The Ohio State football team's biggest positional advantages in Week 4
By Cody Pestino
The Ohio State Buckeyes wrap up their non-conference schedule against the Marshall Thundering Herd, entering the matchup as heavy favorites with a 39-point spread. Given the size of the spread, it's clear Ohio State holds the edge in nearly every facet of the game. However, there are two specific areas where the Buckeyes' advantage may be overstated.
The Ohio State offensive line versus the Marshall defensive line
The Ohio State offensive line holds a significant advantage over Marshall's defensive line in both the run and pass game. Each Buckeye lineman should win their individual matchups, and it will be interesting to see how Marshall adjusts their defensive front to challenge Ohio State.
The Buckeyes' offensive line, which underperformed in 2023, has shown improvement in 2024, especially after shaking off some rust in the first half against Western Michigan. Ohio State is currently averaging 543.5 yards of total offense per game, placing them comfortably in the top ten nationally in that category.
One key matchup to watch is Marshall defensive end Mike Green versus Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons. Green has been a standout in his pass rush this season and has emerged as the leader of Marshall’s defensive line. Meanwhile, Simmons has made significant strides for Ohio State and is starting to rise on NFL draft boards.
As of this writing, star guard Donovan Jackson is expected to play in his second consecutive game after missing the season opener.
The Ohio State defensive line versus the Marshall offensive line
On defense, the Ohio State defensive line should control the line of scrimmage. With all of their starters returning from last season, the Buckeyes' defensive front is living up to high expectations.
As a unit, Ohio State's defense has been dominant, allowing just 138 yards per game—leading the country by over 20 yards on average. The Buckeyes are expected to win their individual matchups across the board. With such a large spread, it's likely Ohio State will take control early, forcing Marshall into a pass-heavy game plan. This would give the Buckeyes' pass rushers the chance to pin their ears back and create chaos.
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A key matchup to watch is Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer against Marshall right tackle Jeremy Jones. Sawyer is having perhaps his best season as a Buckeye, consistently taking over games. Jones, the top lineman for the Thundering Herd, will face a tough challenge in trying to contain Sawyer.