When you look at the final score in Indiana's 19-15 loss to Ohio State, it's clear that the Hoosiers' defense did more than enough to give Curt Cignetti and Co. a chance to win. Facing an explosive Buckeyes offense led by quarterback Julian Sayin and superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Indiana held Ohio State to just 313 total yards, including only 78 on the ground. The Hoosiers also forced two interceptions, recorded four sacks and kept Ohio State out of the end zone for the entire second half. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't capitalize enough, and Indiana suffered its first loss of the season.

In a close game like Saturday's, using a tool like Pro Football Focus allows us to see what happened on a player-by-player basis and gives some insight as to how it really went. It's not gospel, but there are some things that just don't show up in the box score that can tell another part of the story.

Top Three Defensive Performers (25 snap minimum)

1. DE Stephen Daley - 78.6

Daley was Indiana's highest-graded defensive player, earning a 78.6 overall grade across 54 defensive snaps. He was particularly effective against the run, posting a 73.8 run-defense grade, while also earning a 77.2 tackling grade and 73.6 pass-rushing grade. Daley finished with five total tackles, including a half tackle for loss. According to PFF, he also generated three quarterback hurries and four defensive stops. His combination of consistent pressure and strong run defense made him one of Indiana's most complete defenders against the Buckeyes.

2. DE Tobi Osunsanmi - 69.6

Osunsanmi continued to be a disruptive presence along Indiana's defensive front, earning a 69.6 overall defensive grade and an impressive 73.7 run-defense grade. He played 47 defensive snaps and finished with four tackles, including two sacks and two tackles for loss. PFF credited him with four total quarterback pressures, including two sacks, one hit and one hurry. His ability to disrupt Ohio State's passing attack was a major reason the Buckeyes struggled to find offensive consistency.

3. S Amare Ferrell - 69.2

Ferrell's overall defensive grade of 69.2 doesn't fully capture just how impactful he was against Ohio State. The safety played 67 defensive snaps and finished with seven tackles, two passes defended and two interceptions. Those two picks accounted for all of Indiana's takeaways through the air. Ferrell earned a 75.4 run-defense grade and a 65.1 coverage grade. He was targeted five times, allowing just one reception for seven yards. His ball production was a massive factor in keeping Indiana within striking distance throughout the game.

Interesting Notes

Indiana's defensive front was extremely productive, generating 17 total quarterback pressures according to PFF. Osunsanmi led the way with four, while Daley and Mario Landino each recorded three. Landino also finished with a 66.3 pass-rushing grade, helping Indiana consistently disrupt Sayin in the pocket.

Linebacker A.J. Harris was one of Indiana's most reliable tacklers, earning a team-high 82.8 tackling grade. Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones weren't far behind, each posting an 82.1 tackling grade. Meanwhile, Preston Zachman had a particularly rough afternoon, finishing with a team-low 48.1 overall defensive grade and a 28.3 tackling grade.