No. 1 If … the pass rush holds up
What Connelly says
“Chase Young was unfair. Despite being increasingly double-teamed as 2019 went on, the now-former Buckeyes defensive end generated pressure on 19% of his pass rushes (easily the most among players with 200-plus attempts) and sacked QBs 16.5 times (also the most). It’s been a while since Ohio State didn’t have an incredible pass-rusher, but that bar’s probably too high for anyone to clear.”
“One way or another, the Buckeyes will have to continue generating high pressure. The OSU secondary has to replace first-round cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette and safeties Jordan Fuller and Brendon White, and while corner Shaun Wade is a proven entity and fellow juniors Cameron Brown and Sevyn Banks have shined when given the chance, the best favor you can give a newish secondary is a stressed-out quarterback. Ends Zach Harrison and Tyreke Smith are former blue-chippers, but neither enjoyed even a 10% pressure rate; senior Jonathon Cooper’s return from an injury will help, too, but new coordinator Kerry Coombs might have to get a bit creative to get pressure.”
The rush off the edge is a concern when you lose a guy like Chase Young, but if any program can plug and play at that position, it’s Ohio State. The Buckeyes have one of the best defensive line coaches in the country with Larry Johnson, and have gone from one Bosa, to another Bosa, to Chase Young. Watch out for Zach Harrison to be the next great one.