Before the Northwestern game, the Penn State defense had only held teams without a touchdown for consecutive quarters twice.

The first time was in the opener against Central Florida, when it yielded three field goals in the first three quarters. The second, against Nebraska, when it pitched two shutout quarters in the second half.

The Nittany Lions only let up 17 points to Louisiana Tech, but in the next three games, 27 points was the lowest total they allowed.

Now, the Lions are riding an eight-quarter streak in which their defense hasn't allowed a touchdown. Defensive back Chris Gamble's 40-yard interception return accounted for the only time Ohio State hit paydirt, and the other six points came on field goals.

The secret has been a defense that isn't afraid to try to make plays, and that has come from a somewhat more simple defense.

"We're trying to be aggressive on defense," cornerback Rich Gardner said. "We're trying not to be so scared or what not as far as defensive schemes."

Several Lions indicated that they have felt more comfortable with the defense being simplified. According to defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, not much has been changed, but the Lions have spent more time in their basic defenses.

"We've been trying to scheme with our base packages as much as possible," Bradley said. "It's been something we have been evolving to since the beginning of the season. We haven't cut anything out. It may not be so much that things are simpler as that guys are getting used to it."

By sticking more to the basics, the Lions defenders have found it easier to keep up with their assignments during the games and have not been confused during the games.

"We don't have to worry about checking this and checking that," linebacker Derek Wake said. "You just concentrate on guy in front of you and play football."

The aggressive play that allows paid dividends Saturday. The Lions forced four Buckeye turnovers, and registered 16 tackles for loss.

According to Bradley, that aggression is the secret to good defense no matter what the strategies are.

"The scheming is never as important as having guys that fly to the football and make plays," he said. "You could have the wrong defense out there, but if you have the right guys, and they're flying to the football, it looks like the right defense. I've noticed that these guys are doing a lot more of that."