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Ohio State Football: Why this Buckeye team is elite

By Blake Biscardi

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs down the sidelines against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs down the sidelines against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – AUGUST 31: Willie Wright #1 of the Florida Atlantic Owls cuts back looking for running room as he is pursued by Jason Cornell #9 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Jordan Fuller #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – AUGUST 31: Willie Wright #1 of the Florida Atlantic Owls cuts back looking for running room as he is pursued by Jason Cornell #9 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Jordan Fuller #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Quite simply, the Silver Bullets have played lights out so far. Giving up under nine points per game, this unit looks like the Buckeye defense may very well be the best in the country.

The defensive line features Chase Young and now Jonathan Cooper opposite of each other on the outside. The two are a matchup nightmare by themselves, but the line is so talented that if your double team one another guy steps in and makes the same played the other would have.

The linebackers have shown great gap integrity and have been able to play fast, physical and downhill. This allows them to be able to get to the QB without fear of giving up an explosive play because they have a trustworthy, lockdown secondary led by Jeffrey Okudah and Jordan Fuller.

In Lincoln, the Buckeyes picked off Adrian Martinez three times. Points off turnovers have been another huge category for Ohio State as they were +17 against Nebraska.

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Lastly, game management has been huge for Ohio State. I thought the defensive timeout Ryan Day spent on Nebraska’s drive in the red zone before the interception was perfect. Getting the fortunate pick made it look even better.

Justin Fields has also been in command so far this season. He’s been put in situations to succeed and has taken full advantage of Day’s system that’s been tailored to his playing style like any elite coach should do.

In my eyes, these are the reasons Ohio State is an elite football team. And if they can continue to build on this extremely high level of performance, watch out.

Contender or pretender through September. dark. Next

This team is hungry, playing with an edge, and is also feeling disrespected after being set aside and doubted in the preseason. It’s clear these Buckeyes want to complete unfinished business one game at a time working on improving and going 1-0 each week.

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