NFL defenses are populated with former Buckeyes, which tells you in any given season, you can expect to see plenty of talent wearing the Scarlet and Gray.
This year, that talent has produced one of the worst statistical defenses in Ohio State history.
The Buckeyes have allowed 25.7 points per game this season, which was 10 points more than they allowed just two years ago. Five times this season they have allowed more than 30 points to an opponent, which is one more than they allowed over the previous three seasons.
They are in the bottom third in the Big Ten in total defense and yards per play allowed.
They are one of three teams in the nation this season to allow more than one play of 90 yards or more from scrimmage. They have allowed two such plays, as have Virginia Tech and Georgia State.
No team in the nation has allowed more than Ohio State’s four plays of at least 80 yards from scrimmage.
Despite all of that, when Washington offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan looks at the Buckeyes, he sees plenty to like, and is struck first by the defensive line.
“Yeah, extremely, extremely talented,” he said. “I think both across the board, [Chase] Young will pose some issues in the pass game for sure, knowing where he is at all times, [Dre’Mont] Jones is as talented as a guy we’ve played all year.
“Certainly, it’s what you would expect in a game like this. It’s what you would expect from an Ohio State team that we’ve followed for a long time, and it will be a really good challenge for our guys.”
A big part of that challenge is dealing with Ohio State’s size and athleticism. Through recruiting, OSU has been able to build their program with some of the most talented high school prospects in the nation.
The Buckeyes may not always be where they are supposed to be, but regardless of where they are, they look pretty good on the hoof.
“Impressive,” Hamdan said of the Buckeye defense. “Seeing them walk around Disney, you say, ‘That’s a good-looking guy. I hope he’s on offense.’ But, again, it’s what you would expect of being in a game like this. Ohio State’s going to be, year in, year out, a team that recruits atop the country and certainly has plenty of players on defense.”
When watching film of the Buckeyes, Hamdan also sees the big plays given up like everybody else does.
He has seen missed tackles, missed reads, and missed calls, but he believes some of that is a product of the offense that Ohio State employs. OSU’s hurry-up tempo makes for shorter drives in terms of time, which then puts the Ohio State defense on the field more than other defenses.
“Yeah, I just think that naturally, too, I think from the style of their offense you know you’re going to get maybe more plays than you do in the other game,” Hamdan said.
“I think it puts pressure on the defense. But, again, I think they’ve played as well as anybody this year. We know they’re every bit as good to be on the Final Four and fortunate to play these guys.”
“Impressive,” Hamdan said of the Buckeye defense. “Seeing them walk around Disney, you say, ‘That’s a good-looking guy. I hope he’s on offense.’ They’ve played as well as anybody this year.”
Lol! What a fluffer. What else is he going to say though? I feel for the assistants, having to do the dog and pony routine with the media.
Just some pre-game maneuvering. If you are not where you are
supposed to be on defense, it does not matter “how good you look”.
It is still a bad defensive play. On the plus side, the Buckeye defense has
been improving. Also, I think the whole team will be focused on
getting a win for retiring Coach Meyer.
Have Mr. Hamdan tested for substance abuse!