Link
Ohio State defense picking it up quick
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
09/18/2006
COLUMBUS -- For all that last year's smothering defense did right, the one area where it lacked seems to be the exact place where this version excels.
Turnovers.
After intercepting three more passes Saturday against Cincinnati, Ohio State's defense already has six takeaways in three games. It's half as many as the Buckeyes forced all of last year, when the defense was filled with veterans who were sound tacklers, but for whatever reason, couldn't create turnovers.
''We looked at that in the offseason and said ?How did that happen?''' defensive end Jay Richardson said. ''I think we dedicated ourselves this offseason to getting turnovers. We had particular periods in practices ... where we cut out everything else and focused on interceptions, fumbles and knocking the ball loose.''
The results, at least thus far, are obvious.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis made an incredible athletic play just before the half, tipping a Dustin Grutza pass while turning his body around, then having the presence of mind to catch it. If Laurinaitis didn't tip it, the play likely would've resulted in a touchdown. As it was, Laurinaitis made the interception on Ohio State's 20-yard line and the Buckeyes went into the half with the lead and momentum.
Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins added an interception of his own late in the third quarter, running stride for stride with Cincinnati's Bill Poland and turning in front of Poland for the pick down the sideline. Freshman safety Anderson Russell, just moved into the starting lineup last week, got the first interception of his career in the fourth quarter.
''I think they're hungry and anxious,'' defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. ''It's early, but you hope they continue to do that.''
The 2005 defense was No. 1 in the country against the run, holding opponents to 73 yards a game. It was fifth in the country in total defense, holding teams to 281 yards a game. But in turnover margin, Ohio State was 104th, in part because of the early season struggles of the offense and the defense's inability to force fumbles and intercept passes.
Last year, Ohio State had six interceptions all year. This team already has five.
''I think that's a testament to our guys being a swarming defense,'' Richardson said. ''That seems to be our identity right now: A bunch of guys who will run to the ball.
''Last year, I think we had a couple of safeties who were big hitters, but maybe they weren't always trying to get the ball. They were just trying to make a big hit. These guys want the ball. They go back there in their coverages, the ball goes up and they think it's theirs. And that's the way it should be.''
Laurinaitis, with his two interceptions, already equals Donte Whitner's team-leading total of '05. The Buckeyes also have one fumble recovery, which Laurinaitis forced at the goal line against Texas.
''It might be the fact they think we're young, so they're going to throw the ball up on us and test us to see what we're made of,'' Laurinaitis said. ''I don't think people know about Anderson and Donald (Washington) and (Antonio) Smith and the rest of these guys. But they will.''
[email protected]
Ohio State defense picking it up quick
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
09/18/2006
COLUMBUS -- For all that last year's smothering defense did right, the one area where it lacked seems to be the exact place where this version excels.
Turnovers.
After intercepting three more passes Saturday against Cincinnati, Ohio State's defense already has six takeaways in three games. It's half as many as the Buckeyes forced all of last year, when the defense was filled with veterans who were sound tacklers, but for whatever reason, couldn't create turnovers.
''We looked at that in the offseason and said ?How did that happen?''' defensive end Jay Richardson said. ''I think we dedicated ourselves this offseason to getting turnovers. We had particular periods in practices ... where we cut out everything else and focused on interceptions, fumbles and knocking the ball loose.''
The results, at least thus far, are obvious.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis made an incredible athletic play just before the half, tipping a Dustin Grutza pass while turning his body around, then having the presence of mind to catch it. If Laurinaitis didn't tip it, the play likely would've resulted in a touchdown. As it was, Laurinaitis made the interception on Ohio State's 20-yard line and the Buckeyes went into the half with the lead and momentum.
Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins added an interception of his own late in the third quarter, running stride for stride with Cincinnati's Bill Poland and turning in front of Poland for the pick down the sideline. Freshman safety Anderson Russell, just moved into the starting lineup last week, got the first interception of his career in the fourth quarter.
''I think they're hungry and anxious,'' defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. ''It's early, but you hope they continue to do that.''
The 2005 defense was No. 1 in the country against the run, holding opponents to 73 yards a game. It was fifth in the country in total defense, holding teams to 281 yards a game. But in turnover margin, Ohio State was 104th, in part because of the early season struggles of the offense and the defense's inability to force fumbles and intercept passes.
Last year, Ohio State had six interceptions all year. This team already has five.
''I think that's a testament to our guys being a swarming defense,'' Richardson said. ''That seems to be our identity right now: A bunch of guys who will run to the ball.
''Last year, I think we had a couple of safeties who were big hitters, but maybe they weren't always trying to get the ball. They were just trying to make a big hit. These guys want the ball. They go back there in their coverages, the ball goes up and they think it's theirs. And that's the way it should be.''
Laurinaitis, with his two interceptions, already equals Donte Whitner's team-leading total of '05. The Buckeyes also have one fumble recovery, which Laurinaitis forced at the goal line against Texas.
''It might be the fact they think we're young, so they're going to throw the ball up on us and test us to see what we're made of,'' Laurinaitis said. ''I don't think people know about Anderson and Donald (Washington) and (Antonio) Smith and the rest of these guys. But they will.''
[email protected]
Upvote
0
