Buckeyes' Defenders Comment on Tough Task Ahead in Tennessee

Photo by Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Four different Ohio State defensive starters met with the media on Dec. 17 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The No. 6 Buckeyes (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten Conference) have the first-ranked total defense in the nation this season. That top-ranked unit will face a strong opponent in No. 7 Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) when the two face off on Dec. 21.

Sonny Styles, Linebacker

Styles was the first defender to the podium and gave the most insight into the schematic matchup against the up-tempo, no-huddle Volunteers.

"You've got to get lined up fast and be sharp about what you're doing," he said.

Styles consistently pointed to the importance of the defense getting set quickly and never being caught out of position at the snap. He also explained how his position specifically will be a little different this week with him having to defend more space with the Tennessee wide receiver splits. He talked about his apex (the area between the tackle box and the outside wide receiver) being much wider for this game because of those extra wide splits. Styles' athleticism as a former safety-turned LB may make him be uniquely suited to defend this extra space the Volunteers will force upon him.

Cody Simon, Linebacker

Simon spent most of his time focused on the defense's need to communicate and play with urgency on Saturday. He was asked about how the Buckeyes were preparing for the Volunteers style of play. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles earlier said that the defense has been working against the no-huddle style with the Buckeyes' second offensive unit and also the rotating scout team. They explained the defense would turn their backs until the offense is set, then all would turn back around and work on getting into position quickly. It's difficult to simulate the pace, but Simon and the defense are doing everything they can to prepare as best as possible leading up to the game.

Caleb Downs, Safety

Downs was second to the microphone, just days after being named an Associated Press First-Team consensus All-American. The superstar defender opened speaking about his experience against Tennessee during his freshman season at Alabama in 2023.

"They have a lot of the same offensive objectives," Down said. He went on to explain how their splits on offense makes defenders play more similar to straight one-on-one matchups.

Downs was also asked about his play this year and how it has held up to the standards he sets for himself.

"The expectation was to come in here and contribute to the team," he said. "To try to help find a way to push the team to win the games at a high level."

Downs has certainly done that this year and will look to continue doing so in the postseason.

Lathan Ransom, Safety

Ransom was also asked about how the Buckeyes defense have been preparing for the tempo and pace of the Volunteers' offense.

"Our coaches have done a great job of trying to replicate that tempo," Ransom said.

Ransom was focused on the task ahead, while simultaneously being aware and grateful for one last game at Ohio Stadium for himself.

"I've made relationships at Ohio State that I wouldn't change for the world," he said. Ransom is perhaps the face for "the brotherhood" at Ohio State. His leadership role will be put to heavy use in this game.

The Buckeyes' Defenders on Tennessee's Dylan Sampson

Each defender to take the podium on had high praise for Tennessee star running back Dylan Sampson. They made similar comments when asked what makes him difficult to prepare for in a game. They all reiterated his ability to be patient and then burst quickly into the rushing lane.

"You see a lot of patience from him," Styles said. "He waits for the right time to hit the crease."

The Tennessee offense is run-pass option heavy and that allows them to temporarily freeze defenders. That also contributes to Sampson's ability to be patient and suddenly explode when the hole opens.

"He's got a good feel for his blocks," Simon said. "He won SEC Player of the Year for a reason."

The Ohio State defenders all seemed to be on the same page, being very aware of the strengths of Sampson and how he is used schematically. They will need to contain him if they want to slow down Tennessee's offense this weekend.

All four defenders will be crucial parts of the success of the Buckeyes as they take on the Volunteers on Dec. 21 at Ohio Stadium.