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How Ohio State is approaching defensive play-calling

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•09/30/21•

SamraSource

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Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes begin Big Ten conference play this weekend. While they already defeated Minnesota to open their season, the real meat and potatoes of their schedule begins this Saturday against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Through the first month of the season, Ohio State‘s defense has been the subject to criticism. Early in the season, they couldn’t stop a nosebleed — leading to a loss at home against the Oregon Ducks.

Following said loss, Ohio State changed their play-caller on defense. Out was defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs, in was secondary coach Matt Barnes.

Prior to an onslaught on Big Ten matchups, Barnes spoke to the media — detailing the inner-workings of the Ohio State defensive system.

“Sort of a group effort,” stated Barnes. “Particularly game-day. Just sorting through adjustments, and we’re all in the meetings together throughout the week. Kinda put a call sheet together of what we like in certain situations.

“In a lot of ways, the game calls itself. Again, a group effort during the game on the sidelines and on the headset to get things adjusted and see what calls we like. So really been a group effort.”

Evidently, it’s a collaboration between a group of defensive coaches for the Buckeyes. In addition to Barnes and Coombs, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and linebackers coach Al Washington have some say.

Ohio State’s defense under Barnes

Over the last two weeks, Barnes has been the primary play-caller for the Buckeyes’ defense in back-to-back wins over Tulsa and Akron. While the two teams don’t represent the stiffest competition, it’s a step in the right direction.

Last week against Akron, Barnes continually brought pressure on quarterback D.J. Irons. It paid off, as the Buckeyes accumulated nine sacks in the game.

Now, the Ohio State defensive conglomerate led by Barnes takes their talents to New Jersey. On the other side is former Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, who will be looking to pull the gigantic upset for Rutgers.