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Y! MyWebTHE AUDIBLE | COMMENTARY
This year's Buckeyes lacking the fear factor
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Ohio State fans shouldn't be too euphoric about that comeback win against Wisconsin last week. I don't like being the bearer of bad news, but this team still has issues.
The Buckeyes simply can't muster a pass rush with their front four, and quality opponents will be able to keep their quarterbacks upright and pick the defensive unit apart.
Even blitzes have been slow, predictable and ineffective. The Buckeyes were ranked first nationally last season in total defense, which makes this year's slump all the more befuddling. Who knew Vernon Gholston and his school-record 14 sacks would be missed as much as they have been?
The defense really looked overrated in the final 52 seconds of the first half against Wisconsin. The Badgers were at their 20-yard line with a 7-7 tie and were so confident in their ability to move the ball that they went with a hurry-up offense.
They blew down the field with ease for a chip-shot field goal and a 10-7 lead.
What's even more problematic for the Buckeyes is that their front four are built for speed, leaving them susceptible to being blown off the ball against a strong ground game. The Badgers exploited that, too.
I really believe OSU's back seven are good enough to stop people, but James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins and the rest can't do much if they don't get any help up front.
The Buckeyes have plenty of winnable games left — and Terrelle Pryor will get better each week — but it's hard to see them repeating as Big Ten champions with a defensive line that scares no one.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com
Comments
By corey
October 9, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Marvin Lewis for DC!
By Josh
October 9, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
I agree as well. Their blitzing is ill-timed and their defensive line can’t generate a pass rush. I think it’s time for defensive coordinator Heacock to go. It would be great if OSU could find another Mark Dantonio, as DC!
By Tim
October 9, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
The Beanie and TP combo alone represents our fear factor this season for any team. The new clock rules favor our offense helping the defense. Waynealum made a pretty good point. GO BUCKS…
By A Better "D"
October 9, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
I agree - the Bucks have quite a bit to improve upon. It has been my observation that the defensive scheme is a bit too conservative. (Hence, the reason for a few defensive coaching changes). I find that the Bucks spend an overwheling amount of time guarding space as opposed to playing more man coverage, and mixing in creative blitz schemes.
A bit more creativity and ingenuity on defense would surely help. The Bucks have lots of talent, just not so sure we have the best defensive strategy.
By WAYNEALUM
October 9, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
In my opinion i have to say i somewhat disagree with the article. I will say this that Ohio state is at its best when they have Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson at the DEs spot and bring in Curtis Terry and Cameron Heyward at DT with Doug Worthington that lineup is real nice. Ohio State isnt effictive when Cameron is playing DE and in my opinion he isnt that fast playing that position but Thadd and Lawrence wreck shop when they are at the DEs and Curtis Terry is bringing some attitude.
By Chuck
October 9, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? With Tressel in command, the Big 10 is well within reach. He can outcoach any and all of their opponents.
Probably not a good idea to get in a bowl game with the SEC or Big 12 though.
By pissed off
October 9, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
i foresee your head up your a*s
By James
October 9, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I knew Vernon would be missed! The linebacker (36) says a great line makes the linebackers look good!
Last year before the national championship game during a rally for the Bucks, the fans cheered for James Laurinaitis “one more year” and I kept thinking to myself, they are cheering for the wrong guy to come back…………I even turned to my wife and said they need to cheer for Vernon not JL.
Didn’t we lose our strength coach? I think that is the issue on the front lines.
By PhillyBuck
October 9, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I agree the DL is not getting great pressure (and the OL is not blowing people off the ball either).
However, winning the B10 is still within reach. PSU may be as good as advertised, but they have some weak spots too. Illinois looked great against UM, but so did Notre Dame. And lose to Northwestern? - not this year. The Cats are improved but wait til they have 4 B10 games before you judge them.
By Nate
October 9, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Nobody cares what you foresee. After watching the wisconsin game again I’ve come to the conclusiont hat the OSU pass rush has become much more sufficient AND that the reason it didn’t’ show up nearly as much was because of the badgers ground game.
I can tell you right now that Everidge did NOT have all day to throw most of his passes. We were getting decent pressure against a big strong solid offensive line.
OSU will NOT loose to NW thats retarded. OSU will not loose to ILLINOIS. PSU is the
By ACE
October 9, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with the article. OSU’s offense isn’t good enough to outscore their opponents. Therefore, I foresee losses against PENN STATE, ILLINOIS, and possibly NORTHWESTERN.