Report card for Ohio State's statement win over rival Michigan

Ohio State faced one of its toughest opponents of the season so far, and passed the test with flying colors. The Buckeyes controlled the game against Michigan on both sides of the ball, ending up with statistical dominance that the final score doesn't fully indicate. But how did each position group perform in this game? How much of this win was due to each section of the team? Let's grade out this cathartic rivalry win.

Quarterback: A-

It was not quite Julian Sayin's best performance of the season. Then again, his best performances have been virtual perfection, so that's a nearly-impossible standard to meet. The early interception was not poorly thrown––though considering it was to Jeremiah Smith, he probably should have thrown it a little deeper. Still, this is only an A- when compared to the absurdly high bar that Sayin himself has set.

Offensive Line: A+

For the first time this season, Ohio State's offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage on both running and passing plays. Michigan is no slouch in the trenches, but the line kept the hammer down in the second half. Maybe they're been capable of springing the running game like this all season, but they haven't done it. Until now.

Running Backs: B+

Bo Jackson is amazing for a true freshman, but he's still a true freshman. And with the holes the line opened up for them, we can still see there are some imperfections in the running game. Jackson still doesn't make the first defender miss in space enough. C.J. Donaldson doesn't run through enough tackles for a power back. These issues will improve eventually, but there's still definitely room for improvement on them.

Wide Receivers: A+

Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate played, and they were their usual exemplary selves at getting open and making plays. Brandon Inniss also stepped up, as did blocking tight end Will Kacmarek. Smith did fail to catch a potential highlight-reel one-hander, but we won't hold that against him.

Defensive Line: B+

I'm holding that first drive against them, when the defense somehow got gashed. The line allowed Michigan to punch huge holes on the opening series, but then it tightened down very quickly after that. The stat sheet wasn't littered with sacks or knockdowns but Bryce Underwood never really had time to throw the ball cleanly, and the running game got nothing after that opening possession.

Linebackers: A+

Arvell Reese had himself an absolute day. He technically only had one solo tackle, but he was a walking highlight reel. Add Sonny Styles' production to that and you have the best linebacker duo in the country once again showing why.

Secondary: B+

Davison Igbinosun got dinged for pass interference again, an unfortunate habit of his. He has the potential to be an elite lockdown corner, but he still grabs with his hands too often. And not that it mattered because the game was over, but he also got a 15-yard penalty celebrating an interception that had already cost the team yards. (It was fourth down; had he just dropped the ball Ohio State would have started with better field position.) I'm not trying to pick on Igbinosun, though. Both he and the secondary in general played an excellent game. He just had a few minor areas that could use improvement.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Report card for Ohio State football's statement win over Michigan