Chase Young Dominates in Saints Win, Offers Glimpse of What’s to Come in Cotton Bowl Clash
Ohio State has long been a pipeline to the NFL, especially when it comes to producing elite defensive talent. And on Sunday, one of the Buckeyes’ most formidable alumni reminded everyone why he was once the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Chase Young, now with the New Orleans Saints, turned in one of his most disruptive performances of the season in a 34-26 win over the Tennessee Titans. The stat line tells part of the story-four total tackles, three solo, 1.5 sacks, and a strip sack that was scooped up and taken to the house.
But the impact went beyond the numbers. Young was a constant presence in the Titans' backfield, and when he wasn’t on the field, Tennessee’s offense clearly breathed a little easier.
That strip sack touchdown? A game-changing moment that reminded everyone why Young still commands so much attention from opposing offensive lines.
It was vintage Chase-explosive off the edge, violent with his hands, and relentless in pursuit. Titans quarterback Cam Ward never saw him coming.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting: Ward, a former Miami Hurricane, was on the receiving end of that highlight-reel play. With Ohio State and Miami set to meet in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, Buckeyes fans couldn’t help but smile at the symbolism. One of their own, wrecking a former Hurricane, just days before the two programs clash on a national stage.
Now, let’s be clear-Sunday’s NFL action doesn’t directly translate to what we’ll see in the Cotton Bowl. But it does offer a preview of the kind of pressure Miami quarterback Carson Beck is about to face.
Ohio State’s defensive line has been the most dominant unit in college football this season. They’re fast, physical, and deep.
They don’t just get after the quarterback-they swarm him.
Beck, to his credit, has shown he can handle adversity. His performance against Texas A&M wasn’t perfect, but he proved he can make the big throw when it matters. He’ll need every bit of that poise against a Buckeyes front that’s been feasting all year.
This Cotton Bowl matchup has all the makings of a heavyweight fight. Miami’s offense has playmakers, but they haven’t faced a defense like this.
And Ohio State? They’re looking to make a statement, and they’ve got the personnel to do it-just ask Cam Ward.
Chase Young won’t be suiting up for the Buckeyes anymore, but his performance on Sunday was a reminder of the standard Ohio State sets on the defensive side of the ball. If the current Buckeyes can channel that same energy on Wednesday night, Miami could be in for a long evening in Arlington.