4 Lessons Ohio State Buckeyes Learned From Penn State Loss
By Joe Russo
2. Larry Johnson is simply magic
Lose your senior tackle in the season opener? No big deal, just throw a rotation of 4 freshman in his place. Trouble with the pass rush early? So, just put all defensive ends on the field.
As much as the Penn State front bullied the Ohio State offensive line, watching the Buckeye front was just as entertaining.
There’s almost a hockey like shift change that occurs from running downs to passing downs. A core group of Sam Hubbard, Nick Bosa, Michael Hill, and Dre’mont Jones is typically on the field on first down and other running downs. When the down and distance leans toward the pass, Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes come in for Hill and Jones, with Robert Landers rotating through as well.
This depth keeps the unit fresh and using their superior athleticism to attack each snap. It also puts the best possible unit for the situation on the field.
When Holmes lines up as a defensive tackle, it isn’t because he’s a run stuffer, It’s because most guards will struggle with a 270 pound defensive end that moves like Holmes does.
While Nick Bosa’s flashed the skills that made him a five-star recruit on the interior, his ability to set the edge against the run has been a huge boost to the defense.
Larry Johnson is allowing his players to play to their strengths in the most opportune situations.