Ohio State football: Winners, losers from OSU vs. Oregon

The Ohio State defensive line was supposed to arrive this year, but through two games they do not look like they can be relied on.

It has now been two full years since Ohio State had a game-changing player on the defensive line, and it does not look like anyone is going to step up this year. Zach Harrison and Tyreke Smith were supposed to be an amazing duo this year as both players reached their ceilings, instead both players look like good, but not special players.

Ohio State got obliterated on the ground against Oregon, but a stat that really stands out to me is the Rushmen recorded 0 sacks. That is not near the standard that has been set for this unit, especially considering the recruiting rankings this group has. The group seems to always be about a step behind when the quarterback throws the ball.

Sure, teams are going to try to get the ball out fast so that the rush cannot be effective, but when Oregon throws the ball 35 times and the Buckeyes have no sacks, it seems to speak to the players. I do not know if it is coaching or development that has left this group short, but Ohio State needs to figure out a way to win without an elite defensive lineman.

If the defensive line doesn’t improve, the defense as a whole is in big trouble for the rest of the season. The next loser also resides on the defensive side of the ball.