Ohio State: Early Season Diagnostic Check

Two games do not a season make, but having played one middle-of-the-road opponent, and one ranked in the top 20, it is time to hook the 2010 Buckeyes up for a diagnostic analysis.  While many fans and pundits are proclaiming the Buckeyes a cinch to play for the national championship, others are not impressed and claim the team is vastly overrated.  The truth probably lies somewhere in between. 

Offense

There has been a lot to like about the play of the offense, especially the fact that they have yet to turn the ball over.  Taking care of the pigskin is one of a handful of essentials to being a great team.  But that hasn't been the only offensive strength.

Obviously No. 2 has been pretty effective thus far.  While Terrelle is never going to be the most accurate quarterback in the country, he is making good decisions, throwing the deep ball exceptionally well, showing poise and moxy, and using his legs at the right times.  There is no doubt that he has progressed to the point that he can lead a team to big victories, and the team seems confident in his leadership.

The running game has been effective, but lacks a true bell cow.  The nice thing is that the '10 team isn't dependent on one guy.  Already Tress and company have shown they will go with the back who has the hot hand, and it is nice to have a stable of runners who bring different strengths to the table.  When you add in the running of Pryor, this appears to be a solid strength and is an area that I am not worried about. 

On the other hand, two games into the season, count me as very concerned about the lack of depth at receiver.  If anything happens to either DeVier Posey or Dane Sanzenbacher I am not sure where the coaching staff will turn.  And other than Jake Stoneburner there is no tight end with any pass catching ability.  While those three have looked good, and the tailbacks all seem to have nice hands, this is an area that could bite the Buckeyes in the butt at some point.

Meanwhile, the offensive line has looked good, and seems to be playing in synch.  The tackles may not be great, but they are solid, and the interior of the line is excellent.  Again, depth is questionable, especially without Marcus Hall, but this is the best line we've seen in seven or eight years.

Simply put, the offense is much improved from a season ago and good enough to get this team to the promised land if it continues to develop.

Defense

Jim Tressel teams depend on defense, first and foremost, and opinions vary on this year's Silver Bullets.  In truth they have only given up one touchdown, as the other three were scored on the special teams.  Still there are people doubting this season's D.

It has been especially difficult to get a good read on the D-line.  The tackles have looked excellent, as both Larrimore and Simon can plug the middle and rush the passer.  The ends, however, have yet to get to the quarterback, and that is a concern.  Heyward is getting double-teamed at times, and so Nate Williams and Solomon Thomas have to step up and put pressure on the opposing quarterback.  I am not sold on the depth an end, but do believe that Wlliams will improve as he gets healthier.  Added it is a luxury to be able to drop the ends into coverage as the Bucks did against Miami, which resulted in interceptions by both Heyward and Williams. 

Linebacker is a strength, with Rolle and Homan as solid as they come.  While Sweat is still feeling his way, I am not concerned about this area because there is depth, and Tyler Moeller is playing so well at the "Star" as a hybrid linebacker/safety.

Defensive back could be a problem at some point, although I have been favorably impressed thus far.  The starting corners are very good, and physical, though both can be beaten deep on occasion.  Jermale Hines is a beast at free safety, and C.J. Barnett looked much better against Miami than he did in the Marshall game, showing the same reckless abandon as his old high-school teammate, Kurt Coleman.  It is depth, again, that is a concern, and will be tested immediately due to Barnett's injury, but I do think the secondary is good enough to get the job done, if the D-line is able to put adequate pressure on the quarterback.

Once again, I think the defense is stout enough to help this team achieve their ultimate goal, particularly if the offense continues to improve.

Special Teams

When you hook up the 2010 special teams to the diagnostic equipment, red lights immediately begin to flash and trouble is quickly evident.  The field goal kicking is solid, and the punting okay, but the coverage has been abysmal.  If it does not improve I feel confident it will cost the Buckeyes a game at some point.  The good news is there is time to work on it before any of the big games arrive. 

On a positive note, Jaamal Berry and Jordan Hall give Ohio State their best return game since Teddy Ginn Jr. departed, and it is only a matter of time until one of these young guys takes one to the house.

So, special teams needs to improve quickly, if the Buckeyes intend to play in Tempe in January.

Here's the final analysis: Ohio State annihilated a pretty decent Marshall team, that took West Virginia into overtime, and then hammered a good Miami squad in spite of the special teams blunders.  While improvement is needed to defeat Wisconsin and Iowa on the road, there is plenty of time for this team to mature, and if they remain healthy, I like their chances of running the table.