COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State lost every starter on its defensive line, three of five starting defensive backs and a linebacker who was both productive and a key leader for the Buckeyes' title-winning team last season.

Coach Ryan Day also needed to hire a new defensive coordinator following Jim Knowles' departure to Penn State.

A drop in production would have been understandable. Yet the top-ranked Buckeyes are right back at the top in scoring defense and third in total defense after five games this season and heading into a matchup Saturday at No. 17 Illinois.

Ohio State has held opponents to 10 points or fewer in its first five games, its longest streak since Earle Bruce's first season as coach in 1979.

How did the Buckeyes reload so quickly?

In the mind of Minnesota coach P.

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