For one late-October afternoon in Happy Valley, JT Tuimoloau looked like the most dominant defensive force in college football.
Even in a video game, the second-year Ohio State defensive end’s statline might have been difficult to believe. Two sacks, two interceptions – one returned for a touchdown – a forced fumble and fumble recovery, a batted-down pass and three tackles for loss. And those numbers didn’t come in the second half of a blowout against a lower-tier opponent.
The Buckeyes needed every contribution Tuimoloau gave them. Ohio State trailed Penn State by five points with 9:26 left in the fourth quarter and had mustered one touchdown all game through the first three quarters of action.