Coming off of what was widely regarded to be a disappointing season for Ohio State’s linebackers in 2017, the narrative surrounding the Buckeyes’ play at that position hasn’t been much better so far in 2018.
As Ohio State’s defense has struggled with giving up big plays early in the season – including three touchdown runs of at least 78 yards, making the Buckeyes defense the only defense that has surrendered that many plays that long already this season – the linebackers have been pinned with much of the blame.
The box score from the Buckeyes’ 49-6 win over Tulane on Saturday didn’t help matters, either, as none of Ohio State’s three starting linebackers – Malik Harrison, Pete Werner and Tuf Borland – were credited with a single tackle in the game.