Michigan Football vs. Ohio State: Buckeyes Players to Watch
By Jay Meade
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) sacks Michigan State Spartans quarterback Damion Terry (6) in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
DE Joey Bosa
If you have to pick out the best player on the defensive side of the football, and you leave Bosa out of the conversation, you’re just plain wrong.
Bosa has had himself one of the most successful careers that Ohio State has ever seen. He led the Big Ten last year in sacks and tackles for loss and was the 2014 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. It forced opposing teams to throw, at the very least, a double team on him. This has caused his numbers to drop significantly.
So far this year Bosa has 44 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Again, at first glance that’s not a great stat line, but it’s the fact that he frees up the rest of the defensive line and blitzing linebackers that makes him such a huge factor. Surely Bosa will get more honors like he got last year. If he doesn’t I would really have to question what criteria they are looking at when handing out awards.
One of the scariest parts of the Michigan offense is the offensive line, even if it has improved dramatically since the starting game against Utah. Michigan will have to capitalize with quick throws and a power running game.
Bosa is one of the reasons I believe this game will be a very close one.
Next: Keys to beating Ohio State
This will be a truly great finish to what is a great season.