FILM STUDY: ILLUSTRATING VONN BELL'S GAME-CHANGING INTERCEPTION AGAINST MINNESOTA
Coming off a heartbreaking, last-second loss to Michigan the week prior, the Minnesota Golden Gophers knew they'd be facing yet a tough test for the second time in as many weeks when they entered Ohio Stadium Saturday night.
Though quarterback Mitch Leidner had set a new career record in passing yards against a tough Wolverine pass defense, he'd be facing yet another top-five unit in the Buckeye secondary.
After failing to establish the run at any point throughout the evening, Leidner and company began to move the ball through the air once again, getting the ball out quickly to a multitude of receivers and tight ends. Seven different Gophers would record receptions on the night, but the top target was clearly senior wideout KJ Maye, who tallied 10 catches on the evening.
The Gophers' third drive of the game would see them record a first down for the first time, but after only moving the ball 30 yards and eventually punting, the sequence would largely be forgotten. However, one person that vividly recalled that drive was Ohio State safety Vonn Bell.
On a defense full of NFL-caliber talent, Bell has emerged as one of the unit's best play-makers. The junior from Georgia ranks third on the team in tackles while leading it in passes-broken-up.
Yet Leidner would go right at the mid-season All-American, trying to expose the man-to-man coverage that the Buckeyes have shown against pro-style offenses like Minnesota's. Facing 3rd-and-4, the Gophers sent Maye on a short crossing route, picking up the first down easily.
Though the yardage would be negated thanks to an illegal block downfield, the play's effect would stick with Bell, who bit on an initial outside move to allow Maye room to make the play inside. The idea is part of the "Trail" concept, which clears out defenders in solo coverage first and letting the intended receiver follow behind, assuming he's created space from his defender.
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