Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia may be taking a page out of his predecessor's playbook this season as it pertains to unleashing his linebackers.
Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik predicts Patricia will unleash Payton Pierce next to Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese in a way reminiscent of what Jim Knowles deployed during the Buckeyes' run to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
"While their statures are different, Pierce could be the key to unlocking what Reese and Styles do as Ohio State’s starting linebackers this season," Krajisnik wrote.
"The Buckeyes unleashed their linebackers last year following a troublesome performance in a mid-October loss at Oregon.