Ohio State head coach Ryan Day set the bar high for Matt Patricia's defense on Wednesday of Illinois week.
“Their goal is to be the best defense in the country. That’s it. … They want to be the next great defense in the Silver Bullet history," Day said.
No pressure, Buckeye defenders, Patricia, and Co.
Is there any validity to the gaudy expectations Day just set?
Ohio State's pass rush is not playing at a Silver Bullets standard
With all due respect to Mike Vrabel and Fred Pagac, there is not one pass rusher playing at a "Silver Bullets" standard besides defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Even Jackson would probably claim he has more to do to get to that level.
Khary Wilder played well in Week 3, but that was against Kent State. Until the true freshman EDGE can prove himself against better competition, he is just an extremely intriguing prospect and a speculative star. Besides him, the Alabama transfer duo of Qua Russaw and James Smith have severely underwhelmed.
Larry Johnson may be the most trustworthy position coach on the roster with Brian Hartline gone. In due time, he may very well have this pass rush where it needs to be.
Frankly, outside of a disastrous 17-minute stretch in Austin, this pass rush has looked scary. Against a strong Texas offensive line, the Buckeyes were able to collapse Arch Manning's pocket repeatedly.
That comeback was scarring for the minds of the fanbase, though. It cannot be forgotten. Especially when paired with underwhelming showings against MAC squads.
It all makes any "Silver Bullets" talk not land like it should.
Ohio State's linebackers are a work in progress still
Part of the pass rush's problems is the inconsistency in the linebacker room. Christian Alliegro and Payton Pierce are showing flashes, but there are tackling issues early on.
Riley Pettijohn and TJ Alford have been turning the conversation into how deep the room is, luckily. Day was high on the duo on Wednesday.
“They’re a big part of our defense. I’m not surprised all those guys are playing. They’re good football players," Day said.
This group growing together is the only way this defense works at a championship level this season. There's a lot of rotating in and out, so guys have to play their roles for the greater good.
Ohio State's secondary is carrying the defense
Ohio State's strength has unquestionably been in the secondary. Thus far, the Buckeyes have allowed just 126 passing yards per game. Opponents are completing just 53.7% of their passes against Ohio State.
Again, outside of the disastrous final frame against UT, the Buckeyes kept Manning to a 57.7% completion percentage. That's not far off from the season average.
If Ohio State can maintain these dominant numbers for the rest of the season, we can start talking "Silver Bullets" comparisons.
It just doesn't feel right when looking at the first three weeks and what transpired against the easiest stretch on the 2026 slate.
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