Once a patsy for passing teams, now No. 23 Ohio State looks forward to Cincinnati air attack

FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2014 file photo, Ohio State cornerback Doran Grant defends against Kent State during an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio. With Cincinnati and their quarterback Gunner Kiel coming to Ohio Stadium on Sept. 27 to face Ohio State, it figures to be an important gauge of whether Grant and the Buckeyes' rebuilt pass defense can stop teams through the air. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File) (The Associated Press)

FILW - In this Sept. 12, 2014 file photo, Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) passes against Toledo in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Cincinnati. With Kiel and Cincinnati coming to Ohio Stadium on Sept. 27 to face Ohio State, it figures to be an important gauge of whether the Buckeye's rebuilt pass defense can stop teams through the air. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State's next game is why coach Urban Meyer tore apart his pass defense.

In the wake of two losses to end last season in which opponents threw at will, Meyer hired a new co-defensive coordinator and had him rebuild the way the Buckeyes defend against the pass.

They have been barely tested in two wins, and everybody played so poorly in the loss to Virginia Tech that it was hard to pin the blame on just one unit.

But with Cincinnati and aptly named quarterback Gunner Kiel coming to Ohio Stadium on Sept. 27 — the Buckeyes are off this week — it figures to be an important gauge of whether Ohio State can stop teams through the air.

The Buckeyes say they're looking forward to it.