Ohio State's defense wasn't great in 2014 (22.0 ppg, 342.4 ypg), but it didn't really need to be because the offense was (44.8 ppg, 511.6 ypg). The two biggest positives for the defense were its ability to create turnovers (25 interceptions, 8 fumble recoveries, 6 touchdowns); and the progress that it made during the post-season with impressive performances against Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon and their respective superstars (Melvin Gordon, Amari Cooper, and Marcus Mariota).
The defensive line was a strength in 2014, but the unit will have to replace All American defensive tackle Michael Bennett; starting defensive end Steve Miller; and key reserve Rashad Frazier. Fortunately, junior All American Joey Bosa (55 tackles, 21 TFLs, 13.5 sacks, scoop six) returns. After only two seasons in Columbus, Bosa is already in 14th in career TFLs with 34.5, and 7th in career sacks with 21.0. Also returning is senior defensive tackle Adolphus Washington (48 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks) who has earned some pre-season All American recognitions. Senior Tommy Schutt has battled injuries throughout his career, and he will finally get a chance to lock down the nose tackle position. A trio of unproven players will get their opportunities at defensive end: sophomore Tyquan Lewis will start opposite Joey Bosa, while sophomore Jalyn Holmes and redshirt freshman Sam Hubbard will get valuable minutes in the rotation. None of the reserve defensive tackles has emerged from the pack as of yet, and lack of depth at that position could pose problems as the season grinds on.
Linebacker should be a great strength for the 2015 Buckeyes. Sophomore Darron Lee and senior Joshua Perry will be All American candidates at the outside backer positions. Perry is a steady force (team leading 124 tackles) while Lee makes big plays (16.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 scoop sixes). Sophomore Raekwon McMillan (54 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, pick six) split time in the middle last year with the now-graduated Curtis Grant. Although Grant had the experience, McMillan was clearly the better athlete and the position should be upgraded with him in the role full time. Several young players will be vying for back-up spots.
Junior safety Vonn Bell (92 tackles, 6 INTs) leads a talented defensive backfield. A nice combination of run stuffer and ball hawk, Bell has found his way onto several pre-season All American lists. Junior Tyvis Powell (76 tackles, 4 INTs) mans the other safety position; he is another defender with a knack for making big plays. Sophomore Eli Apple (53 tackles, 3 INTs, scoop six) returns as a starting cornerback, and he has the talent to become yet another in the long line of great Buckeye corners. Sophomore Gareon Conley had some rough moments in 2014, but as of now he will replace Doran Grant at the other corner spot. Junior Cam Burrows and sophomore Erick Smith should be the primary nickel backs.
Punter Cameron Johnston is one of the best in the business. The Buckeyes didn't need to punt very often last year (48 times, roughly 3 per game), but when the offense faltered Johnston was usually able to put the defense in a great position. He averaged 45.1 yards per punt, with 26 (54.2%) inside the 20-yard line, and only 5 touchbacks; Ohio State's opponents had only 58 yards on punt returns all season. Senior Bryce Haynes became the Buckeyes' sole long snapper in 2014, and he will handle those duties again this season.
The defensive line was a strength in 2014, but the unit will have to replace All American defensive tackle Michael Bennett; starting defensive end Steve Miller; and key reserve Rashad Frazier. Fortunately, junior All American Joey Bosa (55 tackles, 21 TFLs, 13.5 sacks, scoop six) returns. After only two seasons in Columbus, Bosa is already in 14th in career TFLs with 34.5, and 7th in career sacks with 21.0. Also returning is senior defensive tackle Adolphus Washington (48 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks) who has earned some pre-season All American recognitions. Senior Tommy Schutt has battled injuries throughout his career, and he will finally get a chance to lock down the nose tackle position. A trio of unproven players will get their opportunities at defensive end: sophomore Tyquan Lewis will start opposite Joey Bosa, while sophomore Jalyn Holmes and redshirt freshman Sam Hubbard will get valuable minutes in the rotation. None of the reserve defensive tackles has emerged from the pack as of yet, and lack of depth at that position could pose problems as the season grinds on.
Linebacker should be a great strength for the 2015 Buckeyes. Sophomore Darron Lee and senior Joshua Perry will be All American candidates at the outside backer positions. Perry is a steady force (team leading 124 tackles) while Lee makes big plays (16.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 scoop sixes). Sophomore Raekwon McMillan (54 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, pick six) split time in the middle last year with the now-graduated Curtis Grant. Although Grant had the experience, McMillan was clearly the better athlete and the position should be upgraded with him in the role full time. Several young players will be vying for back-up spots.
Junior safety Vonn Bell (92 tackles, 6 INTs) leads a talented defensive backfield. A nice combination of run stuffer and ball hawk, Bell has found his way onto several pre-season All American lists. Junior Tyvis Powell (76 tackles, 4 INTs) mans the other safety position; he is another defender with a knack for making big plays. Sophomore Eli Apple (53 tackles, 3 INTs, scoop six) returns as a starting cornerback, and he has the talent to become yet another in the long line of great Buckeye corners. Sophomore Gareon Conley had some rough moments in 2014, but as of now he will replace Doran Grant at the other corner spot. Junior Cam Burrows and sophomore Erick Smith should be the primary nickel backs.
Punter Cameron Johnston is one of the best in the business. The Buckeyes didn't need to punt very often last year (48 times, roughly 3 per game), but when the offense faltered Johnston was usually able to put the defense in a great position. He averaged 45.1 yards per punt, with 26 (54.2%) inside the 20-yard line, and only 5 touchbacks; Ohio State's opponents had only 58 yards on punt returns all season. Senior Bryce Haynes became the Buckeyes' sole long snapper in 2014, and he will handle those duties again this season.
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