COLUMBUS, Ohio — When Joey Bosa found himself suspended for Ohio State’s season opener against Virginia Tech, it left the Buckeyes with a gaping hole on their defensive line—one which head coach Urban Meyer initially thought his team wouldn’t be able to fill with just one player.
After all, Bosa was a unanimous All-American in 2014, recording 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss with the type of dominant play where even numbers as impressive as those don’t tell the entire tale.
In Bosa’s absence, however, the defending national champions didn’t merely just survive, picking up a 42-24 road win over the Hokies. Rather, what Meyer saw from his defensive line without Bosa on the field was something that caused his coaching staff to rethink its strategy and ultimately led to Ohio State’s most talented defensive lineup.
‘Rushmen’
As the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes have climbed out to a 8-0 start to the season, opponents have often found themselves facing crucial third downs against Ohio State, predominantly in obvious passing situations. When that’s happened in recent weeks, Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson has opted to put his four best pass-rushers on the field, calling on Bosa, Adolphus Washington, Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard in what the OSU assistant has deemed his “rushmen” package.
But unlike other defensive end-happy lineups, this set hasn’t left the Buckeyes susceptible to draw plays or other unexpected runs, with a pair of…
Continue Reading: How Joey Bosa’s Suspension Was a Blessing in Disguise for Ohio State
