DALLAS » Football defenses are in a fine mess thanks to the Ohio State offensive linemen known collectively as the "Slobs."
Entering Monday’s championship football game, the Buckeyes have opened the way for 1,632-yard rusher Ezekiel Elliott, who averages 7.86 yards on first down, and protected third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, who led an upset of then-No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
"I get a lot of attention," Elliott said, "but I couldn’t have done it without the Slobs."
The nickname started as a joke.
"People think offensive linemen are sloppy, fat guys who want to eat pizza all the time — which we do," left tackle Taylor Decker said. "We thought it was kind of funny. We started calling each other ‘slobs.’ It just kind of became our label from saying it over and over again."
Right tackle Darryl Baldwin, patting his ‘opu, said: "We’re actually complimented on how all our guts don’t look big. But we’re slobs. We like to eat a lot. We live the slob life."
The Slobs and their extended family — running backs, receivers who block — gather at their Columbus houses for meals.
"We eat a lot of food," center Jacoby Boren said. "Everybody likes to eat food."
Baldwin’s house is roomier.
"Anybody is invited," Baldwin said, smiling. "Maybe not Jacoby."
Right guard Pat Elflein, Decker and tight end Nick Vannett share what is known as the "Trap House." It is a reference to trapezius, a large kite-shaped muscle covering the upper back and neck.
A player may not sleep in the house if his trap muscles are not at least at 60-degree angles. The non-qualifiers are banished to the porch.
The Trap House features recliners, a large kitchen, video-game consoles, wide televisions and big speakers. The fridge is stocked with steaks.
"You can bring 50 Buckeyes in there," Elflein said
Elliott, who is a ferocious backfield blocker, was made an honorary Slob.
"All the offensive line gets along with Zeke because he’s like us," Decker said. "He’s blue collar. You watch him block and you watch him pass protect, and (he) makes plays. He always gives us credit. We appreciate it."
Elliott said: "I’m glad they brought me in. The running backs and the offensive line definitely have a good time together."
Decker, Elflein and Boren were part of the same recruiting class.
"We’ve been best friends for a while," Decker said. "It’s fun because we go out there and compete together and work out together. We have a great relationship, for sure. We’ve been through a lot. It’s made us a tight group."
But contrary to their nickname, Elflein said, "If there are dishes in the sink, you wash them. If you see some trash, you take it out. Whatever it is, sometimes we’ll clean it together."
