We're all excited to see if the Buckeyes' young, talented, revamped defense can turn into a dominant Silver Bullets defense in time for the MSU game. What positive signs are you looking to see against Rutgers? Which players will you be watching more closely? How will Jalyn Holmes respond after getting a "ton of reps" in recent practices? 

Here are some benchmarks I'd like to see the Buckeyes defense achieve:

1. Hold Rutgers under 60 yards net rushing.

Rutgers is averaging only 159.2 rushing yards per game, but a respectable 4.01 per carry. Like most "power 5" teams, Rutgers rolled up rushing stats against weak non-conference opponents (and WSU), but were held to 102 rush yards v. PSU and 74 yards v. Michigan, respectively. Ohio State is 45th in rushing defense, but since giving up 370 to Navy's option attack, allowed only 77.0 rushing yards to their next four opponents (keeping in mind that teams like Kent St. and Cincy can't run the ball).

2.Hold Rutgers to less than 280 yards passing.  

Rutgers is averaging 267.5 passing yards per game, which is just pretty good (36th in the nation), but they've been very efficient throwing the ball. Rutgers is 4th in yards per pass attempt. They're joined in the top 20 in that category with the likes of Oregon (2), Ohio State (3), Bama (5), Marshall (6), California (8), Miss St (9), Miami FL (10), Ole Miss (11), etc. So, they can sling it if they have to, and I believe that they will have to because they won't be able to run the ball (see benchmark #1 above). 

3. Hold Rutgers to less than 14 points.

Rutgers is averaging 29.5 points per game. Ohio State is allowing 20.8.