Ohio State's defense is gearing up to dominate once more, aiming to maintain their top-tier status from last season. With Matt Patricia back in the fold, the Buckeyes' defensive prowess looks promising.
A persistent challenge for defenses nationwide is the targeting penalty-a rule that has been a thorn in the side of Ohio State fans. It's a source of frustration across the board, and the Buckeyes have felt its sting in the past.
The NCAA has taken notice, and during the offseason, the Competition Committee decided to tweak the rule. While some argue the changes don't go far enough, the adjustments are set to impact Ohio State moving forward.
The revamped targeting rule offers some relief. Now, a player flagged for targeting won't have to sit out the first half of the next game, as was previously mandated.
However, if a player incurs a second targeting foul, the old rules kick back in. A third infraction leads to missing an entire game, although such cases were nonexistent last season.
For Ohio State, this means a bit more leeway. The Buckeyes focus on tackling techniques that avoid launching, which is often the cause of targeting calls. Their disciplined approach to tackling within defined spaces should help minimize these penalties.