Ohio State's Jack Sawyer leads three defenders that Oregon's offense must account for

Ohio State's defense is really, really good. Like, "best in the country" good. Oregon has been able to move the ball well this season but has, at times, looked clunky. If they want any chance of competing in this game, quarterback Dillon Gabriel is going to need to play almost perfectly, which is much easier said than done against this squad.

Ohio State is currently allowing the fewest points per game (6.8), yards per game (203.4), and yards per play (3.5) to their opponents in the country. They're dominant against the run and the pass, they play complementary football, and they have tons of studs that can make you pay. It's a problem.

Going into Saturday's game, Ducks fans should familiarize themselves with three names that they're probably going to hear plenty of.

EDGE Jack Sawyer

When it comes to getting after the quarterback, Jack Sawyer is that dude for Ohio State. Not to say they don't have others (they do, like JT Tuimolaou), but Sawyer is the one that leads the charge.

Sawyer leads the team in total pressures with 18, twice as many as Tuimolao. He has three sacks, 10 QB hits, 5 hurries, and is a force to be reckoned with. Sawyer has the awareness and the physical tools to take over a game, and converts speed to power with the best of them, often walking offensive linemen back into their quarterback's lap. He'll be a big test of the offensive tackles of Oregon, that haven't given up a sack over their last three games.

S Caleb Downs

Ohio State has an elite secondary, anchored on the back end by a pair of safeties that play a huge role in what they do. Downs has versatility in the run game and the passing game, and has great recognition and closing instincts. When he trusts his eyes, he flies downhill to the ball.

Over his last two games, Downs recorded a combined three tackles for loss. According to PFF, Downs has not missed a tackle since Week 1. Downs is only a sophomore and has developed into one of the best safeties in the country. At 6'0" 205 lbs, he doesn't get bullied, and he's a vice grip tackler. Downs also has a pass breakup, a sack, the ability to cover, the ability to lineup down in the box, and has been credited with eight stops through five games.

S Lathan Ransom

Downs' running mate in the defensive backfield is Lathan Ransom, who has been through the ringer in his college career. He was a freshman in 2020 during the COVID season, broke his leg in the 2021 Rose Bowl, came back and played most of the 2022 season, then suffered a lisfranc injury to miss the final five games of 2023. His injury luck has been horrible.

Now back and healthy, Ransom leads the team in tackles with 20, has forced two fumbles, and is an enforcer on the back end. He shows up when it matters most and is constantly around the ball, causing disruption.

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