Why It’s Time for Ohio State to Unleash Arvell Reese in the Cotton Bowl
As Ohio State gears up for its Cotton Bowl clash with Miami, one of the most intriguing storylines isn’t about who’s starting or what scheme they’ll run-it’s about how they’ll use one of their most dynamic defenders. Linebacker Arvell Reese, a name that’s flown under the radar nationally, could hold the key to unlocking Ohio State’s defensive dominance against a Miami offense led by quarterback Carson Beck. And the numbers suggest it’s time to let Reese do what he does best: get after the quarterback.
A Hidden Weapon Held Back
Reese has built a reputation as a disruptive force-fast, physical, and relentless. But lately, his pass-rushing opportunities have been surprisingly scarce.
Despite logging 25 pressures on the season, only three have come in the last five games. One against UCLA.
Two against Indiana. That’s it.
Why the drop-off? It’s been a deliberate shift in strategy.
Against mobile quarterbacks like Arch Manning, Bryce Underwood, and Devon Williams, Ohio State opted to use Reese as a spy-hovering near the line of scrimmage, ready to pounce if the quarterback broke containment. It was a sound tactical decision given the threats those QBs posed with their legs.
But Carson Beck is a different kind of quarterback. He’s not going to beat you on the ground. In fact, Beck’s struggles under pressure are well-documented-and they’re exactly the kind of weakness Ohio State needs to exploit.
Beck’s Kryptonite: Pressure
The numbers paint a pretty clear picture of what happens when Beck is forced out of his comfort zone. When kept clean, his completion rate sits at a strong 76.8%.
When pressured? That number drops to 53.7%.
Blitz him, and his completion rate dips from 78.5% down to 68.2%.
But it’s not just the completion percentages that tell the story-it’s the underlying grades that really hammer the point home. According to Pro Football Focus, Beck’s offensive grade when kept clean is 84.
When blitzed? A jaw-dropping drop to six.
That’s not a typo. Six.
These are the kinds of splits you expect to see from a young quarterback still learning how to process pressure. And that’s exactly why Ohio State can’t afford to keep Reese in a passive role. This is the moment to turn him loose.
The Case for Letting Reese Hunt
Reese’s skill set is tailor-made to disrupt a quarterback like Beck. He’s quick off the line, instinctive, and has shown he can finish plays when he gets into the backfield. And with Miami’s offensive line already showing cracks under pressure throughout the season, the Buckeyes have a golden opportunity to tilt the game in their favor by dialing up the heat.
There’s also a ripple effect to consider. Miami’s offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson, has shown a tendency to abandon the run game and lean into riskier play calls when things get chaotic. If Reese and the rest of the Buckeye front can generate consistent pressure, it could force Miami into a one-dimensional attack-exactly what Ohio State’s defense thrives on.
A Pass Rush That’s Already Dangerous
Ohio State doesn’t lack firepower up front. Kaden Curry has already racked up 11 sacks this season-the first Buckeye to hit double digits in sacks since Chase Young in 2019. Kenyatta Jackson has come on strong as well, becoming increasingly disruptive as the season has progressed.
Adding Reese back into the mix as a true pass-rushing threat would only amplify what’s already a formidable front. It’s not just about getting sacks-it’s about creating chaos.
Tipped balls, hurried throws, bad decisions. The kind of defensive pressure that leads to turnovers.
And with Beck’s track record under duress, the opportunity for Ohio State to force multiple takeaways is very real.
A Decision That Could Define the Game
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has a decision to make. Stick with the conservative approach that worked against mobile quarterbacks, or adjust the strategy to fit the opponent and unleash one of his most talented defenders.
The data says it all. The film backs it up. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.
If Ohio State wants to make a statement in the Cotton Bowl-and finish the season on a high note-it starts with letting Arvell Reese do what he does best. It’s time to stop holding him back.
Let the man hunt.