Joel Klatt lists defensive line as Ohio State's biggest key to beating Michigan, winning Big Ten

If Ohio State has any chance to upend Michigan this season, the defensive line has to be stout against the run, according to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.

Klatt grouped Ohio State and Penn State together, since both schools are the other contenders in the Big Ten East behind Michigan. But more importantly for Ohio State, the Buckeyes lost to their bitter rival two years in a row and were torched by the run game.

But limiting Michigan’s run game will, in turn, put more pressure on quarterback JJ McCarthy.

“So even if Ohio State and Penn State can handle the run game, which is going to be very difficult, they’re going to have to deal with a quarterback that has confidence and the ability to go win the game himself,” Klatt said. “So it’s gonna be tough. It’s gonna be very tough. Ohio State has got to get better on the defensive line.” 

Ohio State had to play catch up because Michigan torched the Buckeyes on the ground with scores and time of possession.

“Now, I think that they will be this is what makes this so intriguing, the biggest question surrounding Ohio State for me is not about their quarterback, it’s about their defensive line,” Klatt said. “Because if you go back and you listen to the shows after their loss to Michigan, what did I say?

“I said they got beat on the interior of each line of scrimmage: guard, center, guard or defensive tackles. Michigan was better and tougher in those areas. Okay, Ohio State had an inability to run the ball. They got forced into most passing situations and Michigan won the game.”

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That was basically the game plan over the last two seasons and Michigan has two conference titles to show for it.

Ohio State, with an improved defensive line, is right on par with Michigan. Klatt had no worries over the Buckeyes’ unsettled quarterback battle between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.

“And so, to me, that’s exactly where Ohio State has to get better,” Klatt said. “Kyle McCord is going to be fine as a quarterback. If I’m a Buckeye fan, the last thing I’m worried about is the fact that I’ve got a new quarterback. 

“The most imminent thing I’m concerned about is whether my defensive line is good enough and better and up to par to stop the run of the Michigan Wolverines? Because that’s the only way that they’re gonna go out there and win that division.”