Ohio State is coming off arguably one of their worst defensive seasons in recent memory. Finishing the year ranked 72nd in total defense, the Buckeyes allowed an uncustomary 403.4 yards per game. Their biggest problem area was the running game, wherein they allowed 2,251 rushing yards on a whopping 4.6 yards-per-carry average. Compared to the 2017 season, in which they allowed only 1,471 yards on 2.9 yards per carry, this is clearly an area of concern that new head coach Ryan Day will look to correct in the upcoming season.
Starting in the offseason, Day has already taken big strides to turn the defense around, hiring an almost entirely new coaching staff on that side of the ball.