Buckeye Defense Previews Tennessee Matchup: Tempo, Discipline, and Ownership

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State defense took its turn at the media table on Tuesday as linebackers Cody Simon and Sonny Styles, and safeties Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom met with reporters to answer questions about the task ahead on Saturday against Tennessee. Senior receiver Emeka Egbuka also made an appearance since he was unavailable for the offense on Monday.

Sonny Styles

He started trusting himself more and more throughout the season. It helps seeing things as they become more familiar.
Facing tempo: You have to get lined up fast and know what you’re doing. You have to be in your gaps and play sound.
“We should be able to win any game on defense.”
As soon as a play ends, you have to sprint to where you’re going as you get the play. There can’t be a whole bunch of looking around.
Will the tempo make you more basic on defense? Not necessarily. Knowles will set them up for success.
Facing the running game with UT’s wide splits puts the linebackers further outside the box, which requires quick triggers. It’s unusual for the linebackers but they’ve been working on it in practice. It is easy to be replicated.
He has not thought about his future next year yet.
Nico Iamaleava can extend plays. It takes all 11 to stop him. He can run, which is always a concern.
How do you handle being frustrated with the offense? There’s no pointing fingers at the offense. The defense should’ve played well enough to beat Michigan.
On simulating tempo in practice: It’s gone well. You can’t really replicate exactly what UT does, so it’s also a mental thing. There are a lot of mature guys on the defense so they’re going to be able to handle it.
On UT RB Dylan Sampson: He is patient, which leads to some explosive runs. He’s got good speed. He waits for the right time to hit the right crease.

Cody Simon

On getting ready for tempo: The most important thing is just urgency. Getting aligned and getting the call.
They have an opportunity to accomplish the biggest goal remaining.
Knowles can call the defense as fast as he needs to and this defense can handle it and be ready for the play.
Has this defense played its best game yet? You’re always chasing your best game. You are never satisfied.
They have been preparing for tempo all season long.
How impressive is Dylan Sampson? He’s a smart runner. He’s patient. He’s got a good feel for his blocks.
Looking forward to the weather? The atmosphere is what’s going to make the game awesome. No matter what the weather is, we’ll be up for it.
On getting a mulligan for the seniors in Ohio Stadium: “We’re gonna go out there and give it our best and we hope the fans do the same thing.” They know if they don’t play well they’re going to hear it from the fans.

Caleb Downs

What similarities have you seen in this year’s Tennessee team and last year’s team? They have the same objectives as last year. They want to make it a one-on-one game. Nico Iamaleava’s ability to scramble has been big for them.
How do you keep from blaming the offense for the loss against Michigan? At the end of the day they’re a team. Whatever didn’t work out you have to fix and grow from it and make it a strength. “Everybody here stands with each other.”
How has the preparation for tempo gone? They’ve been practicing fast. There’s a lot of running between drills and plays.
On taking a leadership role after the Michigan game? Didn’t do anything more or anything less, but people have stepped up to get the team back on track to move the focus where it needs to be.
How have you played this year? “I feel like I’ve made the plays that have come to me.” But the expectations are to continue to grow and get better as an individual and a team.
Does this feel like a different season now? Everybody wants to say it’s a new season, but that’s also how you have to play every game. So for him, there’s no difference. You play the game that’s there.
They have grown as a defense from the loss to Oregon. They made good changes since that point.
Tennessee’s wide splits at receiver make this a one-on-one game in the secondary.

Lathan Ransom

There is pressure on every game because they are expected to win every game. This game isn’t any more pressure than any other game.
On possibly getting to the Rose Bowl: It would mean a lot because that’s where he broke his leg, but all eyes are on Tennessee right now.
This journey hasn’t gone as he planned with his injuries but he wouldn’t change for anything because it has made him who he is.
The coaches have done a great job of replicating the tempo.
On dealing with tempo as a safety: One of the keys is communicating. They always do a great job with communication but they have to be at the highest level of it this week.
On RB Dylan Sampson: Great running back. Patient. Great contact balance. Has explosive speed.
How do players hold coaches accountable? That’s what is so special about this team. There is no disrespect in holding somebody accountable. It’s a relationship.
They have complete confidence in the offense, but when you’re on the field, as a defense, you are expected to make every stop.

Emeka Egbuka

There have been some games this year where the team has played really well but you’re never satisfied. Even if you go hang 70 on a team or shut them out, there’s always something you could do better. You probably won’t ever see a complete game but they can push for it.
On having another home game: “It’s amazing. It’s such a blessing…” To play for these fans with these teammates and knowing that it is for sure the last one, you want to soak it in but also have the intensity to get things done.
It’s always now or never, regardless of the game or stakes. “We have an opportunity to do something special this y ear.”
Still plenty of confidence in Will Howard. “He is our leader.” People have seen the product that he’s put on the field. He’s been great in practice.
There’s always frustration in every game because you’re always looking for ways to improve.
On the crowd, is there a message for the fans: “Knowing Buckeye Nation, I don’t think I have to do too much motivation.” Not gonna feed into the stuff that Tennessee is saying. “We’re glad that we’re playing at home.”
How have the players kept the coaches accountable? They have given them feedback all year long. It’s not really any different than the feedback from coaches to players. It’s a relationship that they have that is unique to this program.

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