If the COVID-19 pandemic results in fewer opportunities to practice before the start of the 2020 season after spring football was cut short, Ohio State’s defense could be the side of the ball that’s most affected.
While Ohio State’s offense returns many of its best players from last season – including Justin Fields, Chris Olave and three starting offensive linemen – the defense lost its three consistent starters from last year’s defensive line and three of its four starting defensive backs.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their first season with Kerry Coombs as defensive coordinator, they certainly could have used a full spring and every practice possible to develop and evaluate their up-and-coming players, let position battles play out and fine-tune their scheme with time to experiment.