Answers from OnlyU

These are answers to questions I asked our friend OnlyU.  They are down a few pages – so I thought I would repost it.

Bernard was clearly the best option out there with what was available and that was backed up in practice leading up to the game. You’ll see a small handful of the other CB’s moving on via the portal. They’re either not ready yet OR will never be ready. Micah played it in HS so wasn’t exactly starting from scratch. The biggest issue was alignment but you could see him looking to the sideline before each play to make sure he was right. He’s a quick twitch kid…just a really tough assignment for literally anyone.

Micah plays 15 plays a game on offense. Great 3rd down back so his workload there wasn’t something he couldn’t handle.

Kuithe just gutted it out. Wasn’t at his best the 2nd H but loved the toughness and leadership. As far as Ludwig’s play calls it always has more to do with the look the defense gives (or is expected to give) than the result. Kuithe is typically a mismatch so you’d think he’d be able to win another yard or two. Did his health play a role? Maybe, probably, but if he’s out there he’s saying he can get it done.

As an example, you could see Vonte trying to help Micah in coverage OFTEN, but they would send a slot or TE across his face which left Micah 1 on 1 with whoever he was with. They have elite athletes all over the place and Stroud is so good he just never missed his guy BUT give credit to Ohio State for understanding how to create mismatches. They averaged 45 points a game this year…they have a special offensive unit full of playmakers.

Not sure on the punting change except to say that each has his strengths and weaknesses. One is better for coverage, one is better for placement and distance. It was a big spot no question but I’m not sure exactly what went into the decision making.

And Barnes is the better thrower…really nothing more than that besides maybe a red shirt consideration. Jackson is an athletic freak…could be an RB or a LB easily. Maybe even a D End. If he stays I think that’s where he’ll likely end up but if he wants to play QB he’ll probably have to try it somewhere else depending on the readiness of the freshman QB’s coming in this Spring/Summer.