Moving Adolphus to the nose spot was huge:
Film Study: The Defensive Adjustments That Led To A Title
?? Those two just won a title and exhausted their eligibility.
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Film Study: The Defensive Adjustments That Led To A Title
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Buckeye Football Notebook: The Strength of the OSU Defense Right Now?
It is still very early in fall camp for the Buckeyes, but not too early for strengths to begin emerging for the defense. No, it's not one particular position group or another, rather it is the whole of the defense, which is certainly a positive for Ohio State.
"Everybody," is how linebacker Darron Lee put it earlier in the week. "Playing together as a unit. I’d say camaraderie to be honest with you is a strength. People might be like, ‘Oh, obviously,’ but that goes a long way. We trust each other out there, that’s the thing and that’s what I’m starting to notice."
Trust is huge on defense. It keeps defenders from trying to cover other positions and simply concentrating on their own. Without trust, players begin to roam. With trust, however, a defense can begin to grow.
"Even though it’s the third practice, we trust each other and we’re comfortable with each other," Lee said on Wednesday. "We’re comfortable with the playbook and it makes it easier to play fast and go make plays. So I’d say the trust level, the high level of trust is the strength right now."
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...ook-The-Strength-of-the-OSU-Defense-Right-Now
It is still very early in fall camp for the Buckeyes, but not too early for strengths to begin emerging for the defense. No, it's not one particular position group or another, rather it is the whole of the defense, which is certainly a positive for Ohio State.
"Everybody," is how linebacker Darron Lee put it earlier in the week. "Playing together as a unit. I’d say camaraderie to be honest with you is a strength. People might be like, ‘Oh, obviously,’ but that goes a long way. We trust each other out there, that’s the thing and that’s what I’m starting to notice."
Trust is huge on defense. It keeps defenders from trying to cover other positions and simply concentrating on their own. Without trust, players begin to roam. With trust, however, a defense can begin to grow.
"Even though it’s the third practice, we trust each other and we’re comfortable with each other," Lee said on Wednesday. "We’re comfortable with the playbook and it makes it easier to play fast and go make plays. So I’d say the trust level, the high level of trust is the strength right now."
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...ook-The-Strength-of-the-OSU-Defense-Right-Now
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Buckeye Defense Hoping to Pick Up Where it Left Off, Not Where It Started.
Memory can be a funny thing.
Most of us are guilty of practicing selective memory at times, and that goes for how we remember how our favorite football team did in the past season. If you're like most Buckeye fans, the last three games of the season are seared into your memory, and why not. It was a fabulous time for OSU football in every phase of the game.
That, however, is definitely selective memory, because there was a big chunk of last season when the Ohio State defense was iffy at best.
OSU's defense had been the weak link in the OSU football program for a couple of years, so Urban Meyer made some changes in his coaching staff. Chris Ash was hired to help shore up that defense, and he did, but it definitely was more of a process than an instant metamorphosis.
The remake started exactly a year ago, but contrary to popular belief, it didn't really begin in fall camp.
"As we went through, one of the most important times of the season last year in training camp our focus wasn’t necessarily about getting our defense ready for the whole season," explained Ash.
"It was more about getting ready to beat Navy. We lost a lot of really valuable preparation time that would have helped us develop faster through the course of the season because of that. It’s nobody’s fault really. It is what it is, It was such a unique preparation and we needed to win that game and come out of that game with a little bit of confidence. We did, we won the game, can’t say we really did a great job but we did what we needed to do to win that game," Ash said.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...ick-Up-Where-it-Left-Off-Not-Where-It-Started
Memory can be a funny thing.
Most of us are guilty of practicing selective memory at times, and that goes for how we remember how our favorite football team did in the past season. If you're like most Buckeye fans, the last three games of the season are seared into your memory, and why not. It was a fabulous time for OSU football in every phase of the game.
That, however, is definitely selective memory, because there was a big chunk of last season when the Ohio State defense was iffy at best.
OSU's defense had been the weak link in the OSU football program for a couple of years, so Urban Meyer made some changes in his coaching staff. Chris Ash was hired to help shore up that defense, and he did, but it definitely was more of a process than an instant metamorphosis.
The remake started exactly a year ago, but contrary to popular belief, it didn't really begin in fall camp.
"As we went through, one of the most important times of the season last year in training camp our focus wasn’t necessarily about getting our defense ready for the whole season," explained Ash.
"It was more about getting ready to beat Navy. We lost a lot of really valuable preparation time that would have helped us develop faster through the course of the season because of that. It’s nobody’s fault really. It is what it is, It was such a unique preparation and we needed to win that game and come out of that game with a little bit of confidence. We did, we won the game, can’t say we really did a great job but we did what we needed to do to win that game," Ash said.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...ick-Up-Where-it-Left-Off-Not-Where-It-Started
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
2015 SEASON PREVIEW: OHIO STATE'S LINEBACKERS AMONG NATION'S BEST
Joshua Perry did not sugarcoat things when he was recently asked about the state of Ohio State's linebackers when he first arrived on campus as a freshman in 2012.
"To put it in basic terms, we were garbage and probably the worst unit on the team," Perry said.
Boy, how the times have changed.
"This summer, we got unit of the summer for our offseason training," Perry said. "If that's any way to put it in perspective, we came a really long way."
Perry, preseason All-American Darron Lee and super sophomore Raekwon McMillan, make up one of the best linebacking corps in the country heading into the 2015 season — college football guru Phil Steele has the unit ranked No. 2 nationally behind only USC. Over the course of four years, one of Ohio State's biggest question marks has been turned into one of its biggest strengths.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ew-ohio-states-linebackers-among-nations-best
Joshua Perry did not sugarcoat things when he was recently asked about the state of Ohio State's linebackers when he first arrived on campus as a freshman in 2012.
"To put it in basic terms, we were garbage and probably the worst unit on the team," Perry said.
Boy, how the times have changed.
"This summer, we got unit of the summer for our offseason training," Perry said. "If that's any way to put it in perspective, we came a really long way."
Perry, preseason All-American Darron Lee and super sophomore Raekwon McMillan, make up one of the best linebacking corps in the country heading into the 2015 season — college football guru Phil Steele has the unit ranked No. 2 nationally behind only USC. Over the course of four years, one of Ohio State's biggest question marks has been turned into one of its biggest strengths.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ew-ohio-states-linebackers-among-nations-best
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
JALYN HOLMES, SAM HUBBARD LOCKED IN A POSITION BATTLE TO REPLACE JOEY BOSA FOR OHIO STATE'S SEASON OPENER
Fall camp is usually the time of year when players on college football teams are fighting every day, every practice for the opportunity to get on the field when the season officially begins. Frequently, there are various battles going on at a number of positions and guys ultimately want to see their name listed with the starters when the first depth chart is released.
At Ohio State this year, however, that’s not really the case. Outside of the quarterback spot — which just happens to be the most frequently discussed position battle in the entire country — the Buckeyes are pretty set on who will be their starting guys when the team trots out onto the field at Virginia Tech on Sept. 7. That’s what happens when you return 16 starters from a national championship team.
There is one spot, though, that’s still up in the air. In the absence of All-American Joey Bosa — who, along with Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith are suspended against the Hokies — Ohio State needs to find its starter opposite Tyquan Lewis at defensive end.
The decision comes down to redshirt freshman Sam Hubbard or sophomore Jalyn Holmes.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...n-battle-to-replace-joey-bosa-for-ohio-states
Fall camp is usually the time of year when players on college football teams are fighting every day, every practice for the opportunity to get on the field when the season officially begins. Frequently, there are various battles going on at a number of positions and guys ultimately want to see their name listed with the starters when the first depth chart is released.
At Ohio State this year, however, that’s not really the case. Outside of the quarterback spot — which just happens to be the most frequently discussed position battle in the entire country — the Buckeyes are pretty set on who will be their starting guys when the team trots out onto the field at Virginia Tech on Sept. 7. That’s what happens when you return 16 starters from a national championship team.
There is one spot, though, that’s still up in the air. In the absence of All-American Joey Bosa — who, along with Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith are suspended against the Hokies — Ohio State needs to find its starter opposite Tyquan Lewis at defensive end.
The decision comes down to redshirt freshman Sam Hubbard or sophomore Jalyn Holmes.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...n-battle-to-replace-joey-bosa-for-ohio-states
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Urban Meyer Provides Updates on the Depth Chart
After a week of two-a-days, Urban Meyer spoke to the media on Saturday and updated the position battles for the Scarlet and Gray.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State is relatively set.
The starting defensive line is ready to go, aside from Joey Bosa’s suspension in the first game, but others need to step up
“On defensive line, that’s not set yet,” Meyer said. “You know what, the first group is. It’s the rotation’s not set year.”
Bosa will start alongside Adolphus Washington, Tommy Shutt, and Tyquan Lewis, but the depth needs to be established.
The talk in the defensive line room, especially since Larry Johnson arrived last year, has been rotation. The Buckeyes want to stay fresh along the defensive front in order to be more productive as the season goes on.
There’s only one change from last season’s linebackers. Along with starter Joshua Perry on the weak side and Darron Lee at the walk-out position, sophomore Raekwon McMillian is the guy at middle linebacker, replacing the graduated Curtis Grant. These three are a confident and talented bunch, looking to lead the OSU defense.
After lining up opposite Doran Grant a year ago, redshirt sophomore Eli Apple is the number one cornerback. Fellow redshirt sophomore Gareon Conley is the other starter, while incumbents Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell will start at the safety positions.
After winning the national title a year ago, Ohio State is the favorite to win again. A major factor in that is the number of returning starters and the talent that replaces those that left.
Because of this, Meyer is confident in the team he’s built.
“We’re ready to rock and roll.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...ban-Meyer-Provides-Updates-on-the-Depth-Chart
After a week of two-a-days, Urban Meyer spoke to the media on Saturday and updated the position battles for the Scarlet and Gray.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State is relatively set.
The starting defensive line is ready to go, aside from Joey Bosa’s suspension in the first game, but others need to step up
“On defensive line, that’s not set yet,” Meyer said. “You know what, the first group is. It’s the rotation’s not set year.”
Bosa will start alongside Adolphus Washington, Tommy Shutt, and Tyquan Lewis, but the depth needs to be established.
The talk in the defensive line room, especially since Larry Johnson arrived last year, has been rotation. The Buckeyes want to stay fresh along the defensive front in order to be more productive as the season goes on.
There’s only one change from last season’s linebackers. Along with starter Joshua Perry on the weak side and Darron Lee at the walk-out position, sophomore Raekwon McMillian is the guy at middle linebacker, replacing the graduated Curtis Grant. These three are a confident and talented bunch, looking to lead the OSU defense.
After lining up opposite Doran Grant a year ago, redshirt sophomore Eli Apple is the number one cornerback. Fellow redshirt sophomore Gareon Conley is the other starter, while incumbents Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell will start at the safety positions.
After winning the national title a year ago, Ohio State is the favorite to win again. A major factor in that is the number of returning starters and the talent that replaces those that left.
Because of this, Meyer is confident in the team he’s built.
“We’re ready to rock and roll.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...ban-Meyer-Provides-Updates-on-the-Depth-Chart
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
PITTSBURGH'S PAT NARDUZZI CLAIMS OHIO STATE WON A NATIONAL TITLE WITH HIS DEFENSE
Ohio State's offense was dynamite to close the 2014 campaign, but its defense was another revelation entirely.
Many Ohio State fans attribute this to the importation of co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash and a focus on rugby-style tackling.
This is not so, according to former Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi. Pittsburgh's frontman went on The Griff and Grinz Show, an East Lansing radio show, with claims Ohio State lifted its defensive scheme from right up under him.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...o-state-won-a-national-title-with-his-defense
Ohio State's offense was dynamite to close the 2014 campaign, but its defense was another revelation entirely.
Many Ohio State fans attribute this to the importation of co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash and a focus on rugby-style tackling.
This is not so, according to former Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi. Pittsburgh's frontman went on The Griff and Grinz Show, an East Lansing radio show, with claims Ohio State lifted its defensive scheme from right up under him.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...o-state-won-a-national-title-with-his-defense
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
CHRIS ASH CAN'T DESCRIBE HOW FAR OHIO STATE'S DEFENSE HAS COME IN THE LAST TWO YEARS
When Urban Meyer watched his defense get torched by Michigan, Michigan State and Clemson to end the 2013 season, he knew he had to make some serious changes in order to make a championship a possibility.
With former co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Everett Withers leaving Columbus to become head coach at James Madison University, Meyer rang Chris Ash and convinced him to take his place.
Ash brought the Cover 4, press quarters system with him to Ohio State, implementing it in the spring of 2014, enduring some bumps and bruises early in the season then thriving down the stretch as the Buckeyes won the national title.
Now, in Year 2 of a new scheme on the back end, Ash struggles to put a tangible word to how far he's seen the secondary grow in his time at Ohio State.
"Words can't even describe how far we've come. It's a completely different unit," Ash said Monday after practice. "Each player is better, each unit is better, the overall Silver Bullet defense is better."
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...states-defense-has-come-in-the-last-two-years
When Urban Meyer watched his defense get torched by Michigan, Michigan State and Clemson to end the 2013 season, he knew he had to make some serious changes in order to make a championship a possibility.
With former co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Everett Withers leaving Columbus to become head coach at James Madison University, Meyer rang Chris Ash and convinced him to take his place.
Ash brought the Cover 4, press quarters system with him to Ohio State, implementing it in the spring of 2014, enduring some bumps and bruises early in the season then thriving down the stretch as the Buckeyes won the national title.
Now, in Year 2 of a new scheme on the back end, Ash struggles to put a tangible word to how far he's seen the secondary grow in his time at Ohio State.
"Words can't even describe how far we've come. It's a completely different unit," Ash said Monday after practice. "Each player is better, each unit is better, the overall Silver Bullet defense is better."
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...states-defense-has-come-in-the-last-two-years
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
The Ohio State Secondary is Looking to Pickup Where Last Season Ended
Ohio State’s 2014 national championship was a culmination of many things. The offensive line, which struggled early, came together as a unit to develop into one of the best in the nation. Ezekiel Elliott used the holes opened by the line to announce himself as the face of college football. Cardale Jones went from former third-string quarterback to an NFL prospect in three games, making everyone forget about an ill-advised tweet.
Perhaps mostly impressively was the evolution of the Buckeyes’ defense, specifically the secondary, which was called into question throughout 2013 and even to start last season.
The OSU pass defense finished the season ranked 28th in the country for passing yards allowed, but managed to hold Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon in check in the postseason, limiting the three favored opponents to a combined 55 points.
“Well the thing that we’re focusing on this year is, everybody talks about our last three games as being the best defensive games ever, but nobody talks about the first 12 games,” junior safety Tyvis Powell said. “So we’re just trying to make sure we play the whole season like we played the last three games. And that’s just being very consistent with the defense throughout the whole season.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...-is-Looking-to-Pickup-Where-Last-Season-Ended
Ohio State’s 2014 national championship was a culmination of many things. The offensive line, which struggled early, came together as a unit to develop into one of the best in the nation. Ezekiel Elliott used the holes opened by the line to announce himself as the face of college football. Cardale Jones went from former third-string quarterback to an NFL prospect in three games, making everyone forget about an ill-advised tweet.
Perhaps mostly impressively was the evolution of the Buckeyes’ defense, specifically the secondary, which was called into question throughout 2013 and even to start last season.
The OSU pass defense finished the season ranked 28th in the country for passing yards allowed, but managed to hold Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon in check in the postseason, limiting the three favored opponents to a combined 55 points.
“Well the thing that we’re focusing on this year is, everybody talks about our last three games as being the best defensive games ever, but nobody talks about the first 12 games,” junior safety Tyvis Powell said. “So we’re just trying to make sure we play the whole season like we played the last three games. And that’s just being very consistent with the defense throughout the whole season.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...-is-Looking-to-Pickup-Where-Last-Season-Ended
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
2015 SEASON PREVIEW: DEFENSIVE LINE ROTATION SPOTS STILL UP FOR GRABS
If there’s one unit Urban Meyer would like to see improve this season it’s the depth from his defensive line. This spring Meyer spoke about how disappointed he was in the young players on the line and said that unit has to get better. A lack of viable backups hurt Ohio State’s rotation last year, and overtaxed starters Joey Bosa, Michael Bennett, Adolphus Washington and Steve Miller. When you add the losses of Bennett, Miller—and Miller’s backup Rashad Frazier—to graduation, there’s a lot of work to do and it magnifies just how precarious the D-line situation was in Columbus last year.
Luckily for Meyer, the starters stayed healthy.
The returning starters are Bosa and Washington. Bosa, last year’s Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year, and a unanimous All-American selection, was the focal point of the team’s championship defense. His 21 tackles for loss led the Big Ten and tied him for fifth nationally. Despite being double-teamed on nearly every play, the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder from Fort Lauderdale, FL, finished fourth in the country in sacks (13.5), and made 55 total tackles (with 39 being solo stops). He also scooped up a fumble and scored in Ohio State’s rout of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ensive-line-rotation-spots-still-up-for-grabs
If there’s one unit Urban Meyer would like to see improve this season it’s the depth from his defensive line. This spring Meyer spoke about how disappointed he was in the young players on the line and said that unit has to get better. A lack of viable backups hurt Ohio State’s rotation last year, and overtaxed starters Joey Bosa, Michael Bennett, Adolphus Washington and Steve Miller. When you add the losses of Bennett, Miller—and Miller’s backup Rashad Frazier—to graduation, there’s a lot of work to do and it magnifies just how precarious the D-line situation was in Columbus last year.
Luckily for Meyer, the starters stayed healthy.
The returning starters are Bosa and Washington. Bosa, last year’s Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year, and a unanimous All-American selection, was the focal point of the team’s championship defense. His 21 tackles for loss led the Big Ten and tied him for fifth nationally. Despite being double-teamed on nearly every play, the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder from Fort Lauderdale, FL, finished fourth in the country in sacks (13.5), and made 55 total tackles (with 39 being solo stops). He also scooped up a fumble and scored in Ohio State’s rout of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ensive-line-rotation-spots-still-up-for-grabs
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
The Buckeyes are Young but Talented at Cornerback
There are rumors around Ohio State’s campus that the Buckeye secondary wants to return the nickname “DBU,” or Defensive Back University to Columbus. The Scarlet and Gray have a long history of talented corners and after the performance of the secondary at the end of last season, this very well could be another good group.
While the majority of the talent is returning from last year’s defensive backs, there is no senior among in the room. Cornerback coach Kerry Coombs has worked hard with his young players to have them ready to go.
“I love my unit. It’s a very, very hard-working group,” he said this week. “Now they’re young, but they’re eager. They take a butt chewing well. They come back the next day, they fight, they grind. They don’t know a lot, the young kids, but the veterans are doing a super job of pulling along and leading them. I love this unit. I really do.”
Starting cornerbacks Eli Apple and Gareon Conley should be just fine this fall. Sophomore Damon Webb, who is expected to be the starting nickel back, gained experience a year ago. It is the freshmen that need to grow up quickly, as there’s a good chance they will be called upon during the season.
“I expect all of them to play,” Coombs said of his freshmen. “I don’t think you come to Ohio State to sit and to redshirt, and so we put a lot of pressure on those guys that they’ve got to find roles on special teams. They’ve got to find ways to help the team.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...Buckeyes-are-Young-but-Talented-at-Cornerback
There are rumors around Ohio State’s campus that the Buckeye secondary wants to return the nickname “DBU,” or Defensive Back University to Columbus. The Scarlet and Gray have a long history of talented corners and after the performance of the secondary at the end of last season, this very well could be another good group.
While the majority of the talent is returning from last year’s defensive backs, there is no senior among in the room. Cornerback coach Kerry Coombs has worked hard with his young players to have them ready to go.
“I love my unit. It’s a very, very hard-working group,” he said this week. “Now they’re young, but they’re eager. They take a butt chewing well. They come back the next day, they fight, they grind. They don’t know a lot, the young kids, but the veterans are doing a super job of pulling along and leading them. I love this unit. I really do.”
Starting cornerbacks Eli Apple and Gareon Conley should be just fine this fall. Sophomore Damon Webb, who is expected to be the starting nickel back, gained experience a year ago. It is the freshmen that need to grow up quickly, as there’s a good chance they will be called upon during the season.
“I expect all of them to play,” Coombs said of his freshmen. “I don’t think you come to Ohio State to sit and to redshirt, and so we put a lot of pressure on those guys that they’ve got to find roles on special teams. They’ve got to find ways to help the team.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...Buckeyes-are-Young-but-Talented-at-Cornerback
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Buckeye Football Notebook: Does Ghost Chasing Have OSU Defense Prepared for Virginia Tech?
Preparing for the first game of the season in college football is never easy because the opponent has had all offseason to not only add or change things, but they have also had plenty of time to do some opponent scouting of their own.
That means that all bases have to be covered when scouting. It can almost become paralysis by analysis if you're not careful.
"You can hear a lot, you can see a lot, and you can talk about what they did in the spring, but the reality is I'm sure they're kind of searching and trying to find different ways that they can improve what it is they did, enhance what it is they did," OSU defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said of Virginia Tech's plan for Ohio State this time around..
"You kind of prepare for everything, whether it's a two quarterback system or not. You're watching not only 12 or 13 games from last year, even peeking back at what guys did in the past based on their personnels. So it's a lot of that chasing and finding those hidden things, those ghosts you might be chasing, but you're prepared for about everything in that first week."
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...g-Have-OSU-Defense-Prepared-for-Virginia-Tech
Preparing for the first game of the season in college football is never easy because the opponent has had all offseason to not only add or change things, but they have also had plenty of time to do some opponent scouting of their own.
That means that all bases have to be covered when scouting. It can almost become paralysis by analysis if you're not careful.
"You can hear a lot, you can see a lot, and you can talk about what they did in the spring, but the reality is I'm sure they're kind of searching and trying to find different ways that they can improve what it is they did, enhance what it is they did," OSU defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said of Virginia Tech's plan for Ohio State this time around..
"You kind of prepare for everything, whether it's a two quarterback system or not. You're watching not only 12 or 13 games from last year, even peeking back at what guys did in the past based on their personnels. So it's a lot of that chasing and finding those hidden things, those ghosts you might be chasing, but you're prepared for about everything in that first week."
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/All-...g-Have-OSU-Defense-Prepared-for-Virginia-Tech
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Excellent analysis....
FILM STUDY: HOW THE BUCKEYE DEFENSE DOMINATED THIRD DOWNS AGAINST HAWAII
Most Ohio State fans will remember Saturday's blowout of Hawaii for the ineffective play on offense.
However, while that is very much the reason for the Buckeyes' first win in Ohio Stadium of 2015, the focus has remained on the offense that still managed to put up 38 points.
Understandably, the poor play of both quarterbacks, multiple penalties, and overall poor execution of what many expected to be one of the top groups in the nation was disappointing to see. Yet, while that was happening on one side of the ball, their defensive counterparts were not-so-quietly returning to a championship level.
During their three-game postseason run leading to a national title, the Ohio State defense stood up to some of the best offenses in the country, coming away victorious often because of their ability to get stops on third downs. In those matchups with Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon, the Buckeye defense faced 43 third downs and allowed only 9 conversions (20.9%), a mark well below their season average (33%), and one that would've easily surpassed nation's leaders for the season (27%).
While keeping your opponents from converting third downs might seem like a pretty straightforward path to victory, it has been the most telling stat for success with Urban Meyer's Buckeye teams. After allowing Clemson to convert over half of their third downs in the 2014 Orange Bowl, the Buckeyes only surrendered a mark of over 40% to Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan last fall.
While they only lost to the Hokies, the other three games were close until the fourth quarter (or later, in the case of PSU). In the Labor Day rematch with Virginia Tech one week ago though, the Buckeye defense yet again let their opponents hang around for three quarters thanks to their success on third downs, allowing eight of 17 opportunities to be converted.
While Hawaii didn't seem to have the talent or depth of a Power-5 opponent, their own defense certainly proved capable of playing with one of the top teams in the land. Yet even though they were led by offensive guru Norm Chow and former blue-chip prospect and USC transfer, Max Wittek, the Rainbow Warriors never found any rhythm while they had the ball.
For that the OSU defense, especially up front, deserves the credit. Sparked by the return of Joey Bosa, all seven members of the Buckeye front made plays against Wittek and Hawaii. While the Silver Bullets didn't do much different on early downs schematically, staying in their base, 4-3 defense with quarters coverage, they were able to get penetration against the run, leaving the Rainbows with an average of only 2.3 yards-per-carry for the day.
Once their opponents faced third down though, the Buckeyes really turned up the heat. With nickel-corner Damon Webb coming onto the field in place of nose tackle Tommy Schutt, OSU once again leaned on their 3-3-5 personnel to create confusion for the offense.
On nearly every one of Hawaii's 14 third downs, the Buckeyes crowded the line with all six members of their front. Linebacker Darron Lee often lined up as a defensive end, while inside linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Josh Perry regularly threatened the inside 'A' gaps on either side of the center.
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Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...-defense-dominated-third-downs-against-hawaii
FILM STUDY: HOW THE BUCKEYE DEFENSE DOMINATED THIRD DOWNS AGAINST HAWAII
Most Ohio State fans will remember Saturday's blowout of Hawaii for the ineffective play on offense.
However, while that is very much the reason for the Buckeyes' first win in Ohio Stadium of 2015, the focus has remained on the offense that still managed to put up 38 points.
Understandably, the poor play of both quarterbacks, multiple penalties, and overall poor execution of what many expected to be one of the top groups in the nation was disappointing to see. Yet, while that was happening on one side of the ball, their defensive counterparts were not-so-quietly returning to a championship level.
During their three-game postseason run leading to a national title, the Ohio State defense stood up to some of the best offenses in the country, coming away victorious often because of their ability to get stops on third downs. In those matchups with Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon, the Buckeye defense faced 43 third downs and allowed only 9 conversions (20.9%), a mark well below their season average (33%), and one that would've easily surpassed nation's leaders for the season (27%).
While keeping your opponents from converting third downs might seem like a pretty straightforward path to victory, it has been the most telling stat for success with Urban Meyer's Buckeye teams. After allowing Clemson to convert over half of their third downs in the 2014 Orange Bowl, the Buckeyes only surrendered a mark of over 40% to Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan last fall.
While they only lost to the Hokies, the other three games were close until the fourth quarter (or later, in the case of PSU). In the Labor Day rematch with Virginia Tech one week ago though, the Buckeye defense yet again let their opponents hang around for three quarters thanks to their success on third downs, allowing eight of 17 opportunities to be converted.
While Hawaii didn't seem to have the talent or depth of a Power-5 opponent, their own defense certainly proved capable of playing with one of the top teams in the land. Yet even though they were led by offensive guru Norm Chow and former blue-chip prospect and USC transfer, Max Wittek, the Rainbow Warriors never found any rhythm while they had the ball.
For that the OSU defense, especially up front, deserves the credit. Sparked by the return of Joey Bosa, all seven members of the Buckeye front made plays against Wittek and Hawaii. While the Silver Bullets didn't do much different on early downs schematically, staying in their base, 4-3 defense with quarters coverage, they were able to get penetration against the run, leaving the Rainbows with an average of only 2.3 yards-per-carry for the day.
Once their opponents faced third down though, the Buckeyes really turned up the heat. With nickel-corner Damon Webb coming onto the field in place of nose tackle Tommy Schutt, OSU once again leaned on their 3-3-5 personnel to create confusion for the offense.
On nearly every one of Hawaii's 14 third downs, the Buckeyes crowded the line with all six members of their front. Linebacker Darron Lee often lined up as a defensive end, while inside linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Josh Perry regularly threatened the inside 'A' gaps on either side of the center.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
OHIO STATE'S OFFENSE GRABBED ALL OF THE OFFSEASON HEADLINES BUT THE BUCKEYES ARE CURRENTLY WINNING GAMES WITH DEFENSE
Darron Lee crossed the goal line, dropped the football and spread his arms as wide as he could, shouting toward the sky. Ohio State’s star redshirt sophomore outside linebacker had just made yet another play that changed a game.
Fans inside Ohio Stadium — who were sitting on the edges of their seats eager for something, anything to happen as their beloved Buckeyes were struggling — erupted when Lee intercepted Drew Hare’s pass and returned it 41 yards to the end zone. Ohio State was out of sync and out of whack, frankly, as it clung to a 13-10 lead late in the third quarter before Lee changed all of that, perfectly reading an attempted screen pass, grabbing the pick and taking it the distance.
When the Buckeyes needed something in a big way, Lee again delivered.
“Really just read it and went and made a play,” Lee said following Ohio State’s 20-13 win. “Knew we needed something and just tried to make something happen.”
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ason-headlines-but-the-buckeyes-are-currently
Bear Bryant is credited with the quote: “Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.”
Darron Lee crossed the goal line, dropped the football and spread his arms as wide as he could, shouting toward the sky. Ohio State’s star redshirt sophomore outside linebacker had just made yet another play that changed a game.
Fans inside Ohio Stadium — who were sitting on the edges of their seats eager for something, anything to happen as their beloved Buckeyes were struggling — erupted when Lee intercepted Drew Hare’s pass and returned it 41 yards to the end zone. Ohio State was out of sync and out of whack, frankly, as it clung to a 13-10 lead late in the third quarter before Lee changed all of that, perfectly reading an attempted screen pass, grabbing the pick and taking it the distance.
When the Buckeyes needed something in a big way, Lee again delivered.
“Really just read it and went and made a play,” Lee said following Ohio State’s 20-13 win. “Knew we needed something and just tried to make something happen.”
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ason-headlines-but-the-buckeyes-are-currently
Bear Bryant is credited with the quote: “Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.”
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