ANN ARBOR — Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier took his third snap of yesterday’s game in the shadow of his own end zone. Several nanoseconds later, the freshman was surrounded by chaos and impending mayhem and running for his young life.

“We came out hard, and getting the pressure up front was the goal on every play. We had ‘em rattled a little bit,” Ohio State senior defensive lineman Doug Worthington said.

As Worthington and company poured in around him, Forcier tried to scramble out of the Michigan end zone. The ball came loose in the panic, and Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward recovered it for the day’s first touchdown in what turned out to be a 21-10 victory for the Buckeyes.

“That’s what they’ve been doing all season, so it wasn’t a real surprise to see our defense swarming in there and coming up with another turnover,” OSU wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said. “That’s just the way those guys play — they’re relentless.”

“There’s nobody out there worrying about who gets credit for what — we’re just playing as a unit and finding out that we’re a lot stronger that way,” Ohio State linebacker Brian Rolle said. “When all 11 guys are attacking, someone on the offense is going to be feeling the pressure. We feel like if we can keep the pressure on, play after play, then good things are going to happen for us.”

Ohio State came into the game averaging almost six three-and-out situations per game, and the Buckeyes recorded seven of the quick stops against Michigan. The Wolverines had been leading the Big Ten in scoring at more than 31 points per game but were held to just 10 by an Ohio State defense that has three shutouts this season and has allowed just 12 points per game — sixth best in the nation.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, whose team did not get a single first down in the opening quarter against the Buckeyes, said Ohio State’s defense showed its might by forcing the fumble and intercepting four passes and stopping Michigan in the red zone on two occasions.

“We moved the ball, but the turnovers — giving them seven points — and a couple of times we had scoring chances and we didn’t get it done,” Rodriguez said. “We played a good football team.”

The Buckeyes have allowed just 11 touchdowns over the last 43 quarters of play, and Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said he wants to keep putting his defense in situations where it can be successful.

“Our number one task on offense is to make sure we put our defense in the best possible position,” Tressel said.

Ohio State intercepted Forcier three times on the Buckeyes’ end of the field. Tressel said his defense answered the challenges presented by Michigan’s spread offense and the mobile and improvisational Forcier.

“Our defense, we just kept coming,” said Tressel, who is 8-1 against Michigan. “They have a lot of weapons. But I thought our kids kept the faith.”

Michigan finished with 309 yards of offense, with 229 of that coming on the 42 passes the Wolverines threw. Ohio State held the Wolverines to just 80 yards rushing after Michigan had averaged more than 195 rushing yards per game this season.

“What we saw today was just our defense pretty much controlling the game,” Sanzenbacher said.

“It seemed like each one of those turnovers created a big change in momentum out there. There was a lot going on, and each time they needed to make a play, our defense did. That’s what they do, but like I said, it’s nothing new. We get used to seeing them make such a difference in the game.”

Contact Matt Markey atmmarkey@theblade.com or 419-724-6510.