It’s not the most glamorous group on the Buckeye roster, but the interior of Ohio State’s defensive line may actually be its most important.
Ohio State’s run defense struggled mightily in both of its losses in 2021 and heavily contributed to Utah’s 45-point explosion in the Rose Bowl. Shoring up the inside of Larry Johnson’s line is a priority amid Ohio State’s general defensive reconstruction this offseason, but new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has only spoken positively about what he’s seen from the unit since taking over the reins at the start of the year.
If that trend continues through the fall, the Buckeyes’ larger goals may not seem too grandiose, especially given the pieces in place on the other side of the ball.