping it close, but I can't see our offense being able to do enough in a hostile environment to win the game. I see it as Nebraska: 20 Ohio State: 13
Can Ohio St. do anything on offense? That is the key to the game. The good news is that this is not a vintage "Black Shirts" defense for Nebraska. They got completely manhandled by Wisconsin, though our offense is definitely not Wisconsin. Nebraska is 64th if the FBS in Total Defense and 73rd in Points Against. This should give Ohio State's offense a little better chance than against Michigan State.
The big question to me is how conservative will Ohio St be. If they come out playing predictably conservative, like they have all year, then this is going to be another long night. Nebraska is going to stack the box all night to stop the run and will blitz Miller at every chance. Will Ohio St be able to pass the ball to keep Nebraska's defense honest?
What I would like to see: Everyone assumes Ohio St will come out very conservative, so I would like to see Ohio St. come out in the "I" formation and run a play action deep ball the first play of the game. Then, I would like to see a heavy dose of play action bootlegs, WR screens, and RB screens throughout the first few possessions to hopefully keep the defense honest, so they cannot tee off on the running game and blitzing Miller.
What I expect to see: I expect to see a lot of the same. I expect to see Ohio St come out running the ball and playing very conservatively. Most likely, Ohio St will run almost every first and second down, leaving Miller in tough 3rd and longs all night.
Advantage: Nebraska Defense
Nebraska Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
The key to this matchup is whether Ohio St. can stop Nebraska's running game. Ohio St. needs to be able to stop the run and force Martinez to try to win the game through the air. Martinez is a 50% passer and is prone to making mistakes (5 interceptions this year).
What I would like to see: I am hoping to see Ohio State's defensive line dominate this game. The buckeye defense needs to stop the Nebraska running game, and force them into obvious passing downs. I then want to see the DB's make plays. I want at least 2 interceptions, including a much needed defensive touchdown. They have been close a few times this year to getting Int's that would have turned into pick 6's. This is the game they need to convert some of those Int's.
What I expect to see: I expect to see Nebraska play fairly conservative offensively. They have to know that Ohio State's offense is going to have trouble scoring any points, so they will not too many chances.
Advantage: Ohio State Defense
Advantages
QB: Nebraska
RB: Nebraska
WR: Nebraska
TE: Ohio State
OL: Nebraska
DL: Ohio State
LB: Nebraska
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Nebraska
Coaching: Nebraska
Predicion: Both teams will come out conservative on offense and aggressive on defense. This will be another low scoring game. Ohio State's only chance is to get the lead early and try to hang on. It will also be important to get some big defensive and special teams plays. I see the defense keeping it close, but I can't see our offense being able to do enough in a hostile environment to win the game. I see it as Nebraska: 20 Ohio State: 13
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Second thoughts on why offense isn't working
I couldn't get over the lack of offense, so I decided to go back over some tapes of games over the last 10 years to compare the offenses. Some of what I found was expected, but there were a few unexpected things. Here is a comparison of factors in the offenses I saw:
Wide Receiver talent
The talent at wide receiver right now is the worst in over 10 years. Here is a list of receivers over the past 10 years:
2001-2003: Michael Jenkins (WR for Minnesota Vikings) Chris Gamble, Drew Carter
2004-2005: Santonio Holmes (#1 receiver for NY Jets) Ted Ginn (WR for San Francisco) Anthony Gonzalez (starter for Colts until injuries)
2006: Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez
2007-2008: Brian Robiskie (contributor on Cleveland Browns) Brian Hartline (starting WR for Miami Dolphins)
2009-2010: Posey and Sanzenbacher (contributor on Chicago Bears in rookie season)
That is some serious talent. Every year we have been fortunate enough to have at least 2 NFL receivers. Now compare that to this year....YIKES! The only receiver on the depth chart right now that I can see ever having a shot at making it in the NFL is Devin Smith, but he is not at that level right now. When you watch the games so far this year, our receivers can't get any separation and they lack any playmaking ability. Posey's suspension and Philly Brown's injury were devastating to this team. Our receiving core still would not have been great, but they would have been pretty good with Posey and Brown outside with Devin Smith in the slot.
Playcalling:
I never thought I would find myself longing for Jim Tressel calling the plays. Tressel was conservative, but he always had a plan with the playcalling. Even when we couldn't run in the past, he would continue to call running plays to keep defenses honest when he did want to pass. The lone exception I found while watching tapes was the Florida game, and our offense this year actually looks very similar to that game. In that game, we gave up on the run very early in the game (even before the game was getting out of hand). This allowed the defense of Florida to pin their ears back and just go after Troy Smith. No adjustments were made and the rest is history that I'd like to forget.
If you watch the playcalling this year, it is very similar. When we have gotten behind or when the run doesn't seem to be working, we give up on the run and put Miller back in Shotgun with 1 back. This has allowed the defense to rush Miller without any regard to much running threat. We should be running our offense primarily out of the "I" formation. Boren is probably the best player on this offense, so we should have him in the game. Playing out of the "I" forces the defense to always have to account for the run. This should allow us to run effective play action passes and boot legs for Miller that will give him some time to throw or run without everyone on the defense focusing on him.
I also noticed that when we have had what appeared to be bad offensive lines in the past, we also had QB's who held onto the ball too long. When we are going to have Miller pass, we need to call passing plays that are simple and quick developing. We need more WR screens, quick slants, and then every now and then mix in a deep thrown to keep the safeties honest.
QB Coaching
I miss Joe Daniels as the QB coach. Since Nick Siciliano has become the QB coach, I have seen no development of out quarterbacks. Bauserman has obviously not improved, Pryor never really developed as a QB, and Miller is still looking as lost as he did his first game. Go back to previous QB's and look at the development. Look at the progression that Krenzel, Smith, and Boeckman made over their careers. I understand it is very early to look for any development of Braxton Miller, but I get so upset when I look at the sideline after the offense comes off the field and Miller is standing there by himself just watching the game. There needs to be a coach down there going over the previous series with him and discussing the next drive.
Final Thoughts
Of course the suspensions are the main reason this offense is so pathetic. Miller, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer were all forced into action a year earlier than they should have been. Having Pryor, Posey, and Adams would have made a world of difference, but we can't dwell on that because nothing is going to change for the better with that situation. All we can hope for is that the playcalling gets better, and that Miller and the young WR's develop quickly.
The talent at wide receiver right now is the worst in over 10 years. Here is a list of receivers over the past 10 years:
2001-2003: Michael Jenkins (WR for Minnesota Vikings) Chris Gamble, Drew Carter
2004-2005: Santonio Holmes (#1 receiver for NY Jets) Ted Ginn (WR for San Francisco) Anthony Gonzalez (starter for Colts until injuries)
2006: Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez
2007-2008: Brian Robiskie (contributor on Cleveland Browns) Brian Hartline (starting WR for Miami Dolphins)
2009-2010: Posey and Sanzenbacher (contributor on Chicago Bears in rookie season)
That is some serious talent. Every year we have been fortunate enough to have at least 2 NFL receivers. Now compare that to this year....YIKES! The only receiver on the depth chart right now that I can see ever having a shot at making it in the NFL is Devin Smith, but he is not at that level right now. When you watch the games so far this year, our receivers can't get any separation and they lack any playmaking ability. Posey's suspension and Philly Brown's injury were devastating to this team. Our receiving core still would not have been great, but they would have been pretty good with Posey and Brown outside with Devin Smith in the slot.
Playcalling:
I never thought I would find myself longing for Jim Tressel calling the plays. Tressel was conservative, but he always had a plan with the playcalling. Even when we couldn't run in the past, he would continue to call running plays to keep defenses honest when he did want to pass. The lone exception I found while watching tapes was the Florida game, and our offense this year actually looks very similar to that game. In that game, we gave up on the run very early in the game (even before the game was getting out of hand). This allowed the defense of Florida to pin their ears back and just go after Troy Smith. No adjustments were made and the rest is history that I'd like to forget.
If you watch the playcalling this year, it is very similar. When we have gotten behind or when the run doesn't seem to be working, we give up on the run and put Miller back in Shotgun with 1 back. This has allowed the defense to rush Miller without any regard to much running threat. We should be running our offense primarily out of the "I" formation. Boren is probably the best player on this offense, so we should have him in the game. Playing out of the "I" forces the defense to always have to account for the run. This should allow us to run effective play action passes and boot legs for Miller that will give him some time to throw or run without everyone on the defense focusing on him.
I also noticed that when we have had what appeared to be bad offensive lines in the past, we also had QB's who held onto the ball too long. When we are going to have Miller pass, we need to call passing plays that are simple and quick developing. We need more WR screens, quick slants, and then every now and then mix in a deep thrown to keep the safeties honest.
QB Coaching
I miss Joe Daniels as the QB coach. Since Nick Siciliano has become the QB coach, I have seen no development of out quarterbacks. Bauserman has obviously not improved, Pryor never really developed as a QB, and Miller is still looking as lost as he did his first game. Go back to previous QB's and look at the development. Look at the progression that Krenzel, Smith, and Boeckman made over their careers. I understand it is very early to look for any development of Braxton Miller, but I get so upset when I look at the sideline after the offense comes off the field and Miller is standing there by himself just watching the game. There needs to be a coach down there going over the previous series with him and discussing the next drive.
Final Thoughts
Of course the suspensions are the main reason this offense is so pathetic. Miller, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer were all forced into action a year earlier than they should have been. Having Pryor, Posey, and Adams would have made a world of difference, but we can't dwell on that because nothing is going to change for the better with that situation. All we can hope for is that the playcalling gets better, and that Miller and the young WR's develop quickly.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Update: Posey, Herron, and Hall are all out for Nebraska game
Gene Smith just announced that Posey, Herron, and Marcus Hall are out for the Nebraska game. He is applying for reinstatement for the players, but he doesn't know if or when they will be reinstated.
Smith said this will delay the NCAA decision on punishment and he doesn't believe a lack of institutional control and failure to monitor will result because everything so far has been individual and separate violations. My question is how many individual violations happen before it is considered institutional. I hope the answer is more than what Ohio State has been found guilty of. I am also wondering why Gene Smith has his job still. I think Smith and the entire football staff needs cleaned out at the end of the season. I would also kick Posey and Herron off the team for rest of the year. I would give Hall another chance because this is the first violation I am aware of with him, but the other 2 are repeat offenders and should be kicked off the team.
Smith said this will delay the NCAA decision on punishment and he doesn't believe a lack of institutional control and failure to monitor will result because everything so far has been individual and separate violations. My question is how many individual violations happen before it is considered institutional. I hope the answer is more than what Ohio State has been found guilty of. I am also wondering why Gene Smith has his job still. I think Smith and the entire football staff needs cleaned out at the end of the season. I would also kick Posey and Herron off the team for rest of the year. I would give Hall another chance because this is the first violation I am aware of with him, but the other 2 are repeat offenders and should be kicked off the team.
Herron or Posey might not be cleared for Nebraska game
Yahoo sports is reporting one of the suspended players may not be cleared for Saturday night's game against Nebraska. The Columbus Dispatch says that Herron and Posey are under investigation for receiving improper benefits for work done over the summer, so it looks like it will be one or both of them. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith is scheduled to make an announcement on the situation at 3:30 this afternoon.
Ohio State - Michigan State Grades
QB - F
I understand the O-Line and Playcalling were horrendous, but the QB's still have to be able to do something. Neither QB could even throw a spiral. Bauserman missed a lot of open receivers. He just doesn't seem to have the arm strength to make throws to the outside. Braxton still looks like a deer in the headlights.
RB - C
Average game by the Running Backs. A lot of this has to do with pathetic blocking, poor play calling, and inability to pass, but I would still have liked to see a few broken tackles or another big play.
WR - D-
Yet again they couldn't get any separation until the defense was in prevent. Also saw some very costly dropped passes and a lack of effort by Devin Smith on Miller's interception might have been the play of the game.
OL - F
I would give them lower if I could. This was one of the worst performances I have ever seen. Penalties, missed blocks, etc.
DL - B+
Great against the run. The only thing more I can ask for is a consistent pass rush. That is not going to happen though with the lack of speed on this line.
LB - C-
More missed tackles and still no linebackers making any plays. Can't remember the last time we haven't had any playmakers at linebacker.
DB - B
Played solid, but not great. This game should put to rest any thoughts of Travis Howard going pro after this year. He got schooled by Cunningham.
Special Teams - B-
Kick coverage was outstanding. Returns were below average. Punting was average.
Coaching - F
A better grade might be 'What Coaching'. Offensive playcalling was horrible as usual. There is no gameplan and no offensive identity (other than bad). There are almost no quick hitting passes to help get the ball out quickly. There is also absolutely no coaching on the sidelines. If you watched Florida-Alabama when Florida had to put their freshman QB in the game, you would have seen Charlie Weiss talking to the QB after every series. Braxton Miller comes off the field and stands by himself. Need to have someone going over the plays with him to tell him what he did right, wrong, and what he can do differently next time.
I understand the O-Line and Playcalling were horrendous, but the QB's still have to be able to do something. Neither QB could even throw a spiral. Bauserman missed a lot of open receivers. He just doesn't seem to have the arm strength to make throws to the outside. Braxton still looks like a deer in the headlights.
RB - C
Average game by the Running Backs. A lot of this has to do with pathetic blocking, poor play calling, and inability to pass, but I would still have liked to see a few broken tackles or another big play.
WR - D-
Yet again they couldn't get any separation until the defense was in prevent. Also saw some very costly dropped passes and a lack of effort by Devin Smith on Miller's interception might have been the play of the game.
OL - F
I would give them lower if I could. This was one of the worst performances I have ever seen. Penalties, missed blocks, etc.
DL - B+
Great against the run. The only thing more I can ask for is a consistent pass rush. That is not going to happen though with the lack of speed on this line.
LB - C-
More missed tackles and still no linebackers making any plays. Can't remember the last time we haven't had any playmakers at linebacker.
DB - B
Played solid, but not great. This game should put to rest any thoughts of Travis Howard going pro after this year. He got schooled by Cunningham.
Special Teams - B-
Kick coverage was outstanding. Returns were below average. Punting was average.
Coaching - F
A better grade might be 'What Coaching'. Offensive playcalling was horrible as usual. There is no gameplan and no offensive identity (other than bad). There are almost no quick hitting passes to help get the ball out quickly. There is also absolutely no coaching on the sidelines. If you watched Florida-Alabama when Florida had to put their freshman QB in the game, you would have seen Charlie Weiss talking to the QB after every series. Braxton Miller comes off the field and stands by himself. Need to have someone going over the plays with him to tell him what he did right, wrong, and what he can do differently next time.
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