Biden certainly maintained control of that debate, and I would even go so far as to say that he won it. I think Ryan made some good points, but wouldn't fight to let himself be heard. I'm surprised that you mentioned Ryan's "stupid grin / semi-serious grin" without even touching on Biden's. Between his constant grinning and laughing, often seemingly inappropriate (did anyone else hear him laughing while abortion was being discussed in the context of rape, or was that just me?), and then the faux-serious voice he used at the end (I got to the point where I felt like I had to clear my throat) I had a hard time thinking this was anything more than acting and posturing for him. And I understand, all debates / political discourse are acting and posturing, I just thought he was rather transparent about it.
But, like I said, he maintained control of the debate, and I suspect the polls coming out over the next couple of days will show he won it as well.