Many games can be won or lost on special teams. Just ask Michigan State about that!

To some, special teams is an often overlooked aspect of the football game. Skill players, hard-hitting defenders, and electric pass rushers are no strangers to the spotlight, but the work put in by players on special teams is just as important as any other aspect of a football game.

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No one emphasized that more than Urban Meyer, and he says the Buckeyes continue to do so under Ryan Day. But how does a coach get through to his team the importance of special teams? That is the question that Gerry DiNardo asked Meyer during this BTN segment.

It’s simple. Meyer said that during his time at Ohio State, players were required to start on special teams before playing with the offense or defense:

“Well, the way we did it and they’re still doing it at Ohio State,” explained Meyer, “Is we had a rule that before you could play on offense or defense, you had to start special teams. That goes back to Zeke Elliott, Michael Thomas, the Bosa’s. You have to contribute on special teams or you are not going to play.”

You can check out the full segment, courtesy of BTN:

Wide receiver Chris Olave is the latest example of this practice. He earned his first start against Indiana and led the Buckeyes with 70 yards receiving. However, his work on special teams was highlighted when he blocked a punt for a safety.