Fulton Analysis: What is clicking on defense
It is easy to understate the Ohio State defensive performance last Saturday. Against a Tulsa team that scored 38, 24, and 52 points against Oklahoma, Houston, and Virginia Tech last season, the Buckeyes held the Golden Hurricane to three points.
Ohio State did so largely within their base scheme. The Buckeyes mix and matched cover 4 and cover 1 on standard downs.
On third down, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano often played man coverage with subtle five-man pressures, such as blitzing Sam linebacker Chris Worley while defensive end Sam Hubbard faked rushing before dropping to cover the running back.
Ohio State’s ability to limit Tulsa began up-front. The Buckeye front six held the Tulsa run game to a 29-percent rushing success rate. This was critical, given how Tulsa's Baylor-inspired offense puts its wide receivers outside the numbers to limit defenders in the box.
Ohio State’s run defense success was enabled by stellar one-technique nose guard play. Starter Michael Hill is building upon his strong finish to last season, as he controlled the line of scrimmage Saturday.
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