The areas in which the Buckeyes ailed last season seem to be the ones that are thriving this season. The defense, which allowed 347.7 yards last season, has trimmed that figure to 309.9 yards this year. I think they're the best defense in this league right now. They get to the ball in a hurry, close very quickly, very sound and fundamental in what they do. All in all, Cooper is pleased with this season, even though his team has lost two of its last three games.
Life is a little better.
Last season didn't start so poorly for Cooper and Ohio State, which won three of its first four games. In fact, OSU was 6-3 with three games remaining in the season. Then the bottom fell out. First came a 23-7 loss to Michigan State, which held OSU to just 79 total yards in the game. The following week, Ohio State returned home, but suffered its worst home loss in 50 years when Illinois handed it a 46-20 shellacking.