A step forward in Year Two of the Jim Knowles defense starts in the back end

Davison Igbinoson by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row -- — Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun transferred from Ole Miss this offseason. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State secondary face planted when it mattered most last season. The Buckeyes allowed four pass plays of 30-plus yards against Michigan, three of which went for touchdowns of at least 45 yards. Then, in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff, Georgia recorded eight pass plays of 20-plus yards, including a 76-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that saw safety Lathan Ransom trip after flipping his hips and trying to keep in stride with Bulldogs speedster Arian Smith.