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Offense -
The Metrodome has been a kind place for Ohio State football and Saturday was no different. Along with Michigan, Ohio State is the only Big Ten team the Gophers have not beaten in the dome. In winning 30-7, the Buckeyes won their second road game in convincing fashion, but it wasn't without some tense moments.
Minnesota coach Tim Brewster did his best to inspire his troops by using 'throwback' jerseys and, for a time, his team performed completely over their heads, especially defensively. The first offensive possession for us was simple enough, even with a fake punt to keep the drive alive. Beanie Wells caped off the march with the first of his two touchdowns on the night. His second TD, which featured the double-tight / double fullback formation, moved the scored to 14-0 and started the rout. Or not. An interesting thing happened at that point which was; the offense started to play poorly and Minnesota, with the worst defense in college football, began to gain momentum.
It's excruciatingly easy to pinpoint this momentum shift. With roughly 12:30 to play in the second quarter, we were stopped on 4th down after a Todd Boeckman pass sailed long. Yes, long! The offensive line began to have communication problems between the tackle and tight end and Beanie Wells attempted a half hearted chicken wing to an onrushing pass rusher, in lieu of a real block. Fortunately, Beanie redeemed himself later with a beautiful 27 yard gain on 3rd and 5. Tack on a late hit personal foul and the next thing you know, Brian Robiskie is making the most acrobatic catch of the year. Intermission over, the rout was back on.
The offensive play was short on harmony and full of dissonance. It wasn't poor but something just wasn't right; something was missing in stats, in points, in yards when you're playing the worst defense in college football. It's hard to argue with 457 total yards and 30 points but I can't overlook being stopped on 4th down, fumbling on our goal line and being forced to punt six times. If I had to pin-point one area that I thought was handled well, it would be Boeckman's recognition of weakside blitz. Todd recognized this almost everytime and completed the pass to a receiver in the vacated area.
Defense -
If I mention that Minnesota is a terrible defensive team, then I need to mention they are just the opposite offensively. Minnesota can move the ball and are especially effective when the actually hold onto it. They did both of these for the most part in the first half. Their opening drive resulted in a missed FG and their last two possessions of the half netted a touchdown and an extended drive that ended with a Malcolm Jenkins interception. These last two drives were disappointing because Minnesota did three simple things:
- They went hurry-up / no huddle.
- They used running back screens.
- They hit us with the option.
The defense mentally regained composure after Jenkin's interception. From that point, we only allowed 78 more total yards the rest of the game even while the Gopher's tried the hurry up, RB screens and the option. Our defensive adjustments, although slight, were extremely effective.
Overall, I thought this was a solid performance. I would have liked to have seen more sacks but the hard hitting elsewhere on the field made up for the lack of qb pressures. The defense continues to find its strength in the back 7. The linebackers are very good in space, on blitzes or dropping deep. Malcolm Jenkins moving to safety when we go Nickel is working nicely so far and, up front, Vernon Gholston has shown he is the best at getting held on almost every play without a single damn flag.
Special Teams -
AJ Trapasso had a Buckeye dream fulfilled on Saturday with the fake punt call. Trapasso was so eager he started running before the snap was even to his hands. The result was drop and dribble but the scoop and run was mighty impressive, thanks in part to a vicious Marcus Freeman block. It also accomplished the goal of picking up the first down. The Buckeye coaching staff decided to use the fake this week based on film study. Minnesota overloads the middle gaps with pressure leaving the edges vulnerable. AJ took advantage and the drive resulted in our first touchdown.
While the fake was good there were other areas that pull this grade back to earth. Kick coverage continues to be somewhat of an issue. After getting a stiff arm last week, Ryan Pretorius actually made the touchdown saving tackle v. Minnesota. Are we looking for the kill shot a little to much and not minding our lane responsibilities? I"m not sure.
Kicking wise, we had another block which requires no further commentary.
:Other Thoughts & Observations:
* Kurt Coleman is going to be an All-American very soon. It may not happen this year but it will happen when he stops watching the quarterback (on obvious passing downs) so much. This peeking into the backfield causes him to lose connection with the receiver he is covering and a few times the ball has been zipped in as a result.