This season the Buckeyes have a way of keeping things interesting when it would first appear that they have things well in hand.
Late in the game, opposing teams seem to find some way of closing the gap.
Senior safety Will Allen has become a key contributor to keeping the Buckeyes’ winning streak of 18 in a row alive. Without Allen becoming “Mr. Clutch,” the possibility of overtime or a loss in several of the last 18 games would have become a reality.
“Will’s where he’s supposed to be,” OSU coach Jim Tressel said. “He’s poised and patient even when the game is harried.”
Last November against archrival Michigan, Allen was there when Michigan quarterback John Navarre stepped up in the pocket and threatened to bring the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl hope to an end. With Michigan deep in Buckeye territory late in the fourth quarter, Allen made the game clinching interception on the OSU goal line. The play allowed flights from Columbus to Tempe, Ariz., to fill up shortly there after.
“It looks like it’s supposed to be the most important play in the world,” Tressel said. “Will knows what he’s supposed to do, gets himself in position, slows the play down, and makes good decisions.”
On Saturday a packed Ohio Stadium saw Allen find his way to the right spot once again for the Buckeyes as he stepped in front of Bowling Green quarterback Josh Harris’ pass and ran out the clock to preserve a 24-17 victory, as the Falcons threatened to send OSU into their second overtime game in as many weeks.
When North Carolina State fumbled a kickoff a week ago, Allen was there to make the recovery deep in Wolfpack territory. Allen showed up again near the goal line on the final play to help stuff a Wolfpack threat and keep OSU’s triple-overtime victory and winning streak alive.
In the San Diego State game, Allen scored the only touchdown for the Buckeyes as he returned an interception a school best 100 yards. He also forced a fumble and broke up a pass.
“I don’t think it necessarily solidifies me as a leader because we all work together,” Allen said. “Our whole senior class are leaders. Like I said, just playing hard and working hard, that’s what we’ve got to do to win the game.”
