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Kirk Herbstreit identifies what makes this Ohio State team different

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•09/25/22•

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Brian Rothmuller | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ohio State kicked off Big Ten play last night with a statement against Wisconsin. The Buckeyes pummeled the Badgers in a 52-21 victory that had a 45-7 margin heading into the fourth quarter. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit was front and center for that game while on the call on ABC. After watching the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium, he had one major takeaway to share.

Herbstreit shared his thoughts this morning on Twitter. While he gave credit to the continued offensive excellence in Columbus, it’s the defensive changes they’ve made and their newfound edge that has separated Ohio State from themselves in years past.

“As good as Ohio State football looked last night with their execution, the thing that feels different to me about this group is their defense is much more complete & aggressive with Jim Knowles scheme,” said Herbstreit. “Ryan Day has the entire team engaged and locked in-sense a real edge to this team!”

Everyone knew what Ohio State’s offense was going to be. After posting the No. 1 offense last season at 45.7 points per game, they’re even better to start this season with an average of 48.8 points per game. However, that defense was always the question and new DC Jim Knowles has answered it in a big way. After giving up 22.8 points per game last season, the Buckeye defense is allowing just 16 points through four games in 2022.

The changes Ohio State made this offseason were necessary ones. The new and improved defense doesn’t just make them a nastier team in general to Kirk Herbstreit. It makes them a more well-rounded team, and that could be what gets the Buckeyes back in the CFP if not the national title game.

LeBron James hypes up Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud for Heisman

September is winding down and it’s time for Heisman campaigns to kick off in earnest — and Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud has a high profile surrogate stumping for him: LeBron James.

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The King fired off a tweet on Saturday night as Stroud torched Wisconsin, continuing his hot start to the year. James was clear about his intentions, adding #HeismanStroud to his post.

Stroud finished the conference opener with 281 passing yards, five touchdowns and an interception — which came on a deep throw late in the first half on a strong play from the Wisconsin defender. It was also his first of the season. He completed 17-of-27 passes as Ohio State busted out to an early lead and cruised to a 45-21 win to get to 4-0.

Stroud was a betting favorite to win the Heisman in 2022 after being a finalist in 2021.

And prior to Saturday night, he was already sizzling. Stroud entered the game with 941 passing yards and 11 touchdowns (and no interceptions) while completing nearly 73% of his passes.

James has long been known to be an Ohio State fan, so expect him to keep stumping for Stroud as the season goes on.