Ohio State Football: Why Isn't Ryan Shazier Getting More National Attention?

Following a tough overtime victory against the Badgers in Madison, Wisconsin, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team is officially 11-0 for the first time since the 2006 season. This win came after a big-time effort by the team as a whole, and the best game of the year so far by sophomore linebacker Ryan Shazier. 

In the Buckeyes' win versus the Badgers, Shazier had 12 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and perhaps the biggest play of his career so far at Ohio State. 

Late in the fourth quarter the Badgers were going for it on fourth down on Ohio State's 1-yard line while down by seven. Taking the handoff on the play was Wisconsin's Montee Ball who would have set the NCAA record for total rushing touchdowns in a career if he leaped across the goal line. Shazier had other plans.

The 226-lb sophomore crashed into Ball in the air, stopping him short of the goal line, knocking the ball out of his hands and creating a much needed turnover for his team. So why isn't the Plantation, Florida native getting more national attention? 

On the year, Shazier has been nothing short of spectacular, piling up Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year numbers. Let's compare his stats with those of Notre Dame's Manti Te'o who is in the discussion for the Heisman trophy. Both players have played through 11 games this season. 

Manti Te'o: 98 tackles, 5.6 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, nine pass breakups, and six interceptions. 

Ryan Shazier: 110 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, 11 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. 

Has Shazier done enough to hoist up some postseason awards come season's end? If so, have the Buckeyes gotten enough national exposure for him to do so? It will be fun to watch and find out! 

God bless and go Bucks!