Buckeyes Look to Buck the Trend

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The latter half of the 2008 season did however see the Buckeyes play the game much more aggressively from the defensive side of the ball. Much of the credit is given to Co-Defensive Coordinator Luke Fickell. 

Fickell—a younger, much more aggressive minded coach—could be in line to assume the title of Defensive Co-Coordinator all by himself if for some reason the Buckeye defense looks lackluster during the 2009 season.  

Longtime Tressel companion and Director of Football Operations Bob Tucker and Assistant Head Coach Darrell Hazell would appear to be the most likely candidates to be replaced if the natives got restless in Columbus.

This is not a knock on either coach, but given the title on the office door, they are easy targets for a fan base that is used to competing—if not winning—all the time to target, barring an utter collapse by any specific position during the 2009 season.

Coaches will not be the only ones on the hot-seat for the 2009 season.

With the bitter taste of two plasterings in National title games and the fresh taste of embarrassment in their mouths from the match-up with Southern California, the youth movement began at OSU after the third game of the 2008 season.

Although the official depth chart listed numerous fourth-year juniors and seniors, it was the classes of 2011 and 2012 that gave Buckeye fans something to cheer for.

To change the negative perception that is has quickly spread about OSU not being able to win the "big game," this crop of sophomores and juniors is going to have to prove that the opportunities to learn on the job last year were not wasted and win this year.

With 13 upperclassmen stalwarts no longer there to take the criticism of the fans and media, the spotlight will clearly beam on players like Chimdi Chekwa, Aaron Gant and Cameron Heyward.

There are rumors that Ohio State could be switching from its traditional ‘base 4-3’ defense to the increasingly popular ‘3-4’.

So, look for undersized defensive ends like Keith Wells and Thaddeus Gibson to get chances to prove themselves, both in the traditional role of an end in a three point stance and to blitz off the corner while standing up close to the line more like a linebacker.

The offensive Line features true sophomore center Mike Brewster and Michigan transfer Justin Boren. It should be a more athletic bunch than the Buckeye lines of the past.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?