The Ohio State football team got worked on defense the last time they faced Oregon. They gave up a season-high 32 points and lost the game by a single point. Poor play in the secondary was the biggest reason why they lost the game, as the Buckeyes got torched by the Ducks.
Ohio State's offense had its best game of the season against Tennessee. They feel confident that a similar offensive output is going to happen in this game. If the Ohio State Buckeyes want to win this game, it's going to be because the defense was able to step up.
On the defense, there are two players who need to play well in this game in order for the Buckeyes to secure a victory. If these two guys do their jobs, Ohio State will win this game and play in the Cotton Bowl. If these guys don't play well, they likely lose the game.
Two key defenders for the Ohio State football team vs. Oregon
Jack Sawyer is the first key guy who has to play well. In the first matchup between these two teams, Dillon Gabriel could have had a picnic in the pocket. Ohio State got no pressure on him at all. That has to change on Wednesday, and Sawyer has been the player who has put the most pressure on quarterbacks this season.
The other guy who needs to play well for the Buckeyes is Caleb Downs. Downs is one of the best safeties in the country and really helps Ohio State to stop the run. They might need him to stay back and help the secondary after how poorly the secondary played against the Ducks in the first matchup.
Expect more blitzing from Ohio State and aggressive play-calling on offense as well. They will call this game like they have nothing to lose, because they don't.