Do the Ohio State Buckeyes have a linebacker problem? For a decade now, many fans have asked this question about the program, and often, the answer has been yes. Entering a crucial four-game slate that will show what the Buckeyes are capable of, their most recent opponent just ripped open an old wound.
Gone are the days of Bobby Carpenter, A.J. Hawk, James Laurinaitis, and Ryan Shazier. The Buckeyes have tried super-athletic linebackers and more traditional downhill hammers. This year, the combination of Cody Simon, Sonny Styles, and C.J. Hicks was supposed to offer a good combination of both.
Through four games, and most notably in Week 5 against Michigan State, that unit has looked vulnerable. The Spartans played as much 12 personnel as possible, condensing the Buckeyes' defense and forcing them to swap star cornerback Jordan Hancock for Styles or Hicks. The results were much more positive than what Ohio State can accept.
The Spartans saw big plays from tight end Brennan Paracheck, Jack Velling, Montorie Foster, Jaelen Smith, and Makhi Frazier as they loaded the line of scrimmage. They just didn't have the talent to threaten Ohio State further. But that changes as Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State loom.
Each of Ohio State's top three linebackers struggled to withstand all of the motion and action coming at them.
Simon, who has been dealing with an injury, was upstaged by backup Arvell Reese. He missed two tackles but only finished two. His PFF grade was the 17th-best of all defenders who played.
The more concerning performances were with Styles and Hicks. While some fans feel as though Styles has been bad this year, I think he's been fine. However, this was not a great showing for either. They ranked 22nd and 23rd in grades, respectively.
The eye test definitely confirmed their struggles. Styles played 42 snaps and looked totally lost in coverage. This matches last year's issues, where, spatially, he is just not a competent player yet. Styles is a quality player when he's keeping everything in front of him.
Allowing two catches for 45 yards on three targets, including a 26-yarder, and committing a penalty is a no-go, though.
Is the solution moving Reese over or promoting either Gabe Powers or Hicks to get more snaps? Hicks hasn't played well, either, struggling with the same linebacker duties that Styles does. He should transition into an edge rusher if we're being honest.
Powers is certainly intriguing as a middleman but is likely too limited to win in space, whereas at least Styles has the athleticism to get better.
The real answer is playing Hancock every snap regardless of the formation. Sure, Ohio State will be smaller, but that speed is their greatest advantage. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has considerable experience using three safeties and five defensive backs, so ditching this traditional approach shouldn't be considered groundbreaking.
What will Knowles do as Iowa comes to town with Kaleb Johnson? Physicality matters, so Styles can be helpful, but Knowles must be ready to pull the plug on Styles and Hicks if they're not comfortable with dropping back into coverage. If they don't, the Buckeyes will be at risk of allowing elongated drives and losing their own scoring opportunities.
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