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Ohio State defender reveals loss to Oregon may have been the best thing to happen to the Buckeyes this season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Nov 14, 2024 12:19 PM ET

Back in October, the Ohio State Buckeyes took a close 32-31 loss on the road at Oregon. Since then, the Buckeyes have been unblemished and have taken care of business.

When we look back on the season, the Buckeyes may look at that loss as a blessing in disguise. Since then, the Buckeyes have played better as a team, especially on the defensive side of the football.

Junior cornerback Jordan Hancock revealed that the team believes they turned the corner after that loss in Eugene.

“Oregon game. We addressed the issues right there,” Hancock said on Wednesday. “Now, we're playing with a chip on our shoulder. We got a lot of confidence after the Nebraska game, and we just pitched a shutout, and now we expect that at Northwestern."

Ohio State struggled against Oregon and gave up 496 yards of total offense. Since then, the defense has played much better under Jim Knowles. Ohio State allowed just 273 yards to the Cornhuskers and 17 points. The following week was the most impressive feat yet for the defense giving up just six points to Penn State. While the Nittany Lions scored 13 points, just two field goals came against the defense.

Shutting out any team is not easy, no matter who they are. The Buckeyes pitched a 45-0 shutout against the Boilermakers and now they are looking to do much of the same against Northwestern on Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Ohio State is giving up just 267 yards per game, which is good for No. 6 in the country. Teams are scoring just 10.7 points per game against the Ohio State defense.

The Buckeyes knew their defense was going to take a big step this year and that is what they have done. Again, the Oregon game may be one they look back on at the end of the year and they are glad that it happened. The brought is going to get a lot tougher for Ohio State, but if the defense can remain consistent they will have as good of a shot to win it all as anyone else.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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