COLUMBUS, Ohio — Justin Hilliard built the a considerable portion of his Ohio State football legacy as the extra starting linebacker against one opponent: Wisconsin. Back in 2019, the Buckeyes utilized three linebackers with their base defense. Hilliard became starting backer number four in both meetings with the Badgers — one in the regular season, one in the Big Ten championship game. Nowadays OSU only uses two linebackers with its base package. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles suggested prior to the season that a third backer — the conventional Sam position — could be utilized in certain matchups. Or, perhaps more likely, Kourt Williams III could enter the lineup as a safety with a more linebacker-like physique. After three games, though, Knowles is content to ride with the 4-2-5 setup against the Badgers and running back Braelon Allen. He is bolstered by the early data showing OSU allows 2.61 yards per…
Continue Reading: What is Ohio State football’s depth chart against Wisconsin?
