The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes' offense has currently generated no production in the first half, but leave it to the defense to take care of that.
Facing a third-and-5 on their own 19-yard line, Maryland Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa looked to hit wide receiver Tyrese Chambers in the slot, but safety Josh Proctor jumped the route and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown to cut Ohio State's deficit to 10-7 with 9:41 remaining in the second quarter.
The interception was Proctor's first of the season and the third of his career. His last interception came against the Northwestern Wildcats Dec. 19, 2020.
Prior to the interception, Tagovailoa was 7-for-12 with 97 passing yards and a touchdown. The pick was his fourth of the season and the 30th of his 40-game career.
On the play, there was a flag thrown but it was picked up after the officials deemed the contact legal. Ohio State was issued a sideline warning after the play.
Ohio State's defense has intercepted four passes this season, as cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr.'s 5-yard pick-6 in the fourth quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers was its lone one of the season.
Also against Western Kentucky, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
The Buckeyes' defense has now scored at least three touchdowns in a season for the fourth straight year.
Ohio State's defensive unit is keeping it in the game, as Maryland's touchdown drive was set up with a short 30-yard field. A botched snap on a punt attempt was picked up by linebacker Cody Simon, who got tackled for a 3-yard loss after trying to run for a first down.
More must-reads: