ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Ohio State's Kurt Coleman is one of the best safeties in the Big Ten Conference, but it's often been difficult for him to gain notoriety during his four seasons with the Buckeyes.

In years past, Ohio State's linebackers - James Laurinaitis chief among them - have been the focal point of its defense. There was also cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, who was among the top players at his position in the country.

But even with Laurinaitis and Jenkins graduating after the 2008 season, Coleman's contributions seemed to occur largely under the radar this season, as the Buckeyes' fierce defensive front assumed the identity of the defense.

Coleman, however, reminded everyone on Saturday just how critical the three-year starter at strong safety has been to Ohio State's success.

Coleman intercepted two passes, broke up two others and finished with four tackles in the Buckeyes' 21-10 victory over the Michigan Wolverines.

"This is what you dream of," said Coleman, who helped Ohio State beat Michigan for the sixth straight season. "I'm able to say I left a lasting legacy against Michigan."

Coleman's interceptions sparked another strong defensive effort by the Buckeyes, who forced five turnovers. Coleman's second pick stopped a Michigan threat early in the fourth quarter, and came after an instant-replay view. Officials on the field ruled Coleman was out of bounds, but the replay official reversed the call.

"And he almost had a third (interception)," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "Kurt Coleman is a good football player and a good leader. He loves the game and he's going to be a good player at the next level."

Coleman had a premonition of sorts. He said he had a dream the night before the game. In the dream, Coleman intercepted a pass and the Buckeyes won.

"It wasn't as good as I played it out today," he said.

Cornerback Devon Torrence and defensive end Thaddeus Gibson also intercepted Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier, who was 23 of 38 for 226 yards and a touchdown, but threw four interceptions and fumbled in the Wolverines' end zone for Ohio State's first touchdown.

Cameron Heyward fell on Forcier's fumble less than five minutes into the game at Michigan Stadium.

"I think Thad (Gibson) got the pressure and forced the fumble," Heyward said. "I got lucky. I was just in the right place at the right time. It was a big play to start off the game. It got us rolling a little bit."

Torrence's interception, which came in the Ohio State end zone midway through the fourth quarter, effectively iced the game for the Buckeyes.

On second-and-5 from Ohio State's 6, Forcier stepped up to elude pressure, then saw freshman Junior Hemingway in right corner of the end zone. But the Wolverines' freshman quarterback missed Torrence.

"I kind of baited him," Torrence said. "I don't think he saw me."

Gibson's interception came with 3:34 to play and the outcome all but decided.

epuskas@tribtoday.com