Ohio State’s defense is already elite, but these two players could make it even better

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s defense has been nothing short of dominant this season, but what’s scary for future opponents is that it might be on the verge of getting even better.

The latest episode of Buckeye Talk revealed two fascinating developments that could transform an already-elite unit into something truly unstoppable.

The first involves what Stephen Means described as “the ultimate good problem” at the nickel position. While Lorenzo Styles has been solid, Jermaine Mathews has shown flashes of being an elite playmaker who can dramatically change games with his ability to create turnovers.

“This is, I think, the ultimate good problem that a defense could have — where the guy who’s doing a job isn’t doing it poorly, but there just might be a guy who is elite, elite, elite at it,” Means said.

The option between Styles and Mathews represents the luxury Ohio State now has – two excellent players for one position, with Mathews offering a specific skill set that addresses one of the few areas where the defense could improve: creating more takeaways.

Co-host Stefan Krajisnik emphasized Mathews’ impact:

“I just think he’s such a difference-maker for you that if that’s the one thing you feel like this defense is lacking… I would continue to give Jermaine Mathews some snaps there in the slot.”

But perhaps the most intriguing revelation came from defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, who approached defensive coordinator Matt Patricia about being allowed more freedom as a pass rusher.

Jackson, who has been disciplined in his containment responsibilities against mobile quarterbacks, wanted permission to use his full arsenal of pass-rush moves.

Means highlighted the significance of this conversation:

“I also love the fact that he said that Matt Patricia’s response was like, ‘Yeah, just don’t go past quarterback… You can do whatever you want as long as you don’t put us at a disadvantage.”

This context explains why Jackson hasn’t been as statistically productive as many expected. Against more traditional pocket passers, Jackson could now be unleashed, complementing Caden Curry (who’s putting up numbers comparable to Chase Young’s Heisman campaign start) and creating a truly terrifying pass rush.

What we witnessed against Wisconsin – where Jackson registered three pressures and a sack after this conversation with Patricia – might just be the beginning. Ohio State’s defense is already allowing a minuscule 5.9 points per game, but these adjustments suggest the best is yet to come.

Here’s the podcast for this week: