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The inexperience most certainly is a factor is the play of the defense. Remember 2001? Rookie (to 1a) defensive coordinator, like 2004. Talented, but young players. The result? 7-5. Including losses to a 5-7 Wisconsin team and a 5-6 Penn State team.
The next year, names like Wilhelm, Grant, Reynolds, Doss, Nickey, Fox, Smith, Scott, Anderson, and Peterson become household. Why? Because of the experience they and their defensive coordinator gained.
I expect to see the same type of improvement next year with OSUs younger players and a more experienced Mark Snyder. And we don't even know if this team is on their way to 5 losses ala 2001, 2 ala 2003, or somewhere in between.
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