Just a B?After ESPN released their Buckeye football preview last week (courtesy of Blue Ribbon) there was a bit of confusion over the grades assigned to the units. Despite spending most of the preview heaping praise on the team, the writer saw fit to give the offense a C+, the defense a C and the special teams a B+.
Shortly after the preview comments section blew up, the grades were changed to a B+ for offense, B for defense and C+ for special teams. Definitely more in line with what to expect this season, but this defense is only expected to be B quality? Tsk-tsking did ensue and is still going strong nearly a week later. Blasphemy!
Well the author of the preview finally outed himself (ESPN did not publish the original byline) and it's none other than the Dispatch's very own Ken Gordon. To his credit, he came clean and published evidence to support his defensive evaluation:
...it seems a number of people think I've shortchanged the defense by giving them a B.
My response: Statistics are great, but you have to go past OSU's rankings nationally last year to give the Buckeyes an honest grade.
And I firmly believe Ohio State has a better-than-average defense, but not a truly great one. Not "A" material....yet.
Here's one reason why: In the few games last season in which the Buckeyes faced a team with both an experienced quarterback and a quality running back, they went 2-2.
Definitely a valid point. I'd still argue that there's no way the offense (despite Pryor) should have a higher grade than the defense heading into this season, and Gordon kind of echoes this himself by stating that maybe it was "an invisible ink B-plus". I may have to try something like that on my next performance review: "How about an invisible Exceeds Expectations?"
All of this exposes a larger problem for Blue Ribbon and by extension, the WWL. By using local writers -- all with different standards of excellence -- the grades aren't really uniform within conferences, let alone nationwide. According to Blue Ribbon Wisconsin ($), Michigan (!?!, $) and Penn State ($) all have better defenses than Ohio State expects to have this year.
Speaking of the WWL, College Football Live returns today (3:30ET) with the Vest and Tim Tebow booked as the first guests. There's promise of additional interactive elements this year including analysts tackling viewer emails, the ability for fans to upload videos and live feedback. Just like a blog, but better hair and makeup. And quality production elements. And pants.
Comments
I've got to agree with Gordon. The players are good enough to be "A" material, but I don't think the coaching philosophy allows them to grade higher than a "B".
I'm glad Ken can take off his Scarlet and Gray glasses easier than I can. He is right though, that grade can quickly move up on Sept. 13th.
I don't necessarily disagree with Ken Gordon.
However, I figured that there was some standard to grading. Maybe the independent writers could write the articles, and some supreme body (ESPN) can do the grading.
According to BRP as it stands, the FAU Owls would light up the Buckeyes.
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Can't disagree. This defense was brand new in 2006, overachieved during the season and got dominated by Florida. Last year, they went untested, lost to the good teams, and showed some weakness again. It's sad to admit, but if USC stomps us, then it could go down as the most overrated defense in Ohio State history. I love the Bucks, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up this time.
My problem wasn't so much with Gordon grading the defense as he did - I happen to think he's right about our defensive weaknesses, particularly on the defensive line and at safety - but I *do* have a problem with the grades in relation to those of other schools. ESPN should have made it clear that each team was being graded individually, and not in comparison to others. That was confusing.
I really like Ken's writing and he knows a lot more about Buckeye football than I ever will, but I see this defense as being the dominant element on this team.
The middle of the DL is the key, obviously. If they show signs of improvement, watch out. I also have a weird feeling that '08 is going to be Kurt Coleman's coming out party.