Ohio State Week 5 Preview: Are There Legitimate Concerns on Defense?

As Ohio State prepares for their Week 5 matchup against Iowa, concerns have been raised regarding their defensive performance thus far. Over the past two seasons, the Buckeyes' defense has led them to the College Football Playoff, but currently, the defense is merely good, not great. With Jeremiah Smith on the other side, the opposing offenses must stay sharp to keep up in order to make the most of the opportunities.

Illinois' impressive 462 yards of offense in their previous game have had fans on edge, as Ohio State faces more formidable opponents like Indiana, USC, and Oregon in the near future. Iowa presents a great opportunity to improve the defense, or else those panic buttons will be pressed repeatedly.

The Ohio State defensive line has not lived up to expectations, allowing 199 rushing yards in four games over the past two seasons. This includes 35 yards on three scrambles and 59 yards on nine runs against a three-defensive-tackle setup, as well as 82 yards against a similar front in another game. While the Buckeyes have faced challenges, Iowa is expected to pose a physical and disciplined run game that could test the defense.

Riley Pettijohn has emerged as a standout linebacker, leading the defense with four tackles for loss and two sacks. But the linebackers must step up their game to avoid a letdown against Iowa. Matt Patricia has experimented with the Bear front and Penny front, utilizing multiple defensive tackles in the lineup.

Against Iowa, Ohio State should rely on the three-defensive-tackle look more, hoping the linebackers can hold up better. The task at hand for Iowa is to run like Illinois and Michigan, rather than Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa. Ohio State's defense must perform like Iowa State and Michigan, not Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa, to emerge victorious. Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, is the location for the game, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET.