The Challenge for Ohio State: Will a Weakened Offensive Line Be Able to Withstand Tennessee?

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes are facing one of the most daunting challenges of their season: a showdown with the Tennessee Volunteers, a team that has been gaining momentum with each passing week. While Ohio State has many strengths, one area that remains a concern is their offensive line. With injuries, underperformance, and a lack of depth in key positions, the Buckeyes’ offensive line is facing a tough test against one of the nation’s most dynamic defensive fronts.

The Tennessee Volunteers have been consistently impressive on defense, with a focus on aggression, speed, and physicality. Their defensive line has been a cornerstone of their success this season, making them a formidable opponent for any team, particularly one like Ohio State, which has shown vulnerability in its offensive line play. With the Buckeyes’ offense needing to perform at its highest level to keep pace with Tennessee’s high-powered attack, the question looms: can Ohio State’s offensive line hold up against the Volunteers’ relentless pressure?

The Current State of Ohio State’s Offensive Line

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a long tradition of producing dominant offensive lines, a unit known for its size, power, and technical prowess. Historically, the offensive line has been one of the pillars of Ohio State’s success. However, this season has presented some unique challenges. A series of injuries and inconsistent play have weakened the offensive line, leaving key positions vulnerable. These struggles have led to concerns about the Buckeyes’ ability to protect quarterback Kyle McCord and establish a consistent running game.

The offensive line has had to cope with several changes throughout the season, with players shuffling in and out of starting roles. Injuries to key players, including some of their most experienced linemen, have created a lack of continuity in the unit. Ohio State’s offensive line depth, which has typically been a strength, has been tested. With several younger players being forced into action, the line’s effectiveness has been inconsistent, particularly in high-pressure situations.

In past seasons, Ohio State’s offensive line has been able to dominate the line of scrimmage, creating lanes for their running backs and providing ample time for quarterbacks to make plays. This year, however, the line has struggled against top-tier defenses, especially in pass protection. Teams like Michigan and Penn State have exploited Ohio State’s offensive line weaknesses, getting pressure on McCord and disrupting the rhythm of the offense.

For the Buckeyes to have success in the CFP, they need to find a way to stabilize their offensive line. Whether it’s through coaching adjustments, improved individual performances, or better injury management, Ohio State’s offensive line will have to find a way to meet the challenge of Tennessee’s fierce defense.

Tennessee’s Defensive Line: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Tennessee’s defense, much like its offense, has been one of the most talked-about units in college football this season. The Volunteers have built their defensive line around aggression, speed, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Tennessee’s defensive front is not only one of the best in the SEC but also ranks among the top in the nation in terms of both sack rate and tackles for loss.

At the core of Tennessee’s defensive success is a deep and talented defensive line that features several playmakers capable of wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Players like defensive tackle Omari Thomas and edge rusher James Pearce have been standout performers, combining speed, power, and technique to disrupt the opposition’s offensive flow. Tennessee’s defensive line is designed to overwhelm and outwork its opponents, and they’ve been able to do just that against high-level competition throughout the season.

The Volunteers have a swarming defense that loves to attack the quarterback. With a strong pass rush, they can collapse the pocket quickly, forcing quarterbacks to make rushed decisions. Ohio State’s offensive line, already facing challenges, will have to be at its best to contain Tennessee’s defensive front. If the Buckeyes’ offensive line cannot protect McCord and establish the run game, Tennessee’s defense could be the difference-maker in the game.

Key Matchups: Ohio State’s Offensive Line vs. Tennessee’s Defensive Line

The individual matchups between Ohio State’s offensive linemen and Tennessee’s defensive front will be critical in determining the outcome of the game. The Vols’ defensive line has the potential to dominate, and the Buckeyes’ offensive line will need to step up in a big way to avoid being overwhelmed.

1. Tennessee’s Edge Rushers vs. Ohio State’s Tackles
   Tennessee’s edge rushers, such as James Pearce and Tyler Baron, have been dominant this season, constantly creating pressure on quarterbacks and causing chaos in the backfield. For Ohio State’s tackles, Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, this presents a tough challenge. Both players have had solid seasons, but against a high-energy pass rush like Tennessee’s, they will need to be at their absolute best. Pearce, in particular, has the speed to beat tackles off the edge and disrupt McCord’s timing. If Johnson and Jones can contain Pearce and Baron, Ohio State will be in a much stronger position offensively.
2. Tennessee’s Interior Line vs. Ohio State’s Guards and Center
   Tennessee’s interior defensive line, led by Omari Thomas, has been equally effective at clogging running lanes and collapsing the pocket. Ohio State’s interior offensive line, which has struggled with consistency at times this season, will need to hold up against this formidable front. Ohio State’s guards and center—Donovan Jackson, Matthew Jones, and Jakob James—must ensure that the pocket remains clean for McCord. If Tennessee can dominate the interior line, it could disrupt Ohio State’s entire offensive rhythm, forcing McCord into uncomfortable situations or leading to negative plays in the running game.
3. Ohio State’s Running Game vs. Tennessee’s Run Defense
   Another crucial aspect of this matchup will be the ability of Ohio State’s offensive line to establish the run game. Ohio State has traditionally been a power-running team, with tailbacks like Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson capable of breaking big runs. However, Tennessee’s defense has been effective at stopping the run, thanks to their quick and physical defensive line. The Buckeyes will need to create holes in the running game to take pressure off McCord and keep Tennessee’s defense honest. If Ohio State’s offensive line can dominate at the point of attack, it could open up opportunities for the running backs to exploit Tennessee’s defense.
4. Pass Protection: Keeping McCord Upright
   Perhaps the most critical aspect of the game will be Ohio State’s ability to protect quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord has shown promise this season but has also struggled at times when facing elite defenses that can generate pressure. If Tennessee’s defensive line can create consistent pressure on McCord, it could disrupt the timing of Ohio State’s passing game, making it difficult for McCord to find his receivers. Tight end Cade Stover, wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka all rely on McCord’s ability to stay upright in the pocket to make plays down the field. If the offensive line can give McCord enough time, Ohio State’s passing attack can be dangerous. However, if McCord is under constant duress, Tennessee’s defense could force turnovers or sack him at critical moments.

Coaching Adjustments and Strategies

Ohio State’s offensive coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye, will have to make some important adjustments to combat Tennessee’s defensive line pressure. There are several strategies that could be effective in minimizing the impact of Tennessee’s rush:

1. Quick Passing Game
   One of the most effective ways to neutralize a pass rush is through a quick, short passing game. McCord can release the ball quickly to his playmakers, such as Harrison and Egbuka, and allow them to do the work after the catch. Quick slants, screens, and out routes can keep Tennessee’s defensive front from getting to McCord.
2. Max Protect Schemes
   Ohio State could also employ max protection schemes, keeping extra blockers in to give McCord more time in the pocket. This would mean using tight ends and running backs to help protect the quarterback, allowing for deeper routes to develop. However, this approach can also limit the offense’s versatility, so it must be used strategically.
3. Mixing in the Run Game
   To prevent Tennessee from pinning their ears back and focusing exclusively on pass rushing, Ohio State must establish the run game. If the Buckeyes can create balance in their offense, it will prevent Tennessee from stacking the box and will force their defense to respect both the run and the pass. This could open up play-action opportunities and give McCord time to throw the ball downfield.