Ohio State’s defense struggled mightily to rush the passer against Texas, which contributed to a back-breaking loss and future worries.

Leading up to the season, the Buckeye defensive line couldn’t identify a true second option off the edge. The lack of standout play in camp raised concerns, especially with the showdown against Texas looming early in the season.

Lone Star Letdown

Of players who saw 10+ snaps against Texas, the second-lowest-rated defender for OSU was Qua Russaw, according to Pro Football Focus. Beau Atkinson’s pass-rush grade was average at best, a steady theme since he came to Columbus. Khary Wilder shows promise but has only been a 3rd-down rusher. Zion Grady was a non-factor against Texas in limited snaps due to injury.

Interior linemen Eddrick Houston and James Smith, who have stood out from a pass-rush standpoint, were almost nonexistent in the pass rush. In fact, the run-stopping specialist John Walker graded out as the best pass rusher on the inside during the Texas game. Houston and Smith had both been highly regarded during fall camp as explosive difference-makers, able to collapse the pocket and affect passing.

For this to disappear in such a big spot is worrisome. The line as a whole has a responsibility, and for the most part, they faltered. Excess heat certainly played a role; several players were rotated in during the game, especially late. Still, through two games, the water is murky on this issue.

Which Buckeyes Could Step Up?

Variety is great, but if nobody can elevate their level of play, the depth is a moot point. With so many of these names being young and/or inexperienced, there is an element of being patient for the breakout of one or multiple threats. The issue there, of course, is that this is Ohio State and patience comes at a premium, especially after a loss like this past Saturday. If the Buckeyes can’t find a solution with this bunch in the coming weeks, they’ll face a monumental challenge navigating the back half of their schedule.

Kenyatta Jackson has clearly been Ohio State’s best pass rusher as a veteran player. However, true freshman Khary Wilder has made a strong case as the Buckeyes’ No. 2 option. In his five snaps on Saturday, Wilder generated two pressures. On the flip side, he also drew a penalty and missed a tackle, but that’s part of the risk-reward with playing a young star. Still, Wilder deserves more meaningful snaps.

“Khary is a guy that we have to figure out how to get him into the game,” Ryan Day said during his Tuesday news conference. 

Another player in the conversation is Christian Alliegro, who has the frame and ability to rush the passer effectively. At Wisconsin, Alliegro recorded 8 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss from linebacker. If Christian can assume the stand-up/hybrid backer role, he can better use his edge-rush skills and create opportunities for others on the line to do the same.

This change would also open spots for the uber-athletic linebackers TJ Alford and Riley Pettijohn. These two have made noticeable impacts when given the opportunity to play. Their ability to quickly set the edge in the run game, while also having the raw athleticism to make plays in the pass game, gives the Silver Bullets a more dynamic look. Pettijohn even sacked Arch Manning during his limited snaps.

Ultimately, this is still all conjecture. As it stands, there isn’t a clear answer for what the solution will be for this defensive line. Matt Patricia and his staff will have to find it and find it fast. Otherwise, this will remain a major worry indefinitely, and it was a big reason Arch Manning could complete the remarkable comeback in the 4th quarter.

With the quarterbacks and offenses that Ohio State has yet to face this season, Texas won’t be the last team to capitalize on the lack of pressure unless things change.

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