COLUMBUS — There was no need for panic, and Urban Meyer patiently rattled off the reasons why the suspension of his best defensive player didn’t have him scrambling for answers.
The Ohio State coach pointed to all the success his program has had in recruiting, loading up with talent poised to step in when needed. He again praised defensive line coach Larry Johnson, and Meyer made clear he has total faith the position coach will have his unit ready to go when the season opens. He even referenced the experience the Buckeyes already have dealing with the adversity that comes from losing a superstar just before the season starts after dealing with it last year at quarterback.
All of that, not to mention the abundance of offensive talent that would be more than capable of picking up some slack should the defense need a lift, ensured there would be no crisis of confidence for Meyer or the Buckeyes when they officially confirmed last week that Joey Bosa would be suspended for their season opener against Virginia Tech. But that still doesn’t mean Meyer completely shrugged Bosa’s absence off like one of the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year’s sack celebrations, because if there was one unit with some uncertainty and lack of experience heading into training camp already, it was defensive end.
“Obviously, when you lose the big defensive end, that everyone knows where he’s at, that’s a concern,” Meyer said Thursday at Big Ten media days. “Probably off the get-go it would be arguably one of the best defensive players in the United States of America won’t play in that game.
“So that’s the one.”
Continue Reading: No panic for Ohio State over replacing suspended Joey Bosa
