Unheralded Ohio State star has some extra motivation against Oregon in the Rose Bowl
Wednesday is a huge one for Ohio State with their Rose Bowl matchup against Oregon. It is a chance for Ohio State to right one of its wrongs from the regular season, which was a loss to the Ducks back in October. Ohio State arrived in California on Sunday and has just a couple of […]
Wednesday is a huge one for Ohio State with their Rose Bowl matchup against Oregon. It is a chance for Ohio State to right one of its wrongs from the regular season, which was a loss to the Ducks back in October.
Ohio State arrived in California on Sunday and has just a couple of days to go until the big-time game. The Buckeyes are going to have to be much better on defense this time after giving up almost 500 yards of offense to Oregon in the 32-31 loss a couple of months ago.
One player who will be a key defender for the Buckeyes is linebacker Cody Simon. Simon has been a star for Ohio State’s No. 1 defense and a big part of their success. Simon has some extra motivation heading into this one as well.
"It's truly an honor," Simon said of getting back to the Rose Bowl, a familiar place for the Buckeyes. "I didn't get to play in the last one, so for me, I want to take in the moment but also be ready to do my job and do everything we need to do to get a win. Obviously, I understand the importance of this game and the history around it. It is great to be out here."
Simon was on the 2021 Buckeyes team that beat Utah in the Rose Bowl, however, Simon did not play in that game. The Rose Bowl may be the most well-known bowl game. At this stage there is no extra motivation needed, however playing in this kind of game is just special and Simon acknowledges that.
Simon has played in 54 games over five seasons for the Buckeyes. This season, Simon is the team’s top linebacker with 86 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble. When Jim Knowles opts to blitz, he often brings Simon as an extra pass rusher.
Against Oregon the first time around, the Buckeyes did not sack Dillon Gabriel at all. That is going to have to change for the Buckeyes. Ohio State found success rushing the passer against Tennessee and have to carry that over if they want to get to the semifinals.
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He has been a positive addition.
