During the off-season, the hiring of offensive coordinator Phil Earley and the spread offense he was bringing to Ohio was the storyline that received most of the media attention. However, the switch from the triple option to a one-back set is taking a back seat to the Ohio defense, which is off to a surprisingly good, and rather quiet, start.
The Bobcat defense is ranked near the top of the Mid-American Conference in almost every statistical category, has played large roles in both of Ohio's wins, and has kept the Bobcats close during the second half in their two losses.
Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter is in his second stint as the head defensive man at Ohio. DeRuyter served as defensive coordinator from 1995 until 1998, and has had the current system in place since 2002. He said the defense has been more consistent this season.
I think our offense has done a much better job of taking care of the ball and not giving us short fields
he said. We've cut down on the number of big plays this year ... and we're doing a better job on special teams. It all ... helps us play better defense.
Through four games, the numbers and rankings speak for themselves.
Ohio boasts the top-ranked total defense in the MAC, giving up 40 yards less per game than No. 2 Kent State. Ohio also leads the conference in pass defense efficiency. They are second in scoring defense, and third in the conference in turnover ratio, sacks and opponents' third down conversation rate.
Ohio linebacker Matt Muncy spearheaded the Bobcat defense against Buffalo, collecting 15 tackles as well as an interception and a touchdown. He credits DeRuyter and the current defensive system for Ohio's fast start.
This is the third year we've had it and I think every year we've gotten better he said. When you know the defense you can play full speed all the time.
The depth of the defense, especially at safety, was on full display against Buffalo. Ohio played the majority of the game without its starting safeties -Chip Cox and Rob Stover -but Rahman Shavers and Rashad Butler, a pair of fifth-year seniors, stepped up during the defense's shutout of the Bulls.
They're guys that were waiting for their turn last Saturday
DeRuyter said. They both stepped up and played very well for us.
Ironically, the injury toll that Ohio endured last season is helping them now. Many players were forced into action last year and are more experienced now.
DeRuyter said the injuries hurt last season, but it allowed Ohio to put money in the bank for the future.
Those guys are paying dividends for us now
he said. (The injuries were) doing us a favor for this year
he said.
Linebacker Tyler Russ said the defense isn't satisfied, though.
We just got to keep doing what we're doing
he said. It might look good on the surface
but underneath there's a lot of work to be done
and we just have to keep getting better.
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