Ohio State Football: 3 things to improve in 2022
By Ryan Stano
The defensive line had similar problems to the offensive line in those big games. They got pushed back and allowed teams to gash them on the ground. This was no more evident than against TTUN when they allowed them to gain 297 yards on the ground.
Under no circumstances should the Buckeyes be giving up anywhere near 300 yards on the ground to anyone at any time. They simply got manhandled up front because they weren’t as tough as TTUN’s offensive line. In fact, Josh Gattis put it perfectly; the Ohio State football team was soft.
Softness can’t happen if they want to make the CFP next season. It all starts up front on the defensive line. They have to have players step up and be tougher. Those guys have to be immovable objects in the running lanes. That’s more of a mindset than it is talent.
Larry Johnson has been really good at his job for a long time. I’m willing to mark this season down as an aberration in terms of the defensive line’s lack of big plays. I’m expecting things to be much different in 2022. They have too many young, talented guys for things not to be different.
Maybe that’s what the Buckeyes need. Maybe they just need some different players to get some playing time up front. That youth may have the mentality that is needed to make sure that no one comes close to a rushing total that high ever again.
The final thing the Buckeyes have to improve was on full display against Utah in the Rose Bowl.