The Buckeyes are 15th in the nation in rushing defense and 16th in yards per carry allowed (2.97). They are 12th in Football Outsiders “Average Line Yards,” which credits the line for shorter carries and carries for loss, after rankings 51st in that category a year ago, and ninth in “Power Success Rate, which measures stops in short-yardage situations. But the pass rush still leaves something to be desired with the Buckeyes 46th nationally with 2.3 sacks per game and ranking 74th nationally in Football Outsiders passing downs sack rate. Linebackers: A The new defensive scheme has played a role in the defensive line losing some sack opportunities by asking the group to spend more time soaking up blockers, but that looks like a net positive at this point as the linebackers are having their best season since 2019. Tommy Eichenberg leads the Buckeyes with 50 tackles and is second…
Continue Reading: Ohio State football: Grading the defense at midpoint of the season
