Ohio State Football: Week 10 Defensive Spotlight, CB Damon Arnette Jr.
By Willie Lutz
The Ohio State secondary has a chance to crush Iowa’s offense.
As the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes roll into Iowa City this weekend, they’ll face an Iowa offense that simply doesn’t move the football. The Hawkeyes rank 104th in total offense (346 YPG), 78th in passing offense (215.1 YPG), and 100th in rushing offense (130.8 YPG).
Not good.
Meanwhile the Buckeyes defense ranks No. 12 in total defense (303 YPG), the No. 33 passing defense (195.3 YPG), and the No. 10 rushing defense (107.3 YPG).
I’ll let you do the brain calculus, but the match-up bodes well for the Buckeyes. However, this one could really get away from the Hawkeyes if quarterback Nathan Stanley turns the ball over. The sophomore quarterback has only thrown 4 interceptions so far this season, but the Buckeyes secondary, and namely Damon Arnette Jr, should add to that total.
The Buckeyes “Silver Bullets” were tremendously successful last season in causing turnovers in the secondary. This year’s bunch has accounted for just 9 INTs thus far. Arnette Jr has only created one of his own, but has been something of a shutdown corner at times during his 7 starts.
This week bodes well for the Buckeyes corner who’s likely looking to boost some stats
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Staley has thrown an interception in each of his last three games. Considering those games were against Illinois, Northwestern, and Minnesota, his task gets even harder against a top-caliber Ohio State secondary.
If I’m Damon Arnette Jr, and I haven’t had a pick since week 4 against UNLV, I’m savoring over an inexperienced quarterback on a cold streak.
Arnette’s 6-foot, 195 pound frame is a great size for a corner; with that said, nothing is lost in the speed department. The redshirt sophomore corner continues to keep opposing receivers quiet.
This week may also provide some redemption for the corner who was actually victimized by Penn State. Let’s just say Buckeyes twitter wasn’t a fan of an unsuccessful coverage on PSU’s Dae’Sean Hamilton, a 13-yard-touchdown reception that gave the Nittany Lions a 14-0, first quarter lead.
Next: College Football Playoff, a scenario to consider
Shutting down the Iowa passing game essentially eliminates the team’s already underwhelming offense. The Buckeyes, who are already in good shape, could make it tough for Staley and get themselves win number eight of 2017.