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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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Starting his first college game, true freshman Denzel Burke was the only Ohio State cornerback to get the coaches’ “champion” grade for the Minnesota game.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 84
Starting his first college game, true freshman Denzel Burke was the only Ohio State cornerback to get the coaches’ “champion” grade for the Minnesota game.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 84 /

Penalties are going to cost the Ohio State football team if they continue at this rate

The Buckeyes were playing a lot of non-starters in key spots against Minnesota because of who was available to them. With Sevyn Banks and Cameron Brown out, Ohio State had to rely on a host of young, inexperienced players to try and guard the Minnesota wideouts. They were able to hold them in check at times, but once again the biggest thing that hurt the Buckeyes were big penalties.

Pass interference and roughing the passer were the two biggest calls throughout the night that extended drives and allowed Minnesota free yards. Ohio State was able to bend but not break often enough, but the Buckeyes will likely have to be better against a stronger Oregon offense.

Against a team that has plenty of talent and will look to throw the ball more often, Ohio State will be tested. If Banks and Brown are able to return this could drastically alter the makeup of the defense and lead this to be a moot point. But if either of them remains out, the young players need to grow quickly to not give up key penalties.

Penalties are typically a product of nerves and inexperience early in the season. These young players should get better with that. There shouldn’t be too many issues with this moving forward now that a lot of young players played in Week 1.

The final thing they have to do is develop some chemistry.

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