The Ohio State football team failed in its pursuit of winning a Big Ten Championship. Falling to Indiana 13-10 was the first time that the Buckeyes had lost in a year. It was not the fault of the defense, as they played great. The defense is led by Caleb Downs, who is the best defender in college football.
Downs has been Ohio State's best defensive player for each of the last two seasons. The way he is used by Matt Patricia makes it hard for teams to account for him. Now that they have three weeks to prepare for their next game, Downs is going to be used in even more advantageous spots.
Downs is going to clean up when it comes to the awards circuit now that the regular season is over. He's one of the best overall players in the country. He picked up the first of many awards on Sunday, winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs wins Lott Impact Trophy
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is given to the best defensive player in college football who exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an impact on and off the field. Downs certainly did that this season, and he becomes the latest great defender to win this award.
Downs has a fantastic ability to come up in the run game and also cover bigger receivers in the passing game. He can get from sideline to sideline very quickly, making him the ultimate weapon on defense. It's what will likely make him a top ten pick once April rolls around.
Downs would love nothing more than to end his collegiate career by winning back-to-back national championships. That journey starts by either taking on Texas A&M or Miami in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff. Last season, they did not have the bye and still won it all.