5 reasons Ohio State will route Purdue as Haskins’ Heisman case grows
By Alec Hartman
2. The defense will move on from the loss of Nick Bosa
It was a tough week for the Buckeyes as they got the news of departing star defensive end and captain Nick Bosa. His decision came with the help of his family as he decided to forego the rest of the season to recover from injury and prepare for the NFL Draft. Bosa is projected to be a top-five pick in the draft and possibly the first overall pick. He was easily one of the best, if not the best, defensive player in the country.
This decision was not at all surprising as it became clear this was his last season with the Buckeyes regardless. In the modern era of college football where players are sitting out bowl games in order to prepare for their professional career, this decision wasn’t much different. The difference in it was that he’s going to miss the back end of the season for an undefeated Buckeyes team (so far) that has a chance to play for a national championship.
Nick Bosa has a bright future in the NFL where his brother Joey Bosa is already thriving. Of course some college football fans from around the country or even some Buckeye fans may be upset that he’s foregoing the season but it’s wise to look at the big picture. Bosa is making the logical decision by not risking the longevity of his professional career for a few games in the back end of his college stint with the Buckeyes. Fans should not be upset with him but should rather be thankful for all that he has provided for this team.
The Buckeyes will now be tasked to finish the season without one of their best players but that is something they have the ability to do. It’s certainly not the end of the world for the Buckeyes to have one of their players is gone as they have many others to choose from. In fact, it just so happens the departing player is leaving from the most stacked part of this team.
The defensive line for the Buckeyes is still one of the best in the country. With talented players remaining like Dre’Mont Jones, Chase Young, Jonathon Cooper, and Robert Landers, this is still a great unit. The departure of Nick Bosa actually caused a few of these players to step up in a big way. Chase Young and Dre’Mont Jones have been huge contributors since Bosa went down with injury.
Two of the Buckeyes’ biggest wins were sealed without the services of Nick Bosa. Bosa went down in the TCU game before the Buckeyes had secured the victory. The Bucks’ defense still turned it up against them and ended up winning the game with a great second half. The victory at Penn State was accomplished without Bosa in the lineup either as Chase Young had a big game to get the win.
The departure of Nick Bosa certainly is a big loss for the Buckeyes defensively where they need the most help. However, it could have been far worse if the team suffered a loss from any other position as the Buckeyes have good enough depth to be serviceable without him. Bosa will be sorely missed but the show will go on. Expect the Buckeyes to rally the troops once again and prove they can still play well without their star player.