Ohio State football should see the debut of Alabama transfer EDGE Qua Russaw on Saturday night during a pivotal clash against Texas. After a sack-light Week 1 against Ball State, Russaw could help finish the job in the Longhorns' backfield.
Against Arch Manning, that's pivotal. Manning has quickly established chemistry with Cam Coleman and has a strong bond with Ryan Wingo that will only be strengthened by Wingo working on his drops over the offseason. Wingo had a nearly flawless Week 1 against Texas State. The receivers look capable of raising Manning's game this season.
Hollywood Smothers' emergence out of the backfield as a pass-catcher in Texas, not to mention as an outside runner, also strongly necessitates the need for an effective edge for two main reasons: to pressure Manning and make sure he doesn't have time to launch the ball, and to set the edge against the run.
Enter Russaw. OSU had 24 pressures but just one sack against Ball State without him. There's a somewhat pressing need for a finisher. Russaw didn't get the chance to be much of one in Tuscaloosa, getting his chances to play under Kane Wommack instead of Nick Saban.
The former "Wolf" on the Crimson Tide's defense will have a new role, though, that's more focused on getting to the quarterback and less focused on dropping back into coverage at times.
Qua Russaw to be an on-ball, third-down specialist at Ohio State
Russaw revealed how Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will use him in the defense this season. In both roles, he'll be an on-ball backfield hunter.
"I'd say coming in on third down, the Buck position, pass rushing," Russaw said back in August about the plan Patricia has for him this season. "And I would say the (Oklahoma) package playing the outside linebacker. I think I'm able to move around more in spots on third down. And I think when we get to Week 2, I think everybody will see."
Any reservations Russaw had about choosing Columbus as an Alabama native went away after speaking to Patricia.
We'll see if that two-way trust will pay off during the potential game of the year in college football.
How did Russaw's fellow Bama DL transfer, James Smith, do in Week 1?
Russaw's former George Washington Carver High School and Alabama teammate, three-technique defensive tackle James Smith, made his debut against the Cardinals. It was far from perfect.
Smith had a noticeable horse-collar penalty called on a would-be sack of Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster. He did have two tackles and clearly was able to get to the quarterback. There were positive signs.
Perhaps he'll benefit from having his long-time teammate and friend Russaw back. The two won a regional championship as Wolverines in Region 2 of 6A Alabama High School Football back in 2022.
The Buckeyes need to take whatever they can get when it comes to improving the defensive line, especially the rotational group. Russaw has a massive chance to be a difference-maker during what could prove to be the highest-ranked opponent OSU faces all year.
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