As Ohio State prepares to face Rutgers on Saturday, the team will be dealing with the absence of two key players in their secondary. Starting safety Lathan Ransom and corner Denzel Burke are officially ruled out for the upcoming game, posing significant challenges for the Buckeyes. This article delves into the impact of these absences and the adjustments Ohio State will need to make.
Lathan Ransom's absence was not unexpected, as he was already on the injury report. The initial expectation was that Sonny Styles would take his place at the bandit safety position, with Jordan Hancock filling in at nickel. Styles and Hancock both bring experience and have been tested in these roles, providing some reassurance for the Ohio State defense.
However, Denzel Burke's absence adds a layer of complexity to the situation. This marks the second game in three weeks that Burke will miss, leaving the Buckeyes in need of a solid replacement. While Styles and Hancock may continue to fill their respective roles, it may not be that simple.
One viable option for the vacant corner position is freshman Jermaine Mathews Jr., who showcased his potential when he stepped in for Burke against Penn State. Mathews performed admirably during his time on the field, but he did not play every snap outside. Hancock also shifted to the outside at times, creating a potential gap at the nickel position.
If Hancock moves outside to replace Burke, Ohio State will need a reliable player to fill the nickel role, and this is where Cameron Martinez comes into play. Martinez was already expected to see increased playing time this season, making him a crucial asset for the team. Though Martinez has faced challenges this season, including an instance where he gave up a 36-yard pass against Youngstown State, he remains a key piece of the puzzle for the Buckeyes.
With Ohio State facing adversity in the secondary due to the absence of key players, they cannot afford any lapses in coverage. Martinez will need to step up his game, improving his performance and minimizing coverage mistakes. As the Buckeyes turn to him, they must rely on his potential to contribute effectively in a high-pressure situation.
The Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves in a challenging position with the absence of Lathan Ransom and Denzel Burke in their secondary. While the team has contingency plans in place, they must adapt and make the most of their available talent, including emerging players like Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Cameron Martinez. The performance of these players will play a crucial role in Ohio State's ability to maintain their defensive strength in the upcoming game against Rutgers.
Cover Photo: Angie Greenwood/Undrafted
