Ohio State fifth-year defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. was blunt about the defense's performance against Illinois this past weekend, especially after allowing 199 rushing yards.
"It wasn't acceptable," Jackson said. "200 rushing yards is terrible. ... It starts with the d-line. And I know for a fact, me and my guys will be ready for Saturday."
No. 6 Ohio State defeated Illinois 42-19 to open Big Ten play on Sept. 26 despite the Fighting Illini recording 462 offensive yards, the most any opponent has gained against the Buckeyes since Matt Patricia took over as defensive coordinator in 2025.
Going into the Oct. 3 road matchup against No. 14 Iowa, the defensive line in particular is feeling a chip on its shoulder, according to Jackson.
The Hawkeyes'
862 rushing yards this season ranks fourth in the conference, and their average 6.53 yards per carry is the fifth-highest in the nation. Running back Kamari Moulton leads Iowa with 284 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while averaging 7.28 yards per carry.
"Iowa's a heavy running team," Jackson said. "They're real big up front. Their stretch game, that's who they are. So, we just have to have a lot of knockback on the line of scrimmage and get off some blocks. ... That's two main things we can do up front."
The Buckeyes contained each of their first three opponents, including No. 1 Texas, to just one run of 20 or more yards. However, more than 42% (84 yards) of Illinois' rushing yards came from three runs of 20 yards or longer.
"I think overall you saw effort, but just not good enough execution," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. "There were too many explosive plays."
Ohio State started this season without seven starters from last year's defense. The defensive line lost tackle Kayden McDonald and end Caden Curry, who were selected in the second and sixth rounds of the NFL draft, respectively.
Jackson has acknowledged the importance of the two former defenders last season, but four games into this season he's also unwilling to blame the recent defensive struggles on the personnel changes. The defensive captain is more concerned with the Buckeyes playing "hero ball."
"Hero ball is basically doing your own thing, not playing within the scheme, not doing your job the best as you can," Jackson said. "It's an easy fix. Just do your job."
bmackay@dispatch.com
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kenyatta Jackson Jr. wants Ohio State's DL to stop playing 'hero ball'
