SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Joey Bosa summed up Ohio State's predicament at defensive tackle — down two senior starters Adolphus Washington and Tommy Schutt — perfectly as the Buckeyes prep for Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
"With Tommy and Adolphus out, it’s been rough and I’ve been in that rotation, too, so it’s been a challenge with all the reps we’ve been getting," Bosa said Monday.
Bosa, the junior and two-time All-American defensive end, spent a considerable amount of time in 2015 inside on Ohio State's defensive line as part of its 'rushmen' package that usually showed its face on third down or passing situations. He's a dominant force wherever he lines up, but is best suited at end.
He might move to the interior for his team's New Year's Day matchup with the Fighting Irish with Washington and Schutt out, but knows the burden to fill their shoes falls upon inexperienced players like Donovan Munger, Michael Hill and others.
“It is what it is. The guys behind them have to step up and make plays. Donovan Munger, Michael Hill, they’ve gotta step up and make plays even though our two starters are out. I really don’t look at who’s in front of me, I just look at and hold them accountable as if they were the starter.”– Raekwon McMillan
"They know what’s at stake and they know what they’ve gotta do so I think they’re doing a great job stepping up," Bosa said. "They’re getting so many reps in practice so they’re used to a good rotation going on."
Ohio State is readying to deal with Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer and running backs C.J. Prosise and Josh Adams in the Fiesta Bowl, who together are part of the nation's 25th-ranked rushing attack at 215.2 yards per game.
The absences of Washington (suspended for a solicitation charge) and Schutt (broken foot) loom large, though the latter broke his wrist and also missed time earlier in the year.
"Tommy hasn't played as much, Michael Hill's filled in and Joel Hale," defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said. "The bigger one will be Adolphus, but Tracy Sprinkle and Donovan Munger that have been the guys that average probably 15-20 snaps a game throughout the entire season. So it's not a wholesale change, we have guys that have been in there."
Fickell admitted not having Washington hurts more, but also said there were times throughout the season where he noticed line coach Larry Johnson took him out of the game in favor of a non-starter in crucial situations.
"I know at times during the season I looked up and earlier in the year and one of those two guys in there and be like, 'Whoa, we're in the midst of a game,'" Fickell said. "But this is why. When you get to these situations these guys are ready."
A place with Ohio State's history allows for coaching staffs to recruit at the highest level, which Urban Meyer has done since he took the job in November 2011. A player the caliber of Bosa — and added depth at end with Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard and others — allows Johnson to use the junior inside more if needed. That's something we could see often Jan. 1.
"Joey Bosa has played inside quite a bit," Meyer said Sunday upon the team's arrival. "We also have Mike Hill, Donovan Munger, Joel Hale, Tracy Sprinkle, I believe there is one more, and obviously Joey Bosa inside there."
But Bosa can't play every play. Even he needs a break, which provides an opportunity for the lesser-known players to step up.
"It is what it is. The guys behind them have to step up and make plays," middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan said. "Donovan Munger, Michael Hill, they’ve gotta step up and make plays even though our two starters are out. I really don’t look at who’s in front of me, I just look at and hold them accountable as if they were the starter."
Whether or not that works against Notre Dame remains to be seen.
"I really have no idea what the game plan is and I’m not going to argue," Bosa said. "It’s not my position to say what I want to do so whatever decision Coach J makes I know will be best for the team."
