SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ohio State’s defense starts with turnovers, because it has made a habit of starting with turnovers. Each practice begins with what defensive coordinator Greg Schiano calls a takeaway circuit. There are rehearsals of strip sacks. Players run in pursuit of the opposition and punch the ball out. Pass-rushers match the quarterback’s hand when he’s attempting a throw to disrupt the motion or get a tip or both. If the ball hits the turf, the Buckeyes dive after it, then are sure to utilize the proper technique to secure it. Being sound and stifling in all areas is not sufficient. Anybody can do that. “If you’re taking the ball away,” linebacker Raekwon McMillan said, “you’re changing the game.” It is not enough, though, to get Clemson to change anything. No part of the Fiesta Bowl playoff semifinal will be more combustible than the Tigers’ bold offense challenging the…
Continue Reading: Matchup between Clemson WRs and Ohio State DBs could decide Fiesta Bowl
