The Ohio State defense has a saying, “Give us an inch and we’ll defend it.” It’s a unique twist on the, “anytime, anyplace” cliché in sports and the Buckeye defenders have lived up to even the loftiest expectations of the year. In his third year as the defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles has coached up the Buckeyes to what could be considered the best unit in program history. Considering the long line of great Ohio State defenses, that could be saying a lot.
In his first season, Knowles’ defense was top-notch until it ran into Michigan and Georgia. In 2023, he kicked it up a notch and his defense allowed more than 17 points once (Michigan, again) and was top five in almost every statistical category. This year, however, the Knowles-led defense has been The
best defense in the country.
Ohio State Defense Living Up To Mantra This Season
Defending to the Final Inch
There are plenty of strengths to the Ohio State defense. Perhaps the most impressive to this point has been its red zone defense. Through 15 games, the Buckeyes have allowed opponents to get into the red zone 36 times, tied for the fifth-fewest in the country. Even more impressively, despite playing 15 games, the Buckeyes have allowed only 22 scores, the fewest in the country. So, as one can gather, Ohio State has forced offenses to walk away empty 14 times out of 36 trips.
On 11 instances this year, the defense was faced with first and goal and did not allow a touchdown. Eight of those drives resulted in zero points allowed and four were turnovers on downs:
- at Oregon (Week 7): First and Goal from the nine
- vs Nebraska: First and Goal from the seven, off an interception
- at Penn State: First and goal from the three (Davison Igbinosun interception)
- at Penn State: First and goal from the three
- at Purdue: First and goal from the five (missed field goal)
- at Northwestern: First and goal from the five
- vs Michigan: First and goal from the three (Jack Sawyer interception)
- vs Texas: First and goal from the one (Sawyer strip-sack, scoop-and-score touchdown)
Across those 15 games, the Ohio State defense has allowed 20 total touchdowns. 15 of those 20 touchdowns came in the red zone. Averaging just one red zone touchdown allowed per game tends to be a winning formula.
The Buckeyes will have to lean on this aspect of the defense yet again against the Fighting Irish. Across Notre Dame’s 15 games, it has totaled 58 red zone trips. 28 of those trips resulted in a rushing touchdown, good for fourth-most in the country. In total, Notre Dame scored on 48 of 58 trips.
Stepping up in the CFP
Of those 20 total touchdowns allowed, seven have come in the College Football Playoff and none have resulted in the Buckeyes losing a lead. In fact, across all three CFP matchups, Ohio State has never trailed. It was tied 0-0 for 3:14 against Tennessee. Against Oregon, the Buckeyes were tied 0-0 for just 1:00. Texas posed a better threat as the Buckeyes and Longhorns spent 19:02 tied at 0-0, 7-7, and 14-14.
Overall, the Ohio State defense has been holding its opponents to under-season averages throughout this run and making things significantly easier on the offense. Tennessee was averaging 462.9 yards and 37.25 points per game. The Buckeyes held the Volunteers to 256 yards and 17 points. Oregon posted an average of 449.8 yards and 35.9 points per game leading up to the Rose Bowl and managed just 276 yards and 21 points. Leading up to the Cotton Bowl, Texas was averaging 443.9 yards and 34.3 points per game. Ohio State held the Longhorns to 341 yards and 14 points.
Compared to the previous three opponents, Notre Dame’s offense has been a touch below Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. The Fighting Irish come into the National Championship averaging 405.1 yards per game. However, they pay off drives and are second in the country with 37 points scored per game.
One More Test
The thing about Ohio State’s alleged $20 million roster and what it has taken to make this run is that Ohio State used much of its resources and attention on retaining potential NFL-bound players. Now, all of that effort can pay off with a win.
Sawyer, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Denzel Burke, Cody Simon, Lathan Ransom, and Jordan Hancock are done after this. Davison Igbinosun, Sonny Styles, and even Jermaine Mathews could join their peers and jump to the NFL. This game will certainly be the end of an era.
These seniors have given everything to this program. Even without a single win over Michigan, this group can leave Ohio State as legends after securing the program’s ninth national title.
Notre Dame’s offense poses a different kind of threat. The Buckeyes will have to employ a similar gameplan as they did against Tennessee to make sure to contain the run. In addition, to ensure that Riley Leonard does not take off and win with his legs. Jeremiyah Love is a completely different beast and is easily the top running back the defense has played to this point in the CFP considering Dylan Sampson was not 100% healthy.
On paper, the Buckeye have a clear advantage. However, football is not played on paper; Day’s many failings against Michigan are evidence of that fact. There will forever be the cloud of “Day can’t win big games” hanging over the program if the Buckeyes cannot secure the victory. This Ohio State defense has one more shot to make sure Day and this Buckeye team goes out on top in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
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