Strength in the middle. A little perspective on my wish for more speed at middle linebacker. You could see Ohio's defense becoming porous as early as the Marshall game. That porosity became more apparent in the Game 3 win over New Mexico State. Yes, the Cats won easily but surrendered 24 points. Only twice this season have the Aggies scored more than those 24 points - 49 in their season-opening win against Sacramento State and 28 in their 3rd game against 2-win UTEP.
In soccer we know that a key to success is having strength at center mid-fielder and center fullback. In baseball, strength at second, short and centerfield is key to solid D. In chess dominating the center squares is key to winning. In football I see middle linebacker as the central key to D success. A middle linebacker should possess the strength to shed blockers and the lateral speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. Ohio's middle linebacking is deficient in both those regards and that deficiency adds to the stress endured by the entire D.
Had it not been for the plague of injuries to Ohio's secondary, I find myself wondering if Coach Solich might have been tempted to put a lower weight but much faster DB in that middle linebacker position. Let's hope that next season sees a significant strengthening at MLB.