The Buckeyes held their second practice of the spring Thursday, and as will be the case throughout the 15 workouts the emphasis is on relying on instinct and playing without restraint instead of following the diagrammed play and reacting.
Ohio State surrendered an average of more than 38 points and 539 yards a game while closing out 1-2 in the most important games of 2013. With seven starters back from that unit, Meyer is demanding that, first and foremost, everyone play hard and fast.
The defense had a collapse of epic proportions near the end of a program-record 24-game winning streak, all under Meyer in his first two years on the job. The Buckeyes were in the hunt for a spot in the national championship game until, suddenly, they couldn't stop anybody.
His coaches have been put on notice that things will be different.