• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

2026 tOSU Defense Discussion

The run D is becoming borderline elite.

The Pass D however is just lost on too many plays. Especially when we try to go zone, so much confusion and missed assignments leading to wide open receivers.


It's interesting these two posts are ~30 minutes apart :lol:

The defense is a borderline elite unit overall. If the pass rush element ever shows up, it will be elite at that point.
 
Upvote 0
It's interesting these two posts are ~30 minutes apart :lol:

The defense is a borderline elite unit overall. If the pass rush element ever shows up, it will be elite at that point.

Still, it's hard to ignore the zone coverage gaffs. It hasn't totally cost us yet but the communication needs to be a lot better there
 
Upvote 0
Still, it's hard to ignore the zone coverage gaffs. It hasn't totally cost us yet but the communication needs to be a lot better there
Zone isn't meant to stand on its own. The pass rush element needs to show up to make the zone work the way it should, either by bringing an extra body (which happened against Indiana) or by the front 3 or 4 getting pressure on their own.

The zone itself is (mostly) fine but no zone ever conceived will stand up when the QB has 5 or 6 or 7 seconds to see the field.

that's not to say there isn't room for improvement though.
 
Upvote 0
Zone isn't meant to stand on its own. The pass rush element needs to show up to make the zone work the way it should, either by bringing an extra body (which happened against Indiana) or by the front 3 or 4 getting pressure on their own.

The zone itself is (mostly) fine but no zone ever conceived will stand up when the QB has 5 or 6 or 7 seconds to see the field.

that's not to say there isn't room for improvement though.

Agreed that the lack of pass rush doesn't help but from the naked eye watching there is an alarming amount of instances where dudes either seem like they don't realize they are supposed to be playing zone or guys just being completely out of place in the coverage. Seems like it's definitely more of a communication issue than anything.

The 3 man soft rush prevent type shell is when this D is at its worst. They need to complete toss and burn that concept. That's definitely Patricia and his NFL roots to the core. You constantly see that trash weekly in the NFL
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
It's interesting these two posts are ~30 minutes apart :lol:

The defense is a borderline elite unit overall. If the pass rush element ever shows up, it will be elite at that point.
I think Patricia is trying to find the right mix. More aggression can lead to huge gashes and explosive plays. The issue is Patricia in trying to stop explosive plays, he has kind of put OSU into a prevent type of defense towards the end of games.

I think the continued tweaks are making this defense very good, but they may never get to elite because the ends and linebackers have a ceiling (at least it seems).

If it's very good, it should be good enough.

If the new QB leads to a sluggish offense, is this D good enough to carry the team?
 
Upvote 0
I think Patricia is trying to find the right mix. More aggression can lead to huge gashes and explosive plays. The issue is Patricia in trying to stop explosive plays, he has kind of put OSU into a prevent type of defense towards the end of games.

I think the continued tweaks are making this defense very good, but they may never get to elite because the ends and linebackers have a ceiling (at least it seems).

If it's very good, it should be good enough.

If the new QB leads to a sluggish offense, is this D good enough to carry the team?

Not a lot of dynamic offense left on our schedule.

USC will be by far the biggest offensive threat. Oregon's is a hot.mess right now. Corn Northwestern and scUM are all meh at best.

I'm feeling fairly confident we finish the regular season with 1 or 2 losses and end up in the playoff.

Not expecting a sudden huge surge from whoever plays QB going forward but I trust the coaches to scheme something that puts them in a good position to succeed. Getting the BYE this week is incredibly huge
 
Upvote 0
Not a lot of dynamic offense left on our schedule.

USC will be by far the biggest offensive threat. Oregon's is a hot.mess right now. Corn Northwestern and scUM are all meh at best.

I'm feeling fairly confident we finish the regular season with 1 or 2 losses and end up in the playoff.

Not expecting a sudden huge surge from whoever plays QB going forward but I trust the coaches to scheme something that puts them in a good position to succeed. Getting the BYE this week is incredibly huge
Day seems to really like Fahey. To quote: what a opportunity for him. There is probably some things with Fahey that will pleasantly surprise people. Of course, I am probably reading into things.
 
Upvote 0
Back
Top