2026 tOSU Defense Discussion

[MGMT]

Not sure what you mean, but these two have been arguably the most impactful in the Defense so far this season. Having them back is crucial.

Now we should have the 3 backers as Alliegro, Pettijohn and Alford and Timmons puts our Nickel back at full strength. Against Marsh and Becker that combination is our best option.

Sorry I misunderstood; I thought you were referencing the entire defense - since you didn’t quote anything in particular but I should have realized your post followed an immediate reference to them.

I agree with you then, my bad. I think Pierce is overall just really limited as a player and his IQ/instrimct/ethic won’t outweigh it at all.

 

[Onebuckfan]

Pierce is what he is. The coaches are SATISFIED with what he provides. He’s a high floor glue player. But he’s not elite like Sonny or Arvell. Who is ?

 

[RugbyBuck]

If he's handling what JL and MP want him to, that's his role. A full side of athletic freaks isn't necessary. Great that we have some, but we also need someone out there to manage himself and ten other twenty-somethings, let's remember, on the field. I'm not personally qualified to say that's what's happening as I haven't played MLB since the 8th grade (everyone else grew over the summer and I moved to wingback), but it appears that this is at least part of what's going on.

 

[MGMT]

Held IU rushing to 2.5 yards a carry on the ground.

Surrendered 296 passing yards on 40 attempts.

Warriors

 

[RugbyBuck]

Yes, BUT gave it away at the end. We didn’t get enough rush when it mattered and Calhoun was beat. 999 out of 1,000 times, that’s a touchdown.

 

[Jaxbuck]

Held IU rushing to 2.5 yards a carry on the ground.

Surrendered 296 passing yards on 40 attempts.

Warriors

Yes, BUT gave it away at the end. We didn’t get enough rush when it mattered and Calhoun was beat. 999 out of 1,000 times, that’s a touchdown.

Both are true imo

There are long periods of great play then something that, to my non coach eye, looks like a lot of 3 or 4 man rush with zone behind it/prevent nonsense that is just getting shredded.

 

[BB73]

Yeah, the defense has played fairly well, except for two 4th quarters where big leads were quickly erased.

Seems like the strategy for holding multi-score leads need to be reconsidered.

 

[Jaxbuck]

Seems like the strategy for holding multi-score leads need to be reconsidered.

Yeah, as in “whatever the hell you are doing, stop. And do the opposite. “

 

[scarletngray]

Yes, BUT gave it away at the end. We didn’t get enough rush when it mattered and Calhoun was beat. 999 out of 1,000 times, that’s a touchdown.

Yes, BUT the refs didn't call a clear holding penalty on Riley Pettijohn on the same play as he blitzed the QB.

 

[RugbyBuck]

That’s not really a counterpoint. Calhoun was burnt. That’s not a what-if.

 

[dragurd]

Yes, BUT gave it away at the end. We didn’t get enough rush when it mattered and Calhoun was beat. 999 out of 1,000 times, that’s a touchdown.

After all the heart break the last 7 years in the same situation. I'll take a lucky ass win.

 

[Jaxbuck]

We can be glad to take it and aware that it was dumb luck at the same time.

 

[Bestbuck36]

Defense has given up 9 total TDs in 7 games. That's pretty damn good. Considering how the Offense has left them hanging in these 4th quarters and the bench playing a lot late in the early games, I'd say that's pretty strong with this schedule.

Now, get healthy and improve the pass rush and we're in great shape. And, for God's sake, install some stunts and twists please! Anything but a constant straight fucking bull rush might be helpful!

 

[pnuts34]

 

[osuvictory1]