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The Ohio State Buckeyes are going to play the 0-2 Tulsa Golden Hurricanes and not only has Tulsa been unable to secure a win this season, but one of their losses was actually against an FCS opponent. Ohio State is favored by more than three touchdowns and while no opponent should be taken lightly, especially with the poor performance of the defense, Tulsa certainly has to be seen as a tune-up game.
Buckeye’s defense has been far from productive and they need answers. Ohio State has been killing him on the recruiting trail the last few years and we know some of these players are awesome and just need an opportunity. As Buckeye’s former head trainer, John Cooper once said, “If a dog is going to bite, he’s going to bite like a puppy.
That said, let’s name a few players who need more snaps against Tulsa to see if they can “bite”.
I’m not saying that the answer to all defensive issues will come against Tulsa, but proving more time and experimenting with what you have should make some things clearer.
Jack Sawyer, Defensive End
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rests between reps during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday August 10, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
On the defensive line, the first name that comes to mind is Jack Sawyer. We all saw what Sawyer was capable of in the spring and he only had three snaps against Oregon.
JT Tuimoloau, Defensive End
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman JT Tuimoloau runs with the ball during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Friday August 6, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Obviously, another player who needs more shots is another fantastic freshman at JT Tuimoloau, and not just on defense. The coaching staff could be created and Tuimoloau could also see the weather inside.
K’Vaughn Pope, linebacker
Senior K’Vaughan Pope could play a supporting role if Ohio State continues to primarily use a 4-3 formation. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
K’Vaughn Pope is a player I thought had a potential All-Big Ten, but he only received seven snaps against Oregon. Pope is a bit of a wild card and out of position most of the time, but you can tell that about pretty much any linebacker right now.
What makes Pope intriguing is that he might be in the wrong place, but he’s extremely active and moves with a goal and he’s the kind of player who can provide a necessary spark.
Steele Chambers, linebacker
November 7, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Steele Chambers (22) takes the false punt during a long first down in the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Another interesting player is Steele Chambers. He made the transition from linebacker to linebacker in the spring, so the apprehension of playing him makes sense. But we’re at the point that pure athleticism and active effort can trump knowledge of the playbook and technique.
Sevyn Banks, cornerback
January 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship game. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Brown is the team’s best corner right now and Denzel Burke has played admirably for a freshman, but we need Sevyn Banks to show up. Banks got a hype in the first round of the season, got a bit messed up to start the year, but for reasons unknown he didn’t see the field last week against Oregon.
Marcus Hooker, Security
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Marcus Hooker (29) performs a drill during the Ohio State Buckeyes football practice on Wednesday August 14, 2019 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio. [Joshua A. Bickel/Dispatch]
With the news of Josh Proctor’s absence for the remainder of the season, the safety position has also become murkier. Like Pope above, Marcus Hooker is a guy with high level abilities. He’s actually the most experienced security in the room given he has a few starts in 2020 under his belt, but some off-court issues and a brief suspension put him in the doghouse. It might be time to get him out of there.
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