Emerging Ohio State x-factor delivers career-best performance as he settles into new hybrid role against Ohio
The Arvell Reese hype train continues to gain momentum. The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered an excellent defensive performance against the Ohio Bobcats, winning 37-9 despite a sluggish offensive showing in the first half. They were one blown play from Lorenzo Styles Jr. away from keeping Ohio to only one field goal.Alas, the Buckeyes moved to […]
The Arvell Reese hype train continues to gain momentum. The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered an excellent defensive performance against the Ohio Bobcats, winning 37-9 despite a sluggish offensive showing in the first half. They were one blown play from Lorenzo Styles Jr. away from keeping Ohio to only one field goal.
Alas, the Buckeyes moved to 3-0, and Reese was again the story for the second time in three weeks. The former middle linebacker led the team with seven tackles, then added one sack and two pass breakups. It was impossible not to see Reese alongside Caleb Downs in Ohio’s backfield, disrupting a Bobcats offense that pulled out every trick to move the ball.
Reese was also a big storyline in Week 1 against Texas, and now defensive coordinator Matt Patricia needs to treat Reese as an x-factor who can’t be taken off the field.
Arvell Reese Stars in Ohio State’s Win Against Ohio
The one thing the Peacock broadcast and social media commenters continued to marvel at was Reese’s athleticism and comfort working downhill. He moves insanely well for a 6-foot-4, 243-pounder, and his sprint speed was on full display as Ohio quarterbacks Parker Navarro and Nick Poulos kept running for their lives.
Playing like a heat-seeking missile behind a line that didn’t inspire much confidence until Week 1 wrapped up, Reese has been the perfect finisher and complementary piece across from Downs. With those two closing in from either side, Patricia has been able to drop more into coverage or spy one of the two players. That level of versatility has allowed Patricia to cook up NFL-level designs to the dismay of opposing coaches.
Reese was primarily used as a pass-rusher in Week 1, getting after Arch Manning almost 41% of his snaps. He was incredibly effective, totaling five pressures and leading the Buckeyes. We don’t have advanced stats as of Saturday night, but the eye test and raw stats proved Day and Patricia right to hand the keys to Reese this season and let the two most capable closers impact the game as well as anyone could.
“His production in the big game and in that spot,” Day said. “He started before, but not like a full-time starter, I guess is the best way to put it. Where our defensive staff, I think, was creative in what they did. But that’s Arvell putting it on the field, and his versatility allows us to do different things with him.”
