Why Buckeyes defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs earned game ball after Maryland win

The Ohio State Buckeyes had their second-straight big win this season behind quality defensive play. The Buckeyes suffocated the high-powered offense of the Maryland Terrapins. Ohio State gave up just 17 points in their dominant road victory over Maryland, 66-17. In a sign of appreciation recognizing the transformation of the Ohio State defense, head coach Ryan Day presented defensive coordinator Kerry Combs with the game ball.

In the press conference after the game, Day explained why he gave the game ball to his defensive coordinator.

“I see a defensive staff that’s working together. Kerry Coombs got the game ball today because of everything he’s been through the last couple weeks, and he just continues to show up every day. He’s a huge part of the defense,” Day said.

“But at the same time, we’ve reconstructed a few things and we got a little rhythm going. He’s doing a great job of seeing things from the box. I think Matt’s doing a great job of calling. Larry’s [Johnson] doing a great job with his guys upfront. Al Washington is starting to build some stability at the linebacker. Those guys all working together, see it through one sense and you can feel it out there.

“The confidence is there. We still have a lot of football to play and a lot of opponents in the second half of the season. We haven’t done anything just yet, but we’re building on it.”

Buckeyes dominant on defense

In back-to-back weeks Ohio State’s defense has looked the part of a playoff-caliber defense. Since falling to No. 12 Oregon, the Buckeyes have rattled off four straight wins. The first two were against Tulsa and Akron — teams not viewed as quality opponents for the Buckeyes. But their following games were against two in-conference foes off to hot starts. Ohio State cooled down the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and this week’s match up the Maryland Terrapins.

Against both in conference foes, Ohio State allowed an average of 15 points a game. Both were stuffed on third downs; Rutgers was 4 of 15 and Maryland was 5-15, and they have a combined five interceptions in the two games.

The Ohio State defense looks completely revitalized from its lackluster appearance at the beginning of the season thanks to Coombs. With huge matchups against Penn State Michigan State and archrival Michigan still to come, it looks like the Buckeyes defense has shown up to play just in the nick of time.