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Scarlet Sunrise: Nick Bosa, Cameron Heyward collect Defensive Player of the Week honors

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•12/29/22•

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Former Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward turned in three TFLs and two sacks in the Steelers' win over the Las Vegas Raiders. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Nick Bosa, Cameron Heyward collect Defensive Player of the Week honors

Former Ohio State defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Cameron Heyward collected Defensive Player of the Week honors for the NFC and AFC, respectively.

Bosa, who has a very good chance at the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award, showed out for the San Francisco 49ers in a 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders, registering seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Bosa also helped stop a pivotal Washington two-point conversion attempt down the stretch.

Bosa leads the NFL with 17.5 sacks this season, a career high. The star defensive end piled up 15.5 sacks in 2021.

Heyward, meanwhile, logged seven tackles, three TFLs, two sacks and one pass deflection for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 13-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He may not be in contention for DPoY, but his production has been nothing to take for granted, either.

Heyward, a four-time All-Pro, has recorded 62 tackles, 12 TFLs, 8.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits this season. The longtime defensive tackle will try his best to help the 7-8 Steelers in their playoff push.

Playoff Drive: Peach Bowl practice observations, Buckeyes defense takes turn at mic

Ohio State defensive players and Georgia offensive players spoke to the media on hand for the Peach Bowl in Atlanta Wednesday. There were questions about the Michigan game scattered throughout the Buckeyes portion of the press conference, as Ohio State’s last performance was a 45-23 letdown against the Wolverines at home, during which the Buckeyes allowed five touchdowns of 45-plus yards.

On the other side of things, Georgia’s offense was represented by the likes of walk-on-turned-Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, tight end Brock Bowers and running back Kenny McIntosh. They were asked about the advantages either team poses heading into the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup.

Lettermen Row was on site to capture all the storylines, as well as practice observations from the opening viewing period at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Tim May, Spencer Holbrook and Andy Backstrom are back with the Byers Auto Playoff Drive, the crew’s second video in Atlanta in what is already a jam-packed week of coverage.

Make sure to check out the full video here or on the Lettermen Row Youtube channel in the lead up to the Peach Bowl.

Tim May Podcast: Ohio State in Atlanta preparing for Georgia

The Tim May Podcast is a must-listen this week for Ohio State and Georgia fans. Tim is joined by national college football writer Bill Bender of The Sporting News, plus, later on, Buckeyes defensive end  J.T. Tuimoloau hopped on to talk about his passionate speech that lit a fire under Ohio State at the right time this postseason.

Before that, Bender offered insight on how Ohio State can achieve success defensively against Georgia, particularly when it comes to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ aggressive scheme and the Buckeyes pass rush.

It’s a can’t-miss episode of The Tim May Podcast and the last before Ohio State’s heavy-weight bout against defending national champion Georgia.

Check out the show below or on our YouTube channel and, as always, follow Lettermen Row throughout the week for more coverage as the Buckeyes gear up for their Peach Bowl CFP semifinal.

Other Peach Bowl reads…

READ: Ohio State buckling in for play-action friendly Georgia, Stetson Bennett’s mobility

READ: Georgia native Steele Chambers gearing up for ‘really fun’ homecoming CFP matchup

READ: Don’t expect a less aggressive Ohio State defense in the CFP: Jim Knowles isn’t budging

READ: Buckeyes defense aware of, scheming to stop dangerous Georgia tight ends

Scenes from Atlanta

Counting down

Peach Bowl: 2 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 331 days

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