Week One Match Up to Watch: Indiana's Defensive Line vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Every week we will highlight a matchup to watch between IU and their opponent. With the Hoosiers taking on the No. 3/4 Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, we will focus on the Hoosiers transfer heavy defensive line against the rebuilt offensive line of Ohio State.

The Indiana defensive line has been talked about at length during fall camp. They have brought in a handful of potentially impactful players from the transfer portal headlined by defensive end Andre Carter. Not only have the faces changed, but the body types as well. The IU defensive line looks like a Big Ten defensive line, now they need to prove they can play like a Big Ten defensive line.

“There is a lot of competition. That’s the best part of it. We got guys competing with each other. I think the best part of them competing with each other is that they have grown into a really close brotherhood. They understand that we are going to compete. We are going to help each other be the best, but we are also competing to play.” Indiana defensive line coach Paul Randolph said.

The Hoosiers have three new starters along the line, which could be a good thing. They will be going up against an offensive line that is breaking in two new tackles and a center.

“You think about those -- the tackles, the center, and the quarterback. That's really kind of the triangle of how things operate for an offense” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said about Ohio State’s offensive line.

The Buckeyes will undoubtedly have talented players along the offensive line, but the question is how will they gel? The Hoosiers could take advantage of the Buckeyes lack of experience and cohesiveness to get after a new starting quarterback and get Kyle McCord to rush some throws.

Success on either side of the ball begins and ends in the trenches. If the Hoosiers can create havoc with their defensive line, the rest of the defense receives a boost.