Reviewing the tape-Buckeyes survive Indiana!

The Ohio State Buckeyes had little problems in scoring on the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington.

That they figured on,but what they did not count on was their defense reverting to non-conference form as a furious Indiana rally made Buckeye fans sweat around the country in a 52-49 win.
The now 7-0 Buckeyes will host Purdue next Saturday.

Buckeye Leaves

1) Another great game from Braxton Miller with 360 yards of total offense.
Miller seems to mature by the week with his role in the offense and I am sure that there will be an eventual speed bump,but I will say this-this is a 4-3 team without Braxton Miller.

2) The most improved part of the game of Braxton Miller has to be his improved touch on the deep ball.
Miller tossed touchdowns of 60 and 46 yards to Devin Smith and showed the touch that last year he lacked.
Or was not allowed to show by the prehistoric game plan of previous offensive coordinator Jim Bollman.

3) Carlos Hyde rambled for 156 yards on the game and continues to show the season of the hard nosed,between the tackles runner that every team needs in the offense.
Without Hyde's ability to move the chains,Ohio State would have no semblance of an inside force with the loss of Jordan Hall.

4) Devin Smith and Corey Brown continue to alternate between dazzling and dizzying with big plays and plays that make your head shake.
Smith grabbed the two long scoring passes,but dropped two passes,one of which would have been a huge play.
Brown tends to disappear at times in the passing game,which makes the offense smart for keeping Brown in the game with the odd gimmick running play...

5) Starting fullback Zach Boren led the team in eight tackles.
Boren did it at linebacker as injuries to several Buckeyes including senior Etienne Sabino forced Boren to move until the injuries subside.
Boren should be on the defensive side of the ball for another two or three more games.

6) The defense is hobbled.
Yes,I get it,but to allow this many points to the lowly Hoosiers is not good news.
Four touchdowns allowed through the air?
Injuries do make a difference,but some young players will need to grow up and quickly....

7) Bad night for the special teams.
Despite one TD scored off a blocked punt,the Buckeyes allowed a blocked punt and of course the difficulties in recovering onside kicks make me wonder about this unit against better teams.
The special teams have been inconsistent all season,they need to raise their game...

8) The defensive injuries are concerning,especially in the back seven.
The injury report for the secondary will be very interesting to see against a Purdue team that looked tough before two recent lopsided losses...

9) The offensive line could have been stronger as well.
Indiana was able to rush Braxton Miller effectively off the edge,forcing him to step up into the pocket.
Keep in mind that was Indiana rushing not Wisconsin or the team up north..

10) A win is a win and I'll take it,but this game showed that there is still plenty of work to do.
Injuries have and will continue to test the Buckeye depth,which was a question entering the season.
How those backup performers play could tell the tale of the last five games....

Photo Credit;Chris Russell-Columbus Dispatch