It's hard to complain about a semi-blow out, but I still have some concerns about the offense.
Running Game
Simply put, Pittman is not a feature back. The OL blew open some huge holes, but Tony lacked the vision and explosion to take full advantage of the many opportunities to break some big plays. I'd like to see some more of Mo Wells, who is dangerous in open space. Haw showed some good power in limited action during garbage time. Smith is a great running QB, but see below....
Passing Game
Boy, do the Bucks need some work here.
First, Smith took off running way too early and way too often. Against a better defense, Smith will need to stay in the pocket and look for his second and third options. This is especially true because the OL did a tremendous job and provided Smith with a ton of time in the pocket to make his reads and find the open receivers.
Second, Smith made some terrible decisions, with a very poorly thrown INT, and two other passes that should have been intercepted. He also threw several low balls, a couple of which bounced into the receivers.
Third, not to put all of the blame on Smith, the receivers dropped several very catchable passes (including Hamby and Ginn, each of whom has developed a case of the dropsies this season). Even Holmes dropped one today.
Fourth, very few yards after the catch. Part of the problem is the receivers not breaking tackles, part is the QB not gettting the receivers the ball in stride, and part is the play calling not "stretching" the defense (see below).
Finally, there were no deep throws, again. I'd like to see a few, just to loosen up the defense so that the underneath routes (especially slants) will open up some more. Late last season, Ohio State killed teams with slant routes, especially to Ginn, who was able to operate in the open field with a head of steam.
Special Note - Smith's best play of the game was his tackle after the Schnittker fumble. The defender would have gone coast to coast without Troy's heads up play.
Addendum - no comment on Zwick's performance in mop-up time.
Overall Offense
The passing game is completely out of sync, and the running game is not strong enough to pound teams. The offense is especially disappointing in light of the fact that they are getting outstanding line play, both in the running game (huge holes) and the passing game (great protection).
Overall Defense
Except for the first play of the game, where everyone seemed to be asleep, the defense played a great game. Hawk, Carp, and especially Kudla were tough up front, and Schlegel had the play of the day when he defended the option perfectly, caused the fumble, then recovered it near the goal line (should have been a TD). Malcolm Jenkins played a nice game, with some passes defensed and good run support. Salley almost had a nice INT, and Youbouty displayed his typical tight coverage. Everyone on the D played well, especially Kudla, Schlegel, and Jenkins.
Special Teams
Huston and Trapasso are continuing the excellence in the kicking game. The return game was a plus, with Holmes having a couple of nice returns. The coverage game was fine. No problems with the special teams.
Penalties
Two more unsportsmanlike / late hit penalties today. That crap has to stop, and soon.
A Final Note
A win is a win is a win. Not pretty, but it counts. Bring on Iowa and the rest of the Big Ten.
Running Game
Simply put, Pittman is not a feature back. The OL blew open some huge holes, but Tony lacked the vision and explosion to take full advantage of the many opportunities to break some big plays. I'd like to see some more of Mo Wells, who is dangerous in open space. Haw showed some good power in limited action during garbage time. Smith is a great running QB, but see below....
Passing Game
Boy, do the Bucks need some work here.
First, Smith took off running way too early and way too often. Against a better defense, Smith will need to stay in the pocket and look for his second and third options. This is especially true because the OL did a tremendous job and provided Smith with a ton of time in the pocket to make his reads and find the open receivers.
Second, Smith made some terrible decisions, with a very poorly thrown INT, and two other passes that should have been intercepted. He also threw several low balls, a couple of which bounced into the receivers.
Third, not to put all of the blame on Smith, the receivers dropped several very catchable passes (including Hamby and Ginn, each of whom has developed a case of the dropsies this season). Even Holmes dropped one today.
Fourth, very few yards after the catch. Part of the problem is the receivers not breaking tackles, part is the QB not gettting the receivers the ball in stride, and part is the play calling not "stretching" the defense (see below).
Finally, there were no deep throws, again. I'd like to see a few, just to loosen up the defense so that the underneath routes (especially slants) will open up some more. Late last season, Ohio State killed teams with slant routes, especially to Ginn, who was able to operate in the open field with a head of steam.
Special Note - Smith's best play of the game was his tackle after the Schnittker fumble. The defender would have gone coast to coast without Troy's heads up play.
Addendum - no comment on Zwick's performance in mop-up time.
Overall Offense
The passing game is completely out of sync, and the running game is not strong enough to pound teams. The offense is especially disappointing in light of the fact that they are getting outstanding line play, both in the running game (huge holes) and the passing game (great protection).
Overall Defense
Except for the first play of the game, where everyone seemed to be asleep, the defense played a great game. Hawk, Carp, and especially Kudla were tough up front, and Schlegel had the play of the day when he defended the option perfectly, caused the fumble, then recovered it near the goal line (should have been a TD). Malcolm Jenkins played a nice game, with some passes defensed and good run support. Salley almost had a nice INT, and Youbouty displayed his typical tight coverage. Everyone on the D played well, especially Kudla, Schlegel, and Jenkins.
Special Teams
Huston and Trapasso are continuing the excellence in the kicking game. The return game was a plus, with Holmes having a couple of nice returns. The coverage game was fine. No problems with the special teams.
Penalties
Two more unsportsmanlike / late hit penalties today. That crap has to stop, and soon.
A Final Note
A win is a win is a win. Not pretty, but it counts. Bring on Iowa and the rest of the Big Ten.
