OSU defensive line silences some of its critics

COLUMBUS - One way or another, Ohio State's defensive line was tired of all the talk.

Maybe they got tired of hearing from other people how bad they were playing. Maybe they got tired of talking about it among themselves.

Whatever the reason, OSU's defensive front has quieted the conversations and exhibited noticeable improvement in its last few games, heading into Saturday's game at Northwestern.

"I think a lot of people were telling them they couldn't do it, that they weren't good, that they needed to get better. I think that got to them," safety Kurt Coleman said about the defensive linemen.

Tackle Nader Abdallah says it was stopping another kind of talking that marked the beginning of the defensive line's advancement.

"We were always talking about how we had to get better. All the talking stopped because the talking wasn't doing anything," Abdallah said.

"Ever since then we stepped up our game. We showed it instead of talking about it. Guys are just stepping up to the plate. It's not about talk, it's about going out there and taking care of business."

Ohio State's sack statistics aren't anything to get excited about, even lately. The Buckeyes have dropped opposing quarterbacks six times in the last three games and are just one sack away from worst in the Big Ten for the season.

But three opposing running backs who are among the best in the Big Ten have had sub-par games against OSU in its last three games.

Penn State's Evan Royster had 77 yards against Ohio State, compared to his season average of 107 yards a game. Michigan State's Javon Ringer, who is averaging 142 yards a game, gained 67 against OSU, and Purdue's Kory Sheets also was held to 67 yards.

"I can't really say what it is, it just kind of turned on for me, it just kind of clicked the last two or three games," Abdallah said. "I feel like I'm improving and it's not just me, I think the whole defensive line has improved incredibly."

The defensive line took a significant hit when starting end Lawrence Wilson was lost for the season during the Purdue game. But in his absence, end Thaddeus Gibson has emerged as the strongest force on OSU's defensive line.

Gibson has four sacks for the season, has forced two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown.

"Thaddeus, we always knew he was going to be a great pass rusher because he has great speed and strength," Abdallah said. "At first, he was having trouble learning the plays but lately he has turned it around 100 percent. He believes in himself, I think that's the No. 1 thing that has changed him."

Coleman says he and the rest of the defensive backs and linebackers have noticed the defensive line's improvement during games.

"It helps out the back seven, that's for sure," he said.