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Ohio State Football: 3 keys for OSU’s defense against Oregon

By Alex Austin

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers is sacked by defensive end Zach Harrison #33 and linebacker Pete Werner #20 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers is sacked by defensive end Zach Harrison #33 and linebacker Pete Werner #20 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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Zach Harrison had perhaps the biggest play for the Ohio State Football team on Thursday night.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 37
Zach Harrison had perhaps the biggest play for the Ohio State Football team on Thursday night.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 37 /

The defensive line needs to take the next step for the Buckeyes

For the past two years, fans of the Ohio State football team have felt the departure of Chase Young. Young was seemingly always in the backfield, and more importantly, constantly bringing the opposing quarterback down. Towards the end of his final year, he recorded fewer sacks, but he was taking two and three players out of the play just to block him. Currently, the Buckeyes have a strong stable of talent, but nobody threatens to create a sack on each play.

For Ohio State to get back to being elite, this has to change. Zach Harrison created the biggest play against Minnesota when he forced a strip-sack that was picked up and returned for a touchdown, but that was one of just two sacks on the game. Yes, Minnesota has a monster offensive line. But, traditionally the Buckeyes expected to get to the quarterback closer to four times a game.

Oregon is a good team but could be a better matchup for the Ohio State defensive ends. The Ducks are going to throw the ball more, which means Harrison and company will be able to have more chances. If they continue to be the close, but not quite team though, that could spell trouble for when the Buckeyes play the best teams in college football.

The Buckeyes will need their defensive line to be better for all of the games they have left this season, but especially this one. The next thing they have to do is cut down on the penalties.

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