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CFN's Defensive Unit Rankings

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bkochmc

bkochmc

Assistant Coach
Below are links to CFN's defensive unit rankings followed by where Ohio State ranks:

Total Defense - #13
Defensive Line - #13
Linebackers - #14
Defensive Backs - #13
Special Teams - #18

Overall, not bad considering all the unknowns on our defense (in the eyes of the media). I have issue with the special teams being ranked #18 with the nation's best returner and a good returning punter. The only glaring question on special teams (again, in the eyes of the media) is our place kicker and I think we'll be fine there. I also have issue being ranked behind scUM in total defense, but that might just be my homerism shining through. :wink:
 
I found their rankings of other Big Ten and BCS teams to be interesting.

Their lowest ranked BCS defense is Northwestern (at #86)
Northwestern = Worst
Indiana = 3rd worst
Illinois = 4th worst
Purdue = 8th worst
Minnesota = 11th worst

They don't paint a pretty picture of much of the Big Ten.
 
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bkochmc said:
Below are links to CFN's defensive unit rankings followed by where Ohio State ranks:

Total Defense - #13
Defensive Line - #13
Linebackers - #14
Defensive Backs - #13
Special Teams - #18

Overall, not bad considering all the unknowns on our defense (in the eyes of the media). I have issue with the special teams being ranked #18 with the nation's best returner and a good returning punter. The only glaring question on special teams (again, in the eyes of the media) is our place kicker and I think we'll be fine there. I also have issue being ranked behind scUM in total defense, but that might just be my homerism shining through. :wink:
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I think that is amazing that the defense is that highly rated with only 2 returning starters. Testiment to Tressel and the rest of the coaching staff. I would have rated them about 20.

I would have also rated D Line top 5 probably and special teams top 5. LB 15-20 and DBs 30-40.
 
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BuckTwenty said:
I concur. D-Line and Special Teams too low, DBs and LBs to high.
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I don't think our LBs are too high at #14. Freeman would've been on the field one way or another last year had he not be injured. Laurinaitis has two full games (huge games: Michigan, Notre Dame) under his belt. Kerr led the conference in tackles amongst freshmen in 2002. This trio would start on the vast majority of I-A teams.
 
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Offensively yes, defensively no. Does it need to be as good as last year ? Hopefully not.

I'm hopeful that by seasons end, the defense will be solid. The talent is there, I just hope they can all tackle. If so, then they'll be fine.
 
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bkochmc said:
Agreed... and to add on the coaching staff's ability to get these players to buy into the program quickly which maximizes their impact on the team when it is their chance to shine.
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I agree, that coaching may be the key. Remember Heacock and Fickel tookthe reins in the spring. I thought they coached too conservative last year, it was like your Dad had given you the Keys to the Rolls and they didn't want to wreck it. A little more aggressive game plans may have led to more TOs something we lacked last year. This year I think the Coaches will be more aggressive because its their unit. There is tons of physical ability on this unit and the coaches seem intent on putting playmakers on the field. Mistakes will be made and their ranking will be a little lower but the D will be fine. Early success angainst Wolfe and UT would springboard this unit to a level that would give the Bucks a chance at a National Champ.
 
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