Matt Patricia, Ohio State defense showed a connection in making adjustments vs. Michigan

"We’re staying on our toes when he’s out there," linebacker Sonny Styles said.

Ohio State’s defense held Michigan to 39 yards of offense in the second half of last Saturday’s game in Ann Arbor. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics)

COLUMBUS — Ryan Day couldn’t believe it. The longest rush Ohio State had allowed all season was 34 yards, and it happened on Sept. 27 at Washington. Then here was Michigan, on the first play of The Game, ripping off a 36-yard run.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Day said to himself on the sideline.

You could count on one hand the number of 20-plus-yard runs the Buckeye defense had allowed before facing Michigan. Four. The Wolverines had three on their first four possessions.