Ohio State Football: Defense must limit explosive plays

If the Ohio State Buckeyes are to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff the defense must perform at a high level and limit explosive plays.

The Ohio State defense was uncharacteristically mediocre last season. Its play has been the primary source of attention this off-season with Buckeye Nation and most of the national media wondering if the coaching changes and nine returning starters will equate to considerable improvement.

There is no need to dwell on the stats in 2018 except to say the defense finished No. 51 in the FBS in scoring allowing 25.5 points-per-game.

By comparison, the 2015 defense finished No. 2 allowing 15.1 points-per-game and No. 3 in 2016 allowing 15.5…