That defense has to prove it can stop elite offenses when it matters, not just rack up stats against overmatched Big Ten opponents. They gave up 31 to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl and got shredded by Michigan for the third straight year. Will Howard is a downgrade at quarterback from last season, his career completion percentage is under 60 and he threw 10 picks at Kansas State. The offensive line has questions, they ranked outside the top 50 in run blocking last year per PFF. The schedule sets up for a stumble, at Oregon and then Michigan at home, and Ryan Day is 1-3 in The Game. Their red zone touchdown rate was mediocre, 62nd nationally. The pressure of "finally getting over the hump" is immense and their margin for error is gone. The SEC champion, whether it's Georgia, Texas, or even a dark horse, will have faced a tougher path and more physical football weekly. Ohio State's talent is undeniable but the chemistry and clutch performance under fire remain serious doubts.
