By Adam Rittenberg (ESPN.com) — The Hope and Concern series marches on with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Biggest reason for hope: Track record on defense.

Ohio State has reached a point where it can rely on producing an elite defense every season. Never more have the Buckeyes needed their D to rise to the occasion than in 2011. Despite losing seven starters and the most production since after the 2005 season, Ohio State always has the ability to reload and potentially become more dominant. John Simon and Nathan Williams anchor the line, while safety Tyler Moeller returns from injury to provide leadership in the back four. The Buckeyes need Etienne Sabino and other defenders who are moving into bigger roles to step up, but history is…

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