Ohio State Football: Three takeaways from Maryland win
By Riley Thomas
2. Does the Ohio State football defense have a knack for forcing turnovers?
As the defense continues to get better from week to week, creating turnovers is starting to look like the new normality. The Buckeyes set a program record Saturday with four straight games with a pick-six. This week’s defensive touchdown came from Craig Young.
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The Bucks have created turnovers in waves since the Tulsa game. They have forced nine turnovers within the last four games. Some of the recent opponents were not particularly good, but hey, some things are going right if turnovers are this consistent.
It is not always guaranteed defenders catch the ball when their hands are on it, this year it looks like Ohio State has some sure-handed players. Assuming the offense protects the ball, the Buckeyes could win the turnover battle consistently if this defense continues to make plays.
Matt Barnes‘ defensive play-calling is likely part of the reason we are seeing so many interceptions now. When you drop back in zone quite often, that allows players to read the quarterback more and basically roam their designated area. That is proven by Iowa’s zone defense that continues to get turnovers at a high rate.
With better opponents approaching, we will find out if this defense truly can force this many turnovers game in and game out.