An impressive start to the 2012 season compared to the hell we dealt with last season. Some of the highlights and lowlights in my opinion so far.
Highlights
- Braxton Miller - Has improved light years since last season. He plays with confidence and decisiveness. His cutting and change of direction on runs is truly unique. If his passing skills continue to grow I think he'll leave Ohio State as the best QB we've ever had.
- True Freshman Defensive Lineman and Special Teamers - Phenomenal play for being so young. It is rare to have a single true freshman come in an contribute and we have a lot of them! Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington and Tommy Schutt are going to make a terrifying defensive line in the future.
- Wide Receivers - Considering this group was supposed to be the red-headed step child of the team, I've been pretty impressed with them. Certainly a stepup from last season.
- Run Blocking - I've seen our guys do a lot better job of getting up field and opening holes. Braxton is making plays but the holes are there because of the line.
- Offensive Tempo - Probably what everyone expected, but its been a blast to watch these guys wear down defenses. Starting in the second half we've absolutely exploded out of the gate and I think opposing defenses are going to have a lot of trouble defending us all game.
Lowlights
- Defensive Line - I've been very disapointed in this group outside of the freshman who are just starting. What was supposed to be the strength of the team has been very mediocre. The only guys with any sacks are the young guys.
- Back Seven Miscommunications - Without the miscommunications this group has been phenomenal...unforutnately we've got 2-3 of them a game and they all have resulted in big plays.
- Running Backs - I expected our running backs to play a much bigger role, but so far they have not produced. The line play cannot be blamed this season, because the holes are there. I just hope Jordan Hall gets healthy and can give Brax some relief.
Overall I think we're a pretty good team so far, but not exceptional or great. I see a lot of talent for the future and I can't wait to see our new staff develop it. Let me know your thoughts or opinions.
Agreed on all points. I have been especially critical of the Dline. I do think it will improve, and I really think they are missing Bennett. I believe he is special. I also think the Defense has been way too vanilla!
I think the defense has been too vanilla too. With the defensive line not getting much pass rush eventually we will have to blitz more. We face a good amount of drop back passers this season. Getting a little more heat on them will certainly take some pressure of the defensive backs that have been giving up a lot of big plays.
The DLINE play is going to be the key to us having a really good year or not. The rest of the team is eithe rgood in some areas or mediocre, if the DLINE plays to their potential I can see us running the table. At the moment, the DLINE is not playing to that level. RB's will heal, the back seven will have better communication, but the DLINE is going to be key to beating UM, MSU and some others.
The RBs, including Boren, are averaging 4.2 YPC...
The defensive line has GOT to be hands down the #1 biggest disappointment. For all the hype this group had coming in (Simon, Big Hank, Nathan Williams, Bennett, Hale) they've been a complete letdown thus far. Yes, I said COMPLETE letdown. There has been ZERO pressure and they do not appear to be controlling the LOS as anticipated.
Very disappointed.