Scarlet and Game
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The Ohio State defense faces challenges but shows promise

Ohio State’s defense had a tough outing against Marshall, but there were still some standout performances that offer hope for improvement.

By Tyler Lyman

Sep 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) tackles Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Braylon Braxton (1) in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
Sep 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) tackles Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Braylon Braxton (1) in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday. / Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Ohio State’s defense just had its roughest game of the season, if you can call a 49-14 win over Marshall rough. That just shows how high the bar is for this unit.

Coming into the game they had only given up 276 yards and six points all season. By halftime, Marshall had already racked up almost 73% of those yards and doubled the points. They really showed how much they missed Tyleik Williams, who usually anchors that defensive line.

Things turned around in the second half, though. Marshall didn’t score at all and only managed 61 yards.

Despite a few hiccups that OSU will definitely address this week, some players really stood out. Caleb Downs scored a season-high 79.3 on his Pro Football Focus grade, and Lathan Ransom wasn’t far behind with a 77.4.

Here’s how the rest of the defense graded out:

(PFF grades every player on every play on a scale of 0-100, where higher is better: 100-90 is elite, 89-85 is Pro Bowl level, 84-70 is starter quality, and below 60 means they could be replaced.)

DEFENSIVE END

  • J.T. Tuimoloau: 74.6 (41 snaps)
  • Jack Sawyer: 71.1 (45)
  • Kenyatta Jackson: 65.8 (32)
  • Dominic Kirks: 60.4 (3)
  • Joshua Mickens: 60.0 (3)
  • Mitchell Melton: 58.5 (20)
  • Caden Curry: 56.4 (12)

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

  • Tywone Malone: 72.1 (28)
  • Jason Moore: 64.4 (14)
  • Ty Hamilton: 63.2 (35)
  • Hero Kanu: 62.6 (32)
  • Eric Mensah: 60.0 (3)
  • Kayden McDonald: 55.4 (22)

LINEBACKER

  • Cody Simon: 73.9 (42)
  • Arvell Reese: 72.8 (29)
  • Gabe Powers: 60.5 (3)
  • Payton Pierce: 60.0 (3)
  • C.J. Hicks: 59.3 (15)
  • Sonny Styles: 55.6 (54)

CORNERBACK

  • Denzel Burke: 68.4 (57)
  • Jermaine Mathews: 68.0 (19)
  • Jordan Hancock: 67.8 (59)
  • Aaron Scott Jr.: 62.2 (8)
  • Lorenzo Styles Jr.: 62.1 (11)
  • Davison Igbinosun: 61.6 (61)

SAFETY

  • Caleb Downs: 79.3 (64)
  • Lathan Ransom: 77.4 (61)
  • Malik Hartford: 69.7 (8)
  • Jaylen McClain: 64.1 (8)

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Overall, there’s definitely work to do, but the talent is there!

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