OSU calls on ‘next man up’ without Garrett
DT one of four Buckeyes to opt out of Rose Bowl
LOS ANGELES — The challenge of facing a physical front in the Rose Bowl only grew for Ohio State's defense this week.
Defensive tackle Haskell Garrett on Monday became one of the Buckeyes' four players to opt out of playing in the New Year's Day game against Utah, joining star wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson and left tackle Nicholas Petit-frere.
Despite the absence of one of their most disruptive defenders, fellow defensive linemen expressed confidence Tuesday in their teammates stepping up for larger roles against the Utes, who feature a rushing offense ranked in the top 20 nationally.
“It's tough,” defensive end Zach Harrison said. “Haskell's a good player. He's been around for a while. He's a veteran to have in the locker room. But our philosophy is next man up.”
The Buckeyes have dug deep into their interior defensive line rotation throughout this season, with tackles Taron Vincent, Antwuan Jackson and
Ty Hamilton each seeing more than 200 snaps, according to tracking from Pro Football Focus. Jerron Cage, who started in place of Garrett at Michigan last month, has played 182 snaps.
None of them have been on the field as much as Garrett, who appeared in more than 392 snaps in the regular season, the most at the position, but they all have had roles and bring experience as the Buckeyes go up against Tavion Thomas, a bruising running back for Utah who has rushed for 1,041 yards this year.
“We've played a whole bunch of guys throughout the year,” said secondary coach Matt Barnes, who serves as the Buckeyes' defensive play-caller. “So we've got guys who are ready to go play in the game. Particularly with 15 bowl practices, you feel you have enough reps to get them ready.”
Barnes considered the role of veteran defensive line coach Larry Johnson critical as well, expecting he would be able to handle the changing personnel for the final game.
“I've said this before, I think Larry Johnson is the best defensive line coach in the history of college football,” Barnes said. “He'll do a great job getting the next guy ready.”
While dealing with a leg or ankle injury during the regular season, Garrett was stout against the run and disruptive in the backfield. His 5.5 sacks led the team and his seven tackles for loss were tied with Harrison for the most among them.
Garrett was often quick to make an impact, too.
When the Buckeyes hosted Michigan State in a top-10 matchup late in the season, he got through on the first play to drop running back Kenneth Walker III for a loss of a yard. It was a tone-setting sequence in what turned into a 56-7 rout of the Spartans.
Defensive end Tyreke Smith felt Garrett always showed “dominance” and provided the Buckeyes with a “presence” in games.
“If he was in, if he's in the whole game, he's going to make plays,” Smith said. “He's that type of player with his athleticism. He's a great player. He really knows the game. He's a student of the game, too. I've always asked Haskell questions. That's what I'm going to miss about him. Just being out there, being able to ask him some questions. He always used to help me on the film. Whether it was film, training, he's that type of person.”
Update on draft decisions
Harrison and right tackle Dawand Jones are still mulling over whether to enter the NFL draft or return to Ohio State for their fourth seasons.
In response to a question on Tuesday about if he had made up his mind, Harrison shook his head no. He has not previously indicated if he's leaning any particular direction.
Jones, who was elevated into a starting role for the first time this season, said he's split.
“It's 50/50, I'd say,” he said, “I'm still thinking about it. But I think I'm still coming back in my head. I never try to get too big-headed.”
Line movement
Ohio State opened weeks ago as a touchdown favorite in the Rose Bowl.
But after four of its top players announced Monday that they were sitting out the game as they began preparations for the NFL draft, the line shrunk.
The Buckeyes dropped to 4.5-point favorites, according to Vegas Insider's consensus line. They have been favored in every game this season and a double-digit favorite in 11.
Utah has not been impacted by any player opt-outs.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.