COLUMBUS – There’s something to be said for getting the victory.

But, there’s also something to be said for the way it was accomplished.

Fortunately for Ohio State, in the ultimate long run, the former is the only one that really matters.

Ohio State put 104,000-plus through the ringer, emotionally, on Saturday thanks to a 20-13 victory against Northern Illinois that was much tougher to get than most expected.

“We’re happy to win, but we’re not blaring music down there (in the locker room) right now,” OSU linebacker Darron Lee said.

The music wasn’t blaring because the Buckeyes were far from ‘9-units strong’ as head coach Urban Meyer wants week in and week out. The majortiy of the units that weren’t strong were on the offensive side of the ball.

“I know there’s going to be a million questions about the offense. And there should be,” Meyer said. “There’s a little discombobulation that’s got to get worked out, and we’ve got good players, good coaches, good schemes.”

Regardless the level of football, the quarterback position gets the most attention. That’s especially true of this Ohio State team, which had one of the most widely followed quarterback competitions during camp.

The majority thought the Buckeyes had three legitimate threats prior to the season. Since then, Braxton Miller has shifted to wide receiver and neither Cardale Jones, who won the job in camp, nor J.T. Barrett has played all that splendidly.

Though Meyer, who has said time and time again that quarterback is the most important position in all of sports, was simply unable to put his finger on what’s causing the Buckeyes to be out of sync and lack rhythm.

“Easiest way to think is it’s 11 people doing the right things at the right time. And we’re having some issues with that. It’s not happening, obviously,” Meyer said. “We’ll go back to work and get it fixed and get it fixed fast. I have not lost confidence in our staff and our players. Obviously we have very good players, and we’ll get it worked out.”

The Buckeyes’ problems can’t all be put on the shoulders of the quarterbacks. Quite simply, Ezekiel Elliott aside, not one area has played all that well the last two weeks.

Against Northern Illinois, the Buckeyes were 2-of-15 on third down and committed five turnovers. They scored only one offensive touchdown, which has been simply unheard of since Meyer arrived in Columbus.

The offensive line, which is full of veterans, hasn’t performed like it was late last season. Taylor Decker – the unquestioned leader of the group – thinks it’s coming, however.

“I know we’re capable of executing much better,” Decker said. “Our offense is being held back by us (the line), but I have all the confidence in the world in our line.”

Maybe, just maybe, the loss of Tom Herman is bigger than people realize. Obviously, the guy is an offensive mastermind. But, he also coached the quarterbacks. His departure for Houston allowed Ed Warriner to take over as the offensive coordinator. With Warriner investing more time with the entire offensive group, his focus isn’t solely with the offensive line.

“We have a long way to go coaching and playing,” Meyer said. “The good thing is we’re going to devote a lot of time to getting this thing right.”

Actually, the difference in the game wasn’t anything the offense did, but what the defense did. The “Silver Bullets” were up to the task once again. Lee, who played quarterback at New Albany High School, picked off a NIU pass and raced it back for a touchdown, which proved to be the game winner.

All told, the Buckeyes’ defense was up to task all day. Vonn Bell and Eli Apple both had huge games in the secondary.

It’s a defensive unit that Ohio State’s accustomed to seeing. The offense, though? Buckeye fans are accustomed to that type of game, but the coach’s name wasn’t Meyer. It was (Jim) Tressel.

Along with Lee, Joshua Perry and Raekwon McMillan at linebacker, Joey Bosa appeared much more game ready. Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis both had some very bright moments.

“We feel like we have an obligation and we put the team on our back,” Hubbard said.

Well, Sam, Buckeye Nation certainly thanks you and the entire defensive unit for saddling up and putting the team on your backs.

SETH’S SCOOPS

JOEY GALLOWAY’S wife, Tyrah, accepted his Hall of Fame honor at halftime on Saturday. She was joined on the field by the couple’s three children.

FOLLANSBEE grad Tim Anderson was also also inducted to the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame.

THE BUCKEYES maintained their hold on the number one spot in both major polls, but their grasp is loosening. Michigan State is the number two team after Alabama lost this weekend. Remember, Sparty visits Columbus on Nov. 21.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com or at twitter.com/TLSportsSeth