The best way to earn a diploma from the Vonn Bell Academy is by learning from the headmaster. Ohio State junior Vonn Bell intercepted a pass by Minnesota’s Mitch Leidner on Saturday in Ohio Stadium and returned it 16 yards for his second touchdown of the season to break a scoreless tie late in the first half of the No. 2 Buckeyes’ 28-14 win. That play, and a career-tying 10 tackles, earned Bell the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week award and cemented his reputation as a playmaker, just as his fictitious Vonn Bell Academy, or VBA, advertises. “That was a heck of a play,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said of the pick six. “(Bell) is playing at very, very high level.” Ohio State (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten, No. 3 CFP) plays at Illinois (5-4, 2-3) on Saturday, and the safety hopes he’s not done scoring. The loquacious Bell formed VBA two seasons ago during some banter with other OSU defensive backs. Even as a freshman, he “offered” to help them learn how to catch the ball and make big plays. “You can just tell that Vonn Bell loves the game of football and is having fun out there,” co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chris Ash said. …
Continue Reading: Bell is master of academy, helps No. 2 Ohio State’s defense
