The Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive prowess shines through in Week 7, with Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Kayden McDonald making significant plays. Mathews, playing a crucial role in the nickel position, showcased his disruptive skills, batting a ball that was intercepted and blitzing for a strip-sack. McDonald, a force to be reckoned with, demonstrated his ability to rip the ball from the hands of Illinois' Ca'Lil Valentine, showcasing a simple yet effective calculus. These defensive plays highlight the Buckeyes' strength and the potential for further success.
The Buckeyes' defense continues to dominate, with Tywone Malone Jr. and Arvell Reese contributing significantly. Malone, in a likely career-best performance, prevented a touchdown with a tackle on an Illinois shovel pass. Reese, the team MVP for the first half of the season, has elevated the defense's pressure rate, collecting 16 total pressures in just 58 pass rush snaps. His performance has caught the attention of NFL scouts, with the potential for a top-10 pick in the spring.
However, the Buckeyes' run game needs improvement, with 34 called runs against 28 called passes and an average of just 2.9 yards per carry against Illinois. This area of focus is crucial for bigger games ahead. Additionally, the punt team's performance continues to leave room for improvement, with Joe McGuire averaging just 37.8 yards per boot against Illinois.
Despite these minor setbacks, the Buckeyes' overall stock remains high, with programs around the country desiring to climb to their level. Penn State and Michigan, in particular, are among those eager to emulate their success. The Buckeyes' defense, led by Mathews, McDonald, and the rest of the team, continues to be a force to be reckoned with, providing a solid foundation for the team's success.
In contrast, Michigan's stock is down after a loss to USC, dropping their record to 4-2 and causing anxiety among Buckeye fans about The Game. Arizona State's stock is also down after a devastating loss to Utah, raising concerns about their Big 12 championship hopes. James Franklin's departure from Penn State is a notable change, with the team facing the challenge of avoiding the pitfalls of previous hires.
