There’s no Ohio State football this weekend. I know, I know, it’s a trying week for a lot of us that eat, drink, and breathe Buckeye football, but it’s okay. While there will be more action next week — and a Friday game at that — we’re here to fill that void that’s left with content to get you by.
By all accounts and measures, the first half of the 2019 regular season has been a resounding success. Not many without a largely scarlet and gray wardrobe gave Ohio State much of a chance at looking as dominant as they have so far. But, here OSU sits at 6-0, with many national experts believing the Buckeyes to be the best team in America so far.
Okay, we’re game. We’re pausing to take stock in grading this team on several fronts at the mid-post. So, here goes …
Next … The offense
Offensive breakdown
Skill Positions
Grade: B+
Let’s start with the quarterback shall we? Justin Fields has surpassed the expectations of many and has been arguably the MVP of this team. As we’ve mentioned before, he’d probably be getting more Heisman love if Ohio State needed him to be a superhero in shoulder pads. It doesn’t and that’s a good thing. Either way, he’s poised, has a strong arm and is dynamic on the ground.
For the wide-receivers, it’s a deep and talented group, but one that could probably do a little more. There’s been some drops in the passing game that need to get better, but all-in-all, this team’s collective playmaking ability on the outside is about as explosive as you can get.
J.K. Dobbins is doing J.K. Dobbins things again now that he’s the clear No. 1, and Master Teague has been a very pleasant surprise as a change of pace, more physical type. But where is Demario McCall? And what about the K.J. Hill at the H-back? Is he being underutilized?
Offensive Line
Grade: A
The buffet eaters have been lights out. It was always an overrated notion to say that four starters needed to be replaced, because most of those so-called replacements had plenty of action prior to the season. The bottom line is that this unit looks even better than last years. It’s a tough, athletic bunch that is equally adept at run blocking as it is keeping the pocket clean for Fields.
Next … Defense and the specialists
Defense and Special Teams
Defensive Line
Grade: A
Losing Nick Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones from last season has had a bit of an impact, but not much. That’s because Chase Young is putting up First Team All-American numbers, and the line can go two, even three guys deep at some positions without much of a drop off. It’s another fantastic group that seems to just keep coming in year after year like storm troopers. Larry Johnson has this group playing at a high level. But then again, that’s really no surprise.
Linebackers
Grade: B
You could make an argument about this unit being most under-performing of any last season, but it should also be in the team picture for the most improved unit in 2019 so far. The scheme has been simplified, and rather than being out of position, the two-deep here has been flying to the ball in run support and clogging holes. There’s still some improvement needed in the crossing routes and dropping back in coverage, but the athleticism of this group has been more evident so far. So has the lack of big-plays given up.
Secondary
Grade: A
For as much praise as the defensive-line gets, we can’t forget about all the defensive backs. Shaun Wade, Jeffrey Okudah, Damon Arnette, and Jordan Fuller have all played like All Big-Ten performers, and that’s just for starters. Teams have had a very hard time completing big-plays down the field, and that’s because the separation just isn’t there in a lot of cases. When a shot is taken, the on-ball skills have been otherworldly and the tackling sound.
Special Teams
Grade: B
Besides punter Drue Chrisman getting bored on the sidelines, this unit has been great as well. Of course he’s performing well when he gets a shot, but there have also been three kicks blocks already on the season. We’ve yet to see a game-breaking return though, and the usually reliable Blake Haubeil has missed a couple of field goals that he would tell you he’s got to put through the iron.
