Ohio State defensive captain praised by Ryan Day for setting the tone with 'angry' and 'possessed' play
While the Ohio State Buckeyes didn't get the offensive performance they had expected against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the defense rebounded in a big way. Despite being dealt with tough starting field positions throughout the afternoon, the Buckeyes' defense did about as well as anyone could've expected. Block O recipient and defensive captain Cody Simon was […]
While the Ohio State Buckeyes didn't get the offensive performance they had expected against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the defense rebounded in a big way. Despite being dealt with tough starting field positions throughout the afternoon, the Buckeyes' defense did about as well as anyone could've expected.
Block O recipient and defensive captain Cody Simon was the unit's star, leading the team with eight tackles and three for loss. While head coach Ryan Day had much to be upset about after the game, between an atrocious targeting call that led to the ejection of Arvell Reese and losing a forced and recovered fumble, an inept running game, and another injury at the left tackle position, Simon earned special recognition.
Day explained how the performance of linebacker Cody Simon was a microcosm of the whole defense. "I thought we played that way on defense. We played angry, played possessed. … It has to be consistent week after week after week."
In addition to acknowledging the increase of defensive front looks and aggressiveness in blitz calls, Day noted that sometimes, a unit will simply follow the lead of one individual. Simon was the leader who inspired the rest of the group, stifling Nebraska's continued attempts to spring big plays. His stat line was impressive, but the fact Ohio State survived is a bigger testament to his impact.
Without Simon roaming and finishing plays, Nebraska would've converted more than the 5-of-16 third downs they did, totaled more than 273 yards, and had the ball longer than their 35 minutes of time of possession. Could they have gotten off the field quicker? Sure, but the Buckeyes' defense was night and day better than their performance against Oregon.
The coaching staff's game-planning and looks were much more varied. The personnel played with a chip on their shoulder and were more disciplined. Gone were the easy mental mistakes and blown assignments. Ohio State made Nebraska earn it, especially when it came to the red zone.
That's all Ohio State needs from the unit to win against top-tier teams. Despite that, the defense has failed in recent key primetime matchups to spark any key stops or turnovers.
It won't be easier to accomplish against more talented offenses and capable quarterbacks than what Nebraska had at its disposal, but it was the type of response to a poor showing that offers encouragement for the future.
