Ohio State Football: 3 Bold predictions on defense in 2021
By Alex Austin
The Buckeye defense finds the endzone at least four times this season
Ohio State has seen some really good years when it comes to scoring on defense. In 2020, even in a shortened season, the Buckeyes were able to score three touchdowns on defense. A fumble return for a touchdown and two pick-sixes helped propel Ohio State to another great year.
2019 was a different story where the Buckeyes were only able to find the endzone once, but 2018 saw four different occasions of the Ohio State defense scoring.
All this to say, there is precedent for the Buckeyes to run the ball back after a turnover, but four touchdowns would be a stretch. Something interesting is the number of fumble returns that Ohio State has been able to return over the years. With a talented defensive line group and a highly touted punter, Ohio State might find themselves in a position where they can jump on the ball near the goal line and walk it in.
Despite a rocky secondary in 2020, the group is expected to be improved this year which could generate a much-needed spark. With Kerry Coombs having a full offseason, I think this unit will be ready to go. Getting a few turnovers will happen naturally, but the hunger to score will be increased with the unit wanting to prove themselves after their poor showing in the National Championship game against Alabama.