Three Questions for the Buckeyes Defense Needs to Answer on Saturday

The Ohio State defense has my attention in a big way come Saturday afternoon. They should be able to handle Ball State no problem, but the story surrounding this side of the ball is a major one: how will they replace the elite unit that they had last season?

Visit truewildgame.online for more information.

The Buckeyes' defense last year had no weaknesses. They were elite on the defensive line interior; they were elite with pass rushers; they had an elite linebacking core; and they had an elite secondary.

They were nearly impossible to move the ball against, and they suffocated opposing offenses. That was the good part. The bad part is that nearly all of those players left, and that leaves several spots to be filled.

Now, don't get it confused; this isn't to say that Ohio State doesn't have the players ready to fill in, but everyone is anxious to see exactly what each player will look like. Saturday is critical for this side of the ball to build some confidence and chemistry with each other while dominating the Cardinals. 

1. What are these linebackers going to look like?

This is the biggest question surrounding this team this year. It has been almost four years since Ohio State hasn't had elite linebacker play. In years past, guys like Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers came before Cody Simon and Sonny Styles, paving the way for Styles and Arvell Reese. Year after year, this group has been elite, and that's where a great defense begins: at the second level.

Can the new captain, Payton Pierce, and Riley Pettijohn step into the two open positions without any issues? Do they have depth there? How are their athleticism and speed? 

There is so much to watch on Saturday and that's where your eyes should be.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Week One Has Arrived and the Buckeyes Depth Chart is Locked InIt's officially Week One in college football, and the Buckeyes are just three days away from their first game of the season. Unfortunately, it won't be the m...2. Can all of the transfers make an immediate impact?

There is an important transfer at every level of the defense. Up front, it's James Smith and Qua Russaw; Christian Alliegro at linebacker, finalized by Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore in the back end to bolster this roster.

Each one of those guys is a key for the defense that the coaching staff is banking on heading into next year, and they all have to step up.

3. How good is Jay Timmons?

The Buckeyes may have found their saving grace. Jay Timmons has the attention of the entire Ohio State program as a star freshman who can play and compete from game one. He is going to get his opportunity, and it will be fun to watch him compete and get ready for what he will face next week against Texas from the cornerback position.

The hype around the Buckeyes' defense is there, and it is real. Many people are excited about what the Buckeyes have on that side of the ball, and they'll need it.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ohio State pitch a shutout against the Cardinals on Saturday, but this is more about what their potential is going forward. 

Just how good can they be? We will be closer to an answer come Saturday afternoon.

Read full story at source