The Ohio State Buckeyes welcomed the Michigan Wolverines to a packed Ohio Stadium Saturday in hopes of snapping a multi-year losing streak. They closed on the betting markets as a near three-score favorite.
Unfortunately, that’s not how the game went for the Buckeyes. They scored first, ending the first period up 3-0. Ohio State went into half knotted at 10. The only points in the second half was a Michigan field goal with just a few minutes remaining. The home side wasn’t able to rebound from that final blow and ended up being shocked at home.
The Buckeyes, while still widely expected to make the College Football Playoff, certainly disappointed. They will need to regroup and figure out what went wrong, and without the Big Ten Championship Game to worry about, they should have the time to do just that. That said, let’s dive into how this game played out for each individual Buckeyes unit.
The Offense – Grade: D+
The Buckeyes offense scored one touchdown, but their running backs, who have been the core of this team’s offense all season long, failed to really move the chains often.
Will Howard, who had also been excellent for most of the season, ended with two interceptions. Ohio State had just 77 rushing yards with no single back having a greater than four yards-per-carry average.
Scoring 10 points is unacceptable, especially at home. For that, they get a D+. I guess they at least put some points on the board.
The Defense – Grade: B+
The Buckeyes did hold the Wolverines to just two field goals and one touchdown. If you had told most fans that before the game, they would think the Buckeyes not only won but covered the 20-point spread.
Michigan QB Davis Warren had 62 yards and two interceptions. While Kalel Mullings did end with 116 rushing yards, he had 32 carries and just a 3.6 yards-per-carry average.
The defense stood strong and got the best grade of the bunch at a B+.
Special Teams – Grade: D-
Jayden Fielding single-handled earned the Buckeyes special teams this grade. He was 1-of-3 on field goals. That was a brutal difference from Michigan’s kicker, Dominic Zvada, who had a 54-yard field goal go through the uprights. Joe McGuire performed somewhat well with three punts and one in the 20.
This unit didn’t help Ohio State out much. They get a D-.
The Coaching Staff – Grade: F
Simply put, if you’re Ryan Day, you have to come out on top. You failed to win the last few seasons, and you have arguably the most talented team that has come through Columbus since you’ve taken over. You were a 20-point favorite against a team that has one of the most one-dimensional offenses in the NFL. You have to win, and you didn’t.
For that, you get an F.
Grading Ohio State football’s individual units against Michigan
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Grading Ohio State football’s individual units against Michigan
