Ohio State’s defense will have a familiar problem on its hands with Oregon at the Rose Bowl

Ohio State’s defense was shredded on Oct. 12, as it allowed 32 points, 496 yards and 341 passing yards. All three numbers are season-worsts for the Buckeyes.

Since that game, the Buckeyes revamped their defense — to a varying degree. The Buckeyes have allowed just 17, 13, 0, 7, 15, 10 and 17 points in the games since, but now the biggest test is on deck. And it, once again, will involve stopping the Ducks’ RPO-heavy offense.

“Just putting pressure on them,” defensive tackle Ty Hamilton said. “…A lot of times the RPO helps them out, it means get the ball out fast. Things like Jack Sawyer and J.T. (Tuimoloau) being able to get their hands up and knock the ball down creates extreme amounts of pressure for the quarterback when you’ve got hands in your face at all times.”

That pressure is certainly easier said than done.

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has a 73.2% completion percentage, and has thrown for 3,558 yards with 28 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. His weapons are varied, led by receiver Tez Johnson, who has 78 catches for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns.

But Evan Stewart has 48 catches for 613 yards, Traeshon Holden has 38 catches for 602 yards and tight end Terrance Ferguson has 38 catches for 520 yards. The talent on the outside is notable, but Ferguson is a threat up the middle of the field as well.

“He’s a big frame, a tall player and a good player,” linebacker Cody Simon said of Ferguson. “It’s about following our rules, we have different things we can play against them and different coverages. We’re going to try to change things up and really be able to focus on all their skill players. They have a talented offense. For us, it’s going to be matching up well and doing what we do best.”

Still, the receiver talent is what burned Ohio State in the first matchup. And the RPOs (run-pass option) plays certainly played a part.

Oregon hit repeated deep shots, notably against cornerback Denzel Burke, as the Ducks’ RPOs kept the Buckeyes’ cornerbacks flat-footed. While their first few games of the season for Oregon were characterized by short, intermediate passes, the Ducks won in large part due to their explosive plays.

Now, Ohio State is faced with stopping what Oregon does best at the most important stage of the season.

“They’re good both ways, but we do have to challenge their receivers,” cornerback Jordan Hancock said. “We can’t let them run free. They’re very talented over there, so we’ve got to trust our skills, trust our technique.”