Quick Hits after OSU WM

Ohio State 38 Western Michigan 12

What we learned:

- Ohio State's offense came out playing much better this week than the rest of this season. The offensive line seems to finally be finding some consistency especially on outside zone plays when Boren and Elflein/Price pull around the edge. However something to watch going forward is going to be how Chase Ferris, at right tackle, fairs in pass coverage against Big Ten opponents. He has been exposed at times this season when rushers take inside angles, suggesting he is reaching out too much in his pass set. 

- As for the quarterback situation I think Cardale had a solid enough game to calm down the OSU fan base but not good enough to really make this offense look deadly. On too many occasions Cardale saw receivers late and under threw balls or made ill advised decisions. If he can eliminate plays like the backward pass/fumble and grounding penalties, I think we know he ceiling is pretty high. Given the next few games starting against mediocre Big Ten opponents, I expect to see Cardale develop more confidence and start to hit those deep throws on time. Game reps with receivers is critical for a quarterback to develop confidence and timing. We will have to keep a close eye on this situation going forward and see if Cardale continues to develop. If we see the same issues going forward it could be problematic

- Is it just me or does it seem like JT Barrett has really regressed? It hard to imagine after the type of season that he had but this quarterback competition has clearly taken its toll. In most of the reps we have seen from him so far he has struggled. He's been high with throws and looks really mechanical with his reads. Starring down receivers has caused him to throw a few really bad interceptions. He clearly is struggling and whether its mentally or an issue with new coach Tim Beck its something he has to get figured out.

- This defense has the potential to be one of the best in the country however I think they were exposed a bit today. Western Michigan ran pretty standard power and trap style plays that ripped off big runs up the middle over and over. It seemed like Tommy Shutt and Sam Hubbard had some problems getting underneath that pulling tight end or tackle. Western Michigan did a good job using 3/4 wide receivers given the fact that Chris Ash choose to stay with three linebackers instead of going to nickel packages  It will be interesting to see if Ash chooses to move more often to the nickel to let his interior linebackers focus on those power and trap runs.

- Its going to be interesting to see going forward how the play calling evolves. At the end of the day talent only gets you so far and we saw that against Alabama when some high risk, high reward play calling paid off big time. I love the move of Tim Beck into the press box, I think that will give this offense and more importantly Cardale some better perspective into the coverage they are seeing. As for Warinner, I think he needs to spend more time specifically with the offensive line. Until they really start to click it'll be important for him to be right there with them coming off the field.