John Cooper: Ohio State doesn’t look like No. 2 team

Ohio State has shown signs of vulnerability this season, the latest coming from their 24-13 act of survival against Illinois. With less than two minutes left in the game, Ohio State found itself up only by four when running back Dan Herron finally darted past the Fighting Illini defense and in for the score that sealed the game.

But while Ohio State may have gotten the win, Legend John Cooper isn’t convinced that they are second best team in the nation.

“I did not put Ohio State No. 2,” said Cooper. “I don’t know how you can put them up there. I clearly think they’re the best team in the Big Ten, and I think Iowa is probably the second best.”

See Coach Cooper’s ballot here.

Despite their struggles against Illinois, the second-ranked Buckeyes are off to an undefeated start (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten).

According to Cooper, Ohio State will be the team to beat in the Big Ten.

“I was disappointed in Wisconsin; the way they played,” Cooper said. “I don’t think they have enough team speed, particularly on defense, to beat Ohio State or Iowa.

“You’ve got to beat [Ohio State]. They don’t beat themselves. And Jim Tressel does a great job of managing the game.”

According to Indiana legend Bill Mallory, quarterback Terrelle Pryor plays a critical role in the team’s success.

“When I look at Ohio State,” Mallory said, “Pryor is so important on the offensive side of the ball.”

Cooper agrees.

“Pryor is a great athlete — not a great quarterback, but he is a great athlete,” he said. “And if he’s hurt, and they don’t rely on him to run the football, someone might slip up and beat them.”

When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, the Legends Coaches are in consensus.

“Ohio State is really solid on defense,” said Cooper.

“Their defense is a good defense, a good physical defense,” added Mallory.

The stats back up the Legends. Ohio State is home to a defensive squad that ranks fifth in total defense and fifth in rush defense nationally.

But whether it’s the offense or the defense, the bottom line is that Ohio State is still undefeated on the year.

“All they do is win,” said Cooper. “They don’t look good, but they win games.”

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