Post by WANG on Sept 21, 2015 7:38:24 GMT -5
Overall - D+: Wow...wow. What a stinker. I know that NIU has won 11 games for 5 years in a row, and I know they are one of the best teams in the MAC, but this was the worst game I have seen from OSU since VT last season (and it might have been worse overall). Save for the D, which played an outstanding game again and saved the day, there was nothing to be proud of about this win. The only positives you can take away are that the D could be special this year and OSU now has a chance to go 4-0. Let's get into the specifics.
Offense - F: No other way to put it. The offense only mustered 13 points (7 came from the D), and 3 of those were the result of a turnover deep in NIU's territory. It's not like NIU has an elite D either, so this performance is wholly unacceptable. You can't place the blame on one part of the offense, either. The OL is not playing well, which is baffling considering they return 4 of 5 from last season. The QB play has been VERY poor, which is baffling considering they have 2 Heisman preseason candidates. Zeke is looking good, as is Thomas, and Miller is becoming a real weapon, but outside of that, this team looks completely disjointed. FIVE turnovers?!?! I do think the offense looks slightly better with JTB in the game, but regardless they need to pick a QB, pick an offensive identity, and STICK WITH IT. The good news is that they are working it out during the part of the season that they can afford to, the bad news is that is coming to an end. Figure it the hell out.
Defense - A: The defense won this game. Unlike the Hawaii game, I can say definitively OSU would have lost if the defense was not firing on all cylinders. They gave up one drive all game that resulted in 3 points, the other 10 came directly from turnovers (and considering there were 5, that is damn impressive). The best part is that the STRONGEST unit on this defense may very well be the secondary, which was a unit of some concern coming into this season. The DL continues to play well, and Hubbard is becoming a monster. The LBs are doing their damn thing, and it is glorious. Everyone that wanted Fickell fired owes him a hand written apology.
STs - C: Average performance. No kicks out of bounds, but not many opportunities to do so. No big returns given up, but none from their end either. Made a chippy FG, punting was okay, but not great, a few trickled into the endzone. Overall fine, but not great.
Coaching - D+: The only reason it isn't an F is because the D has been great. Ash and Fickell deserve praise. On the other hand, this offense is a mess, and that starts with the coaching staff. They need to figure out the identity of this team, and fast. I am starting to think that this staff SORELY misses Herman. Neither QB is going to play well looking over their shoulder. Cardale is not going to play well in an offense built for JTB, and vice versa. Build the offense around one or the other.
This team has all the weapons that it needs to be great, but the coaching staff needs to put the puzzle pieces together. It isn't time to panic yet, but if they lay another egg against WMU this weekend, then it might be time for everyone to head to Nerks fallout shelter (just kidding Nerk, love ya buddy!).
Offense - F: No other way to put it. The offense only mustered 13 points (7 came from the D), and 3 of those were the result of a turnover deep in NIU's territory. It's not like NIU has an elite D either, so this performance is wholly unacceptable. You can't place the blame on one part of the offense, either. The OL is not playing well, which is baffling considering they return 4 of 5 from last season. The QB play has been VERY poor, which is baffling considering they have 2 Heisman preseason candidates. Zeke is looking good, as is Thomas, and Miller is becoming a real weapon, but outside of that, this team looks completely disjointed. FIVE turnovers?!?! I do think the offense looks slightly better with JTB in the game, but regardless they need to pick a QB, pick an offensive identity, and STICK WITH IT. The good news is that they are working it out during the part of the season that they can afford to, the bad news is that is coming to an end. Figure it the hell out.
Defense - A: The defense won this game. Unlike the Hawaii game, I can say definitively OSU would have lost if the defense was not firing on all cylinders. They gave up one drive all game that resulted in 3 points, the other 10 came directly from turnovers (and considering there were 5, that is damn impressive). The best part is that the STRONGEST unit on this defense may very well be the secondary, which was a unit of some concern coming into this season. The DL continues to play well, and Hubbard is becoming a monster. The LBs are doing their damn thing, and it is glorious. Everyone that wanted Fickell fired owes him a hand written apology.
STs - C: Average performance. No kicks out of bounds, but not many opportunities to do so. No big returns given up, but none from their end either. Made a chippy FG, punting was okay, but not great, a few trickled into the endzone. Overall fine, but not great.
Coaching - D+: The only reason it isn't an F is because the D has been great. Ash and Fickell deserve praise. On the other hand, this offense is a mess, and that starts with the coaching staff. They need to figure out the identity of this team, and fast. I am starting to think that this staff SORELY misses Herman. Neither QB is going to play well looking over their shoulder. Cardale is not going to play well in an offense built for JTB, and vice versa. Build the offense around one or the other.
This team has all the weapons that it needs to be great, but the coaching staff needs to put the puzzle pieces together. It isn't time to panic yet, but if they lay another egg against WMU this weekend, then it might be time for everyone to head to Nerks fallout shelter (just kidding Nerk, love ya buddy!).
