I've got no issue with Taylor not making the "big play" as he did so many times last year. Sure, against lesser teams last year (KSU) he shined making big play after big play. The problem with that against a better team is that you're putting the defense back onto the field right after they just got done being on it. And against better teams you're not going to get big plays as much so then you're back to 3 and out which, oh there goes the defense out on the field again. It's not only physically draining on the defense, its MENTALLY draining as well. The sustained drives this year have been a much more welcome sight. THAT is the formula to beating a good team. Pound, pound, pound and pound again until late in the game YOU can control what happends. Seems like it worked pretty well for quite a few years before, I don't know why it still wouldn't.
I've got a different angle I'm looking at here. I know that alot of these Big 10 defenses are ranked high, but these are rankings based on stats. How many Big 10 offenses have you been impressed by this year? I think the only 3 offenses in the Big 10 that are worth a crap are Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin. OSU has surged as of late, but its only that, as of late. Point is, if the offenses you're playing against aren't good, then your stats will reflect accordingly. I think that some of these Big 10 defenses are good, but they're not as good as the stats/rankings indicate. JMO.