Ohio State Football: Grading the Buckeyes' Performance Against Nebraska

Ohio State came into the game with Nebraska as an 11-point underdog. Does anyone remember the last time the Buckeyes were double-digit underdogs?

In any case, it didn't seem many were giving them a chance to upset the Cornhuskers at Lincoln, a place the Buckeyes have never played—before tonight. 

This game was a classic story of two halves. It looked like the Buckeyes were going to win going away, but then the second half happened. 

If the grades were for the first half only, this report would look a lot different. As it is, let's just say the Buckeyes' grade-point average slid dramatically in the latter part of the game. 

Let's take a look.

Offense: C

Ohio State's offense was on its way to a solid A tonight, but then a fumble and an injury set it back.  In the second half the Buckeyes offense struggled without starting quarterback Braxton Miller.  The difference in the offense with Miller and without Miller was quite evident. 

Even with the C grade, I have to say that for the first half of the game the Buckeyes offense looked much better tonight than it has in a long time.  I think some of that has to do with Nebraska's defense, but not all.  Tonight Ohio State blocked better than I have seen them block all year.  They stayed on blocks, and it looked like they didn't miss too many assignments.  

Braxton Miller showed us why he is a dual threat quarterback, keeping his play balanced until his injury in the third quarter.  Let's hope he will be okay.

Without Miller the offense was at best anemic.  They weren't able to do a thing, especially in the fourth quarter when it mattered. 

First half grade: A 

Second half grade: D-

Offense total grade: C

Defense: C-

Again, if it weren't for the second half the Ohio State defense would have been graded an A+.  However, as it stands now, they get a C-. 

The defense, of course, has not been the issue this year, but it was the issue in the second half of tonight's game. 

After a third quarter fumble by the Buckeyes offense, the defense seemed a little in disarray.  Two plays later Martinez ran in for an easy Nebraska touchdown. 

This seemed to carry over on the very next drive as well.  I don't know if it was Nebraska's renewed confidence or Ohio State just being a little tired, but whatever the case there were missed tackles, out of position players, and coverage issues.

Seven plays, eighty yards, and two and half minutes later, Nebraska scored another touchdown.  This brought the score to 27-20, still in favor of the Buckeyes.  

This pattern continued, and as you know Nebraska went on to score two more touchdowns sealing the Buckeyes fate.  

First half grade: A+

Second half grade: D-

Overall grade: C-

Special Teams: B+

Ohio State looked good on special teams tonight.  They only allowed one return of any length at 37 yards. 

Field goals were 2/2 and extra points 3/3.  Punt coverage was good, and overall the special teams were the one aspect of the Buckeyes game that stayed consistent all night.

Kickoff returns averaged 23.2 yards per touch with the longest being 29 yards. 

First half grade: A-

Second half grade: B-

Overall grade: B+

Coaching: B-

The game plan the coaching staff had in place tonight seemed to be perfect.  However, it didn't call for their starting quarterback to be injured in the third quarter.

Once the injury of Miller, the whole game changed.  I am not sure if the proper adjustments were made by the coaches, but then again, I don't know if they had the players to make the adjustments needed. 

One thing though... I thought that Coaching staff could have got a little more aggressive on play calling in the second half, and I still can't understand why the Buckeyes didn't try that 49 yard field goad in the fourth quarter.  They were still ahead 27-20, and it would have made it a 10 point lead for Ohio State.

Instead, they chose to punt.  I guess we will never know the difference that would have made.

Game plan, and first half grade: A

Second half adjustments and play calling: C-

Overall grade: B- 

Overall Grade: C

Ohio State dominated the Cornhuskers in the first half.  It was a truly impressive handling of the No.14 ranked Nebraska team. 

However, football is a game of two halves.  The second half looked like a totally different game.  The Buckeyes offense and defense fell apart, and Nebraska took advantage of that. 

I am sure this is going to sting for a bit, but just like games are two halves, so are seasons.  Let's hope the Ohio State coaches and players can make the proper adjustments for the second half of this season. 

Overall game grade for the Buckeyes performance: C