Bottom line: How did the Buckeyes grade vs. Minnesota? How did OSU's offense grade?

History has shown that the game before The Game often gives no indication of what is to come. But in its 37-3 win over Minnesota on Saturday, Ohio State appeared ready for the Michigan challenge.

How did the Buckeyes grade in their win over Minnesota? Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis.

Ohio State offense (2 leaves)

Running back TreVeyon Henderson continued to star with 146 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, and the stats show a balanced attack of 219 passing yards and 215 rushing. But the passing game was clunky again, as Kyle McCord was 20 for 30 for 212 yards and two touchdowns. McCord looked uneasy and had more errant throws than he has had in a while. He completed 3 of 8 passes (37.5%) inside the 20-yard line on Saturday.

If Michigan stops the run as expected, next week's outcome could be on McCord's shoulders.

Ohio State defense (5 leaves)

A dominant performance, with a shutout taken away by a 54-yard field goal with 6:43 remaining. The Gophers managed just 159 total yards and 10 first downs, averaged 2.4 yards per carry and were 3 for 12 on third downs. Defensive end Jack Sawyer was outstanding with six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and 3½ tackles for loss.

Ohio State special teams (4 leaves)

Jayden Fielding was 3 for 3 on field goals, including a booming 47-yarder. Jesse Mirco punted twice for a 48.5-yard average.

Ohio State coaching (4 leaves)

Ryan Day said he was happy with his players' focus on Minnesota, but the offense was sluggish and OSU led only 13-0 at halftime. The second half was more of what the coaches wanted to see.

Minnesota Golden Gophers (1 leaf)

There was little threat from the Gophers, and even a 13-0 halftime deficit felt insurmountable.

Fun factor (4 leaves)

A weak opponent that was an appetizer for the game most want to see, but the weather was wonderful, Senior Day was moving as always and the band's tribute to Elvis was entertaining.

Officiating (5 leaves)

No issues, and the crew gets extra credit for the roll-call announcement of all the Buckeyes who were penalized for "posing" in the end zone, NFL style.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football grades after OSU's win over Minnesota