Linebacker Darron Lee, 43, returns an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. The score put the game just out of NIU’s reach to move OSU to 3-0. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Somewhat lost in the Ohio State Buckeyes’ near defeat by Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon was the continued strength that OSU’s defense displayed. While the offense struggled behind two under-performing quarterbacks and a non-existent emphasis on running the football, the Buckeyes’ defense put together another strong performance. Due to the group’s play, Urban Meyer’s squad was on the right side of the scoreboard by game’s end. In fact, it was the defense that made the play that put the game just barely out of reach of the upset-minded Huskies. With 1:44 left to play in the third quarter, linebacker Darron Lee intercepted an attempted screen pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. “Great play,” Meyer said post game. “He’s one of the best players in the country. I love that kid. And he’s a high energy guy.” As the offense continued to struggle in the fourth quarter, the defense held the Huskies to just 49 yards on 25 plays, including just 2-for-7 on third and standing tall on a crucial fourth down late in the quarter…
Continue Reading: Ohio State’s Strength On Defense, Not Offense
