Ohio State sophomore linebacker Ryan Shazierwas named today as the Big Ten Conference’s co-defensive player of the week for his efforts in the Buckeyes’ 35-23 win over Penn State this past Saturday.
Playing in jersey No. 48 to honor longtime friend, classmate and Plantation H.S. football team manager Gary Curtis, who died earlier this year, Shazier led the team in tackles with eight, a total that included two quarterback sacks for losses of 22 yards and a forced fumble.
Shazier also made the defensive play of the game with a 17-yard interception return for a TD early in the third quarter. Shazier had just sacked PSU’s Matt McGloin for a nine-yard loss to the PSU 8 when he stepped in front of a pass and went untouched into the end zone. The touchdown gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead and they would not relinquish it.
Buckeyes have now recorded eight interceptions for touchdowns against Penn State in the last 11 games. The thefts have occurred in six games and the Buckeyes have won all six. Ryan Shazier’s on Saturday was the latest and places him into interception score lore with teammate Travis Howard and Devon Torrence (2010), Malcolm Jenkins (2006 and 2007), Antonio Smith (2006), Tyler Everett (2004) and Chris Gamble (2002)
Shazier and the 9-0 Buckeyes, ranked sixth this week by the Associated Press, host the Illinois Fighting Illini in a 3:30 p.m. kickoff this Saturday at Ohio Stadium.
