Where's The Defense?

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Just when I thought we were making strides on the defensive side of the ball and had written so, Indiana hangs 49 points on the Buckeyes.  What in the world is that about?  A Buckeye would be hard pressed to remember when any team scored 49 points against us let alone the Hoosiers.  Indiana’s spread offense was a nightmare for the Buckeyes.  They moved the ball without hesitation and had there been more clock available to them, there just might have been a different outcome. 

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Luke Fickel’s defensive squad needs to make some adjustments in a hurry.  It was interesting that Zack Boren was delegated to the defensive squad late in the game.  Injuries are playing their part in the defensive scheme of things but there are larger problems that must be addressed.  The lack of tackling continues to plague the Buckeyes.   For most observers, this is a question of discipline for the defensive squad.  Either Fickel isn’t sharing the get serious about tackling message or the players are not responding. 

Somebody better answer the phone; pick-up the message or Luke Fickel will be out of a job as Defensive Coordinator.  You have to wonder if Urban Meyer isn’t questioning his decision to keep Fickel around.  Meyer may not be thinking that way but Buckeye fans sure are.  Week after week, the defensive squad is getting exposed and eventually the offensive side of the ball will not be able to overcome the defensive weakness. 

There was no pass rush on Saturday against the Hoosiers.  Even more of a problem was the return of the big play.  Who can remember a year when the Buckeyes gave up more big plays than this year?  Gains of 15 yards plus are now the norm against us.  These problems must be addressed or it will be a quick fall off the undefeated list as the Buckeyes are just coming to the meat of their schedule. 

The offense continues to move forward.  The passing game was better on Saturday but dropping two passes for certain touchdowns hurt.  Carlos Hyde continues to develop as a powerful runner with defenses now having to worry about not only Braxton Miller but also Hyde.  I was delighted to see Miller running the ball in the first series.  It seems to help remove some of the early game jitters for him.  One had to be impressed with the shovel pass.  Each week, Meyer adds one more wrinkle to a growing offensive scheme. 

Another blocked punt and resulting touchdown was great to see but having it happen again to the Buckeyes was disheartening.  Special teams continue to get the job done for the Buckeyes.  On the other hand, we take way too much time punting the ball.  A blocked kick at the wrong time could spell doom for this undefeated Buckeye squad.

Purdue is coming off two disappointing performances against Michigan and Wisconsin.   They would like nothing more than to knock off the Buckeyes in Columbus.  Not going to happen of course but the Buckeyes need to continue to improve.   Look for the Buckeye defense to step it up this Saturday.