COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football defensive coordinator Jim Knowles promised a safety driven defense when he arrived last January. After mostly strong play throughout the season, that group skidded out in the last two games. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy victimized multiple safeties over the course of his three explosive touchdown passes. When the Buckeyes sold out to stop the run late, missed tackles and Edwards’ game-breaking touchdown runs. Georgia also went right at the OSU safeties in the Peach Bowl playoff semifinal. Even if you throw out Lathan Ransom’s slip-and-fall on a fourth-quarter touchdown, a unit that had been the backbone of the defense much of the season showed some cracks. Recommended Buckeyes stories Against that backdrop, the Buckeyes move forward with one of the most competitive safety rooms in the country this spring. Three returning players have starting experience. Two veteran backups still seek their first front-line assignment.…
Continue Reading: Ohio State football’s spring safety competition holds the key to beating Michigan
