News - Reese's Role Could Be OSU's Cotton Bowl Secret Weapon

As Ohio State prepares for its Cotton Bowl showdown against Miami, a strategic insight has emerged from the Buckeye Talk podcast: utilizing linebacker Arvell Reese as a pass rusher instead of a spy could be pivotal for the Buckeyes' defense. The podcast deeply explores Ohio State's defensive strategies, revealing intriguing details about Reese's diminished role as a pass rusher despite his strong reputation for disrupting offenses. The podcast notes that Reese has had limited pass-rushing opportunities in recent games. 'Arvell Reese has 25 pressures this year, yet only three came in the past five games,' detailed Stephen Means. This reduction was intentional, aimed at containing mobile quarterbacks like Bryce Underwood and Devon Williams. However, against Miami's Carson Beck—a quarterback not known for his running abilities who struggles under pressure—this cautious approach might be a missed opportunity. Beck’s performance declines significantly when pressured, with completion rates dropping from 76.8% when unpressured to 53.7% under pressure. Moreover, Beck's PFF grades show significant differences, dropping from 84 when kept clean to just 42 under pressure. 'These numbers reflect a rookie adapting to pressure,' Means commented. The podcast suggests that capitalizing on Reese's strengths could create chaos for the Miami offense. Miami's offensive line has struggled with handling pressure, often leading to forced errors by Beck. Under pressure, Miami's offensive strategy often shifts to riskier plays, highlighted by Stefan Krajisnik as a potential goldmine for Ohio State. The Hurricanes’ tendency toward turnovers against a defense that effectively disguises its tactics may lead to a crucial series of interceptions. Beyond tactical advantages, the adjustment could enhance an already formidable Ohio State pass rush, supported by Kaden Curry's impressive 11-sack season and Kenyatta Jackson's rising presence. The choice to use Reese as a pass rusher rather than a spy could not only be a game-changer but also align perfectly with the Miami offense's inherent weaknesses. The debate centers on whether Ohio State's defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, will seize this chance to fully leverage Reese’s potential as a pass-rushing force in the upcoming game. Taking everything into account, it seems time to unleash Arvell Reese's full potential as a pass rusher. This strategic adjustment could be the key to Ohio State's pursuit of Cotton Bowl success.