First Posted: 11/29/2014
COLUMBUS — When Michael Bennett speaks, Ohio State listens.
After Michigan marched 75 yards to tie OSU 21-21 early in the second half Saturday, the Buckeyes’ senior defensive lineman had seen enough.
“He told us they were playing like they were better than we were and they weren’t,” linebacker Darron Lee said.
Actually, Bennett said more than that. And considerably more colorfully.
“They were straight up beating us and driving down the field and that’s not OK. So I just wanted to bring it to the forefront and eliminate all confusion that we were just getting beat and that we needed to go out there and beat our man who was lined up across from us one on one every single play and we’ll win the game,” Bennett said.
He described his tone of voice as “elevated” and said, “There were some descriptive words in there.”
This was the second time in the last four games Bennett, one of OSU’s captains, had called out the defense. He also did it at halftime of the Buckeyes’ 49-37 win over Michigan State.
Ohio State scored 21 unanswered points from the time Bennett forcefully made his point until Michigan got a touchdown with 1:15 to play
LONG WAY TO GO: Ezekiel Elliott’s 44-yard touchdown run was the longest run allowed by Michigan’s defense this year. He rushed for 121 yards on 17 carries, which was the sixth time this season he has gone over 100 yards.
FURBUSH INACTIVE: Michigan freshman linebacker Noah Furbush, a Kenton High School graduate, had shoulder surgery earlier this season and did not play in any games for the Wolverines.
BY THE NUMBERS: Ohio State tight end Jeff Heuerman returned to wearing the number 86 he had worn the rest of his career Saturday. He had worn the number 5 to honor injured quarterback Braxton Miller.
