Rutgers vs. Ohio State: Game Grades, Analysis for the Buckeyes

Urban Meyer and No. 13 Ohio State continued to roll on Saturday, blasting Rutgers in a 56-17 blowout in Ohio Stadium. 

The Buckeyes continued its surge offensively, piling up 585 yards of total offense. The defense, which is starting to click under new co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash, held Gary Nova and a dynamic Rutgers offense to just 348 total yards.

How did Ohio State grade out from the 39-point victory?

Positional Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	A	A
Rush Offense	A	A
Pass Defense	B+	A
Run Defense	A	C+
Special Teams	B	B
Coaching	A	A

Ohio State Buckeyes Grade Analysis

Pass Offense: J.T. Barrett got Ohio State’s passing attack off to a fast start, connecting on his first nine passes to five different receivers. He continued to spread around as nine different pass-catchers hauled in receptions on Saturday. Barrett finished the day completing 19 of 31 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns (against no interceptions).

Run Offense: Ohio State’s offensive line continued to open holes for the running backs, but most of the damage was done by Barrett. The Buckeyes quarterback piled up 107 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground—leading an attack that gained 324 total yards on the day. The Buckeyes averaged 8.1 yards per rush, continuing its surge of solid rushing performances.

Pass Defense: Buckeyes fans were nervous about Ohio State's pass defense after Cincinnati torched the secondary with three long touchdown passes. But since then, the Buckeyes have done a good job locking down opposing quarterbacks. Gary Nova, who was just two weeks removed from throwing for 404 yards and three touchdowns against Michigan, managed just 199 yards and no touchdowns against the Buckeyes. Doran Grant made the play of the game when he picked Nova off in Ohio State's end zone at the end of the second quarter.

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Run Defense: After giving up 370 rushing yards to Navy and its vaunted triple-option attack in the season opener, the Buckeyes had been stout against the run, allowing an average of 77 rushing yards to the following four opponents. But Rutgers had success against the Buckeyes as the running backs piled up 170 yards on 31 carries. Desmon Peoples led the way, gaining 83 yards and 5.5 yards per carry while accounting for both of Rutgers’ touchdowns.

Special Teams: With the success of Ohio State's offense, freshman kicker Sean Nuernberger wasn't needed for any field-goal attempts, although he was a perfect eight for eight on extra points. Punter Cameron Johnston only had one punt—a 53-yard boot that pinned Rutgers inside its own 10, which set the defense up for its defensive touchdown midway through the second quarter. 

Coaching: Meyer and offensive coordinator Tom Herman continue to find ways to maximize their bounty of weapons on the perimeter. Jalin Marshall—Dontre Wilson's backup—led the Buckeyes with 58 receiving yards and is emerging as a serious threat. The defense continues to grow under Ash and Luke Fickell, making the Buckeyes a serious threat to Michigan State and the rest of the Big Ten.

All stats via NCAA.com. 

David Regimbal covers Ohio State football for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.