Biggest Statistical Improvement for Ohio State Football Defense This Season?

It’s the time the place each items are enjoying with their backs to the wall. It’s the possibility for the offense to maintain the ball and the protection to get itself off the sphere. It’s third down… or, as some wish to name it, the “cash down.”

The offense appears to be like to push up the sphere whereas the 11 gamers on the alternative facet are in search of a cease, regardless of how they will obtain it.

Everyone knows the documented struggles of Ohio State’s protection final yr in 2021, and we are actually all acquainted with the dynamic turnaround this group has illustrated to this point. However when trying on the areas of enchancment, few could be higher (or extra spectacular) than third-down protection for the Silver Bullets.

The Buckeyes at the moment rank eleventh nationally within the statistical class, with groups transferring the chains simply 19-of-70 occasions (.271) to this point. Notre Dame was 3-of-13 in the course of the opener whereas, final week, Rutgers was an abysmal 1-of-11. See beneath for total slate:

This can be a far higher output than opponents changing over 42 p.c final yr, going 77-of-184 to rank the Buckeyes a distant 92nd nationally.

It’s been a complete group effort. Defensive finish Zach Harrison and linebacker Steele Chambers have been only in the near past named Ohio State’s co-defensive gamers of the Sport in opposition to Rutgers, the place their unit in all probability shuts out Rutgers within the first half if not for a muffed punt that gave the guests a brief subject.

Defensive sort out Michael Corridor has finished injury within the center, whereas defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau are exhibiting why they have been top-ranked recruits up entrance. Loads of others are making key performs to get off the sphere as nicely.

For as many struggles that Michigan State has posted just lately throughout its three-game skid, the Spartans are nonetheless over 42 p.c as entire on third down this yr.

If Ohio State continues its success on the “cash down,” factor may get ugly. If the Spartans are capable of one way or the other convert round their present fee, possibly this one stays nearer than the consultants in Vegas assume?

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