Ohio State Football: Defensive Studs Who Must Step Up This Season

The Ohio State defense took a giant step back last year. They allowed 273 points in 2011, which equates to 21 points per game. Not including the opening shutout against a cupcake, the Buckeyes actually allowed 22.75 per game.

The team finished with a losing record last year at 6-7, which is stunning for a school that won at least a share of the last six Big Ten titles. 

Urban Meyer, a man who beat Ohio State in a national championship game while coaching for University of Florida, is now on a path to get the Buckeyes back to competing for Rose Bowls in the future.

However, Ohio State took a one-year bowl ban for 2012, so the Buckeyes are playing for pride.

Meyer knows that defense wins championship, and a slew of Buckeyes are going to have to step up their game in order for Ohio State to accomplish that goal.

John Simon, Defensive Lineman

Simon had a monster 2011 season with 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Now returning for his senior season, Simon is expected to anchor the defensive line and will cause matchup nightmares for opposing offenses. Simon is the best player on the defense and needs to become a leader on the team. 

Etienne Sabino, Linebacker

Sabino was a 5-star recruit and now needs to start playing like one. Last year he recorded 62 tackles, 6.5 for loss and two sacks. Throughout his career, Sabino has underwhelmed and underperfomed compared to his expectations. He didn't play much his first two years, 2008 and 2009, and redshirted in 2010 before finally earning playing time. Now a fifth-year senior, Sabino's experience is needed to pace the linebackers. 

Travis Howard, Cornerback

Howard was one of the Ohio State players suspended for taking impermissible benefits—now he needs to earn his paycheck. Like Sabino, Howard took a redshirt season and in two seasons received little playing time. In 2011, he finally got on the field consistently, and now the fifth-year senior needs to step up his game.

C.J. Barnett, Safety

It's never a good sign when a defensive back leads the team in tackles. Barnett had 75 tackles, two picks and eight pass breakups in the 2011 season. Instead of tackling foes, he needs to force turnovers and make deflections. For a defensive back, most of the tackles made are at least 10 yards down the field. Barnett has been injured in the past, but he needs to stay on the field for the Buckeyes to be successful.