I will go back and watch in more detail, but:
1) The offensive line looks really improved...there were issues with the offense in general (addressed below), but I thought the OL did a damn good job overall. Pass protection looked good.
2) The play calling and tempo overall was underwhelming overall...felt no different than under Beck. Until I see something different, talent and depth won out tonight, not offensive scheme. But hey, it is game 1.
3) Dobbins is going to be a star and I put this at #3 because it is obvious to anyone who has eyes.
4) Love that we stuck with the guys that originally were the sources of frustration...Campbell and Dixon both redeemed themselves and made huge plays. I would like to chalk it up to initial jitters, I think both can be amazing here. But love that the staff kept with them.
5) Antonio Williams looks pretty damn good too...very glad he is a Buckeye.
6) DeMario McCall: I hope we hear he was rules out of the game for some reason because it was very disappointing not to see him out there. I am guessing he was held out for some reason because he dressed and would have usually played.
7) Our DL may not have that great of stats this year, but it is only because teams will get rid of the ball very quick. Lagow is a great QB in my eyes, yet he threw a crucial INT, probably should have had 2-3 more, fumbled the ball and had intentional grounding calls. IU was desperately trying to get the ball out quick and they executed well. But it was clear that the DL had an absolute field day out there...might not show up in the stats, but the DL was going nuts.
8) Speaking of the DL, how about Jashon Cornell? I thought he looked fantastic out there and got very little lip-service coming into the game. Really impressed by him and man is he a big boy now...think he is going to be a force for us this year.
9) DB's: I think we were in great position most of the night, but Lagow was putting the ball on the money and receivers were making plays. They threw a ton of high back-shoulder throws because they know their receivers could not consistently beat our DB's. That being said, I think Okudah or Wade should have went out on the tall receiver (#1), particularly near the redzone. Ward was in good position but was just not getting high enough. I think Ward, Sheffield and Arnette are going to be great this season. Just think Okudah/Wade could have been used tonight to stop certain things.
10) Speaking of DB's, not sure I even heard Webb's name...sometime that is a good thing. Fuller made a big play, but seems like he and Smith will rotate until someone makes a mark.
11) Special teams: Glad we were hitting our FG's, even though they were chippies. Chrisman looked great I thought, kid is a keeper.
- Overall: We won against a team that I think will end up being a pretty decent team...they might go all IU like they do every year, but being on the road at night, I walked away with a respect for their team. Lagow is a damn good QB and the guys he was throwing to executed very well...maybe this is your annual installment of insert B1G team here that gives OSU their best shot, but I would be surprised. Nonetheless, I am not worried about our team at all, but we will find out quickly on August 9th what we are made of.
