Matt Barnes downplays his expanded role in Ohio State’s defense and in the changes made since he was put in charge of play-calling. © Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch Since the Tulsa game, Ohio State has yielded only 259.5 yards per game and 44 points. “I’ve said it before and I’ll reiterate it,” he said. “It’s very much still a group effort.” But there is a “before” picture of Ohio State’s defense that’s not pretty. The “after,” which came when Buckeyes coach Ryan Day switched play-calling duties from coordinator Kerry Coombs to Barnes after the Oregon game, is unmistakably better. Meet Matt Barnes: How Matt Barnes’ lifelong obsession with football prepared him for his role with Ohio State The improvement didn’t happen immediately. Tulsa gained 501 yards the first week with Barnes making calls. But since, Ohio State has yielded only 259.5 yards per game and 44 total points. In the Buckeyes’…
Continue Reading: Defensive tweaks with Matt Barnes making calls have Ohio State Buckeyes on right track
