Ohio State Football: 3 questions OSU must answer against Rutgers

Can the Buckeye Rushmen continue getting to the quarterback, or was that a result of playing lesser competition?

One of the biggest concerns for the Buckeyes this season has been their lack of ability to get to the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield. Through the first three games, Ohio State had just four sacks and had not changed many moments by explosive defensive plays.

This was concerning and unexpected based on the talent that is on that line. The Buckeyes got nine sacks against Akron which will help their statistical numbers, but not necessarily show anything was solved.

In order for Ohio State to become even just an average defense, they need to get pressure up front. This will take the pressure of their secondary and help create negative plays that end drives. Stopping running plays on early downs should help put the opposition in obvious passing downs, but as a whole, the defensive line needs to step up.

Rutgers will almost certainly provide more resistance but the Scarlet Knights are at a level that Ohio State should still be able to provide plenty of disruption. I am looking at the younger players stepping up and continuing to take on a bigger role.

If the Buckeyes can get to the quarterback a couple of times this will show a step in the right direction and bring some hope that they can improve enough when the games matter most.