Ohio State Football: Confidence level against Rutgers
By Eric Boggs
Defense Confidence Level – 10
The Ohio State football team has one of the best defenses in the entire nation this season. The Silver Bullets are only giving up 260 yards per game, which is good enough for fourth in total defense. Only Michigan, Penn State, and Air Force are giving up fewer yards per game, and we already proved that we are better than Penn State. The Rutgers offense on the other hand is deceptively good.
Although they do not produce a lot of yards, they are difficult to stop given the dual threat factor of quarterback Gavin Wimsatt. The read-option quarterback keeper is something that the Ohio State defensive ends need to be aware of. And if they aren’t careful, running back Kyle Monangai will bust a big one on them.
Wisconsin was able to hit a couple of explosive plays for 30-plus yards last week, but Ohio State was able to tighten up when needed. I look for more of that same style of bend but don’t break defense this week against Rutgers.
Even though Rutgers presents a little different style of offense than we have seen this season, I am confident that Knowles will have his side of the ball ready. Rutgers hasn’t played a team that has NFL talent at all three levels yet this season. Despite Lathan Ransom’s injury, I don’t believe this defense or the secondary for that matter, will miss a beat this week, especially on third down.
Rutgers is 38.6 percent on third downs this season. They are going to need to be much better than that against Ohio State if they plan on scoring enough points to make this a competitive contest. My confidence level with this defense cannot be any higher. I am at a perfect 10.