Ohio State football: 3 biggest concerns against Minnesota

Ohio State defensive line will be put to the test early and will need to step up

The biggest known quantity for the Golden Gophers is their running back, Mohamed Ibrahim. Ibrahim was the Big Ten rusher of the year last year and is returning looking to make it back-to-back titles. Minnesota will likely look to pound the rock to ease the rest of their team into the season.

Haskell Garrett is the most important returning member of the Ohio State defense and will be the biggest factor in stopping their run. Garrett is going to be relied on to create initial disruption off the line to allow the other members of the defensive line and linebackers easy plays. The more initial disruption the Buckeyes are able to produce the harder time Ibrahim will have.

Ibrahim will be rushing behind a very experienced offensive line which will be looking to return back to Minnesota’s winning ways of 2019. I will be watching the battle in the trenches very carefully. If Ohio State struggles against Minnesota it could hint at some difficult games in the future against some of the better rushing teams.

Last year, Ohio State’s defensive line was solid all around, without the big-name star wreaking havoc. The Buckeyes will need to show that same level of fortitude against a strong rushing attack.

The next concern has to deal with a level of focus that the Buckeyes must have for this game.