Fulton Analysis: It Starts Up Front

Ohio State again rode its defense to victory against Indiana. The Buckeyes’ defensive success began up front. Ohio State limited Indiana to a 32% rushing success rate on over 40 carries.

Ohio State’s defensive tackles stalemated the Hoosier’s offensive line, limiting gaps and then disengaging to make plays. Nose tackle Michael Hill continued his stellar play controlling the interior and 3-technique Dre’mont Jones likely had his best game as a Buckeye.

The Buckeye defensive ends – in particular Tyquan Lewis – then squeezed down the C-gap against Indiana’s spread run offense. In so doing, Ohio State limited any interior running lanes for the Hoosiers’ tight zone, spilling ball carriers to the sideline when the Hoosiers ran power read or other edge plays.

The Buckeye defensive line was assisted by Ohio State’s inside linebackers. Although Will linebacker Jerome Baker can at times overrun the football, he excels at shooting gaps underneath blocks to limit stretch plays.