JD PicKell: Continuity will improve Ohio State defense in 2023

Ohio State had a good defense, statistically, in 2022. But a pair of tough showings to end the season — 45 points allowed to Michigan, 42 to Georgia — have left a bad taste for the Buckeyes.

On3’s JD PicKell urges patience, though, as more time learning the complexities of the defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will only help Ohio State in the long run. With plenty of talent and a strong foundation set in 2022, PicKell thinks continuity will be the key for further improvements in 2023.

“But one of the reasons why I feel so optimistic about this defense in their second year under Jim Knowles is just that: It’s going to be your second year under the new DC. He’s no longer the new DC, he’s just your DC,” PicKell said. “And the thing with Jim Knowles, his reputation kind of precedes him, defense is complex to learn. Like just overall, from a general perspective, it is very difficult to install. There’s a lot of typical rules that a defense would go by that are broken in this defense, schematically, with how you line up against the offense.”

And while the continuity might not lead to a big jump in sacks or turnovers or other splash plays, PicKell said it’s likely to do something else: Eliminate lapses.

The Buckeyes were burned by busted coverages against the Wolverines and Bulldogs a number of times. They also let up several long run plays to Michigan at the end of the game.

PicKell thinks another year of study will eliminate those moments, elevating the Ohio State defense to another level.

“It also just allows for a more solid approach. It allows for you to be more comfortable in the defense, which just makes for less stupid errors. Right, can we say that on here? It makes for less self-inflicted wounds that we saw Ohio State have a couple of times. Against Michigan, two busted coverages. Against Georgia, busted coverage. So, the continuity in scheme and going into another year in this defense, I think just for all parties, is going to be a good thing for Ohio State,” PicKell said.

If the scheme coalesces, PicKell thinks the Buckeyes could be scary on defense with the talent on the roster.

“Because it’s never a matter of personnel at Ohio State,” PicKell said. “It just never is. You’re always going to be able to have what you need to be able to win national titles. Or at least compete for national titles.”