Do Ohio State Buckeyes Have Pass Rush Issues?

The Ohio State Buckeyes defense is struggling to get to the quarterback.

It seems the bright spot of the Buckeyes this season has been the defense — but just how good have they been?

While Ohio State’s secondary is blossoming into a cohesive group, the defensive line has been having trouble getting after the passer. In particular, Ohio State’s seven sacks rank last in the Big Ten.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson said sacks don’t mean everything, especially when the team is pressuring the quarterback more.

“You look at the pressure rate that we’re hitting guys to force the ball out quick. Those things are so important, you know,” Johnson said. “Each team plays us [differently].”

Perhaps pressure rates describe the Buckeyes’ lack of sacks, but what is there to say about the rush defense?

Although Ohio State is No. 4 in yards given up per game on the ground in the conference, that 106.4 increases to 117.7 rush yards when you take out non-Power 5 teams. Regardless, none of the teams the Buckeyes have played rank in the top 50 nationally in rushing offense.

The Buckeyes had been pretty good against the run until Notre Dame, giving up 176 rush yards to the Irish.

They also allowed Maryland Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to scramble and get out of the pocket on a handful of occasions but allowed just 106 on the ground in total to the Terrapins.

Overall, Johnson said he is pleased with the defensive line’s progress overall, and that they just need to be patient and keep working, and the results will come. 

“They’re working hard, our time’s going to come as we move forward, but right now, [we need to] continue to do what we’re doing,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he has gelled well with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and his schemes. 

Perhaps they can figure out how to improve the line before Saturday’s game at Purdue.