Two Silver Bullets to watch for the Buckeye defense as they face Arch Manning and the Texas Offense that could be impact players.

With a top-three matchup looming in Columbus during week one of the college football season, the storylines have been loud and clear for months. The college football world is eagerly awaiting the battle between two new starting quarterbacks, in a rematch of last year’s national semi-final contest between Ohio State and Texas. 

In that high-stakes matchup between two powerhouses, the Buckeye defense kept the team in the game and made some monumental stops when it mattered most. Both the Texas offense and Ohio State defense have some guys to replace, and the schemes will be altered heading into this big affair.

Holding Texas to 14 points would in all likelihood end with a Buckeyes win again this time around. In order for that, or anything remotely close to that to happen, these players will need to step up their game with all of the lights on them.

Defensive End Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is going into his fourth season with the Buckeyes and all reports have leaned to him being one of the difference makers for this defense that is looking to replace a plethora of talent. Jackson has just 25 total tackles and three sacks in his Buckeye career, but has waited his turn behind a bunch of NFL talent.

He will step into a big role along with transfer defensive end Beau Atkinson as the game wreckers on the line. Standing at 6’6, he will look to use his length and speed to pressure Arch Manning and try to affect throws. In the running game it’ll be about keeping everything in front of them.

The defensive line had one of their best showings last year in the Texas game. Obviously, the goalline stand and touchdown from Jack Sawyer are events you only dream of. The Buckeye defensive line turned Texas one-dimensional at times. Quarterback Quinn Ewers ended up attempting 39 passes, partially because of game script but also because of minimal success on the ground.

The Longhorns ran the ball for just 58 yards all game while averaging two yards per carry. The two running backs for Texas had 46 rushing yards on 17 carries and 16 rushing yards on four carries. However, they made their mark in the passing game hauling in 11 catches for 101 receiving yards and both Texas touchdowns. Getting pressure on the quarterback and filling the running back lanes will be vital to defensive success in this game for Jackson and the Buckeye defensive front.

Safety Malik Hartford

Now in his third year with the Buckeyes, safety Malik Hartford will be vying for a big role in this new-look defense under Matt Patricia. Second-year safety Jaylen McClain will also be seeing the field, especially if the defense uses a three-safety look with star safety Caleb Downs moving more towards the line of scrimmage.

Ohio State will throw a bunch of different looks at Arch Manning and the Texas offense in his first big start in a hostile environment. Hartford and McClain are great athletes who will hopefully allow new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to scheme Caleb Downs all over the field.

It will be a tough game to get their first starter reps, but the rest of the defense will try to make it easier for the potentially two new safeties trying to prevent the big play. Last year against Texas, the defense did a good job on the wide receivers and tight ends, but got killed by the running backs in the passing game.

These Buckeyes Will Be Leaned Upon In Big Ways For This New-Look Defense

The Longhorns running backs made plays all day out of the backfield when matched up with linebackers, and had open space to make plays that kept Texas within striking distance. In order for the Silver Bullets to prevent the Longhorns from running up the scoreboard, the back end of the defense will be tasked to make plays in the open field and prevent the big play.

Downs has been referred to as a coach on the field over the past week, and it will be needed when working with inexperienced safeties. If all goes to plan, the silver bullets defense will be back like they never left.