Grading the Game

Here is how I grade today's game:

Offense - A: Producing 450 yards rushing is impressive whether its Missouri State or not. Especially when you split it up between three 100+ yard rushers. Beau Johnson had a little trouble with holding on to the ball, fumbling twice but besides that, the offense played pretty well. If the starters were to stay in the whole game, we would all still be there.

Passing Offense - B: Considering only 10 passes were thrown, it's hard to grade the Pokes, but the 65-yard TD pass to Bowling was all I needed.

Rushing Offense - A+: Three 100-yard rushers for 450 combined yards is something that rarely ever happens (2nd time in OSU history). They were basically unstoppable. It seemed like every run was a 15-yard gain or more. SOLID.

Offensive Line - A+: It seems like they are getting better and better every game. The blocks and holes they are creating for our RB core have been great. They just completely overpowered MSU at the line and made it simple for Spud, Toston and Johnson. Week by week, I become more and more impressed with Russell Okung. He is a freak of nature and could easily be a first round pick in '09.

Defense - B+: They didn't shutout MSU, but they played pretty well. Pass rush was strong and they had strong tackles including some huge hits. There were a couple of garbage pass interference call and holding calls that should have never have been called, but I guess you win some and you lose some. They still need to create more turnovers. I was expecting a few today, and after the first play of the game I thought there would be a ton but that was the only one. Not necessarily a bad thing; however, we are going to need to create more turnovers in Big XII play. I was impressed with the secondary and pass defense today.

Special Teams - A: I have been very impressed with our special teams this year. Dez continues to shine and blockers continue to block. He is going to have huge holes every time he touches a punt or kick return. Bad thing is opposing teams will stop kicking to him.

Fans - A: Despite horrible weather, a majority of the fans went to the game and stayed most of the game. And I've got to admit, this was one of the most boring games I have ever been to.