Gridiron Report Card

The Bulls (8-3, 6-1 MAC) defeated Miami Ohio, 44-7, Tuesday evening. In this section, The Spectrum's sports staff grades the team by position.

Passing game: B+

Sophomore JoeLicata returned to his usual role of game manager after his record-setting performance last week. He finished 20 of 32 for 172 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Licata had a few underthrown passes in the first half and a poor pass to Neutz in the end zone in the third quarter.

Running game: A

Senior Branden Oliver had 82 rushing yards in the first quarter in a dominant running performance. He rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns in a game where he didn't play the last quarter and a half. Oliver is now 20 yards short of his own school single-season rushing record. Sophomore Anthone Taylor added 154 yards.

Receivers: A-

Licata spread the ball around the way he usually does, finding eight receivers on the night. Sophomore tight end Matt Weiser had a few drops, but those were the only blemishes on the receiving corps' resume.

Offensive line: A

The offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage the way Bulls fans have become accustomed to this season. There were ample holes for the running backs to run through and Licata had more than enough time to throw passes all day.

Run defense: A

The Miami offense couldn't get anything going all night, especially on the ground. The Bulls allowed only 135 rushing yards and 4.0 yards per carry. Most of that yardage came with the game already well in hand.

Pass defense: A

Miami's starting quarterback, Austin Gearing, completed just five passes on Tuesday for 65 yards. The pass defense was all over the place and junior linebacker Jake Stockman had an interception.

Special teams: A-

Not that it mattered, but sophomore punter Tyler Grassman booted two kickoffs out of bounds resulting in penalties. Junior kicker Pat Clarke nailed all three of his field goal attempts with a long of 38.

Coaching: B+

It took the Bulls a whole quarter to get things clicking on offense, but you can't degrade a coaching performance when the team wins 44-7.

email: sports@ubspectrum.com