Plain Dealer Buckeyes beat writer Doug Lesmerises gives his grades for Ohio State's performance on Saturday.
View full sizeBuckeyes linebacker Ross Homan.Ohio State linebacker Ross Homan: A
The All-Big Ten candidate was tied for the team lead in tackles with 11 entering the game, but he carried a bigger load against Ohio University, leading the Buckeyes with seven tackles, all of them solo. He also forced a fumble and intercepted a pass among the five turnovers the Buckeyes forced.
Linebackers coach Luke Fickell thought Homan loosened up a bit in the third game of the season. "We talked to Ross about relaxing and playing football," Fickell said, "and I think he got in the groove of things. I think we saw that from him, and hopefully he'll continue to do it. For him it's just a matter of getting in the flow of the game sometimes, and I think he did a great job.
"Sometimes I think it's just his nature to be an uptight guy. We need him to get in the flow because he's a factor."
Ohio State running back Dan Herron: A-
Herron ran for two touchdowns for the third time in his career while gaining 27 yards on nine carries. But this grade isn't based only on his offense.
With the Ohio State coverage units struggling, Herron joined the punt-cover unit Saturday, as backup running backs Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry pitched in on the kickoff coverage. The coverage units weren't perfect against Ohio, but getting savvy offensive players onto the field should help the coverage cause.
View full sizeOrhian Johnson"The coaches asked me if I wanted to do it and I was all for it," Herron said. "Whatever I can do to help the team, I went out and did my job. I think I'm a pretty good tackler, and I was hoping one time I could get down there and get a tackle. Hopefully I'll be in there more often and maybe I'll make a couple tackles."
Ohio State safety Orhian Johnson: B
The redshirt sophomore made his first start of the season replacing C.J. Barnett, who played well against Miami a week ago but suffered a knee injury that required surgery and will keep him out for the rest of the season. Johnson made three tackles and forced a fumble with a hustle play on the sideline that impressed senior linebacker Brian Rolle.
"I got a chance to get my hand around the ball and got it out," Johnson said. "You just try to get to the ball before the next man does. You see one person do it, and you say, 'I want to be the next man to make a big play.' "
Johnson will have to prove himself in coverage against a team that can throw, which may not happen for a few weeks, before it's clear he can handle filling Barnett's role.
"I feel I'm prepared to get the job done," Johnson said. "I'm honored that the coaches trust me enough to put me in that position. I feel like I did a good job."
The Ohio Bobcats: C
Two years ago, coach Frank Solich saw his team push the Buckeyes to the brink, holding a lead entering the fourth quarter. Clearly, Ohio couldn't match Ohio State's talent on Saturday, but the 1-2 Bobcats really had trouble getting going on either side of the ball while falling behind, 34-0, in the first half, and then the game was over.
"It was a long afternoon," Solich said. "Ohio State has a championship-caliber football team. We had to play perfect football, execute well, play penalty-free and win the turnover battle, none of which got done today."
-- Doug Lesmerises