“OHIO STATE’S DOMINANT DEFENSE: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE BUCKEYES’ STINGY D”
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been known for their explosive offense, but this season, it’s their defense that’s stolen the show. Led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defense has been nothing short of dominant, ranking near the top of the nation in nearly every major category.
Through 12 games, the Buckeyes’ defense has allowed just 12.5 points per game, good for third-best in the country. They’ve also been stingy against the run, allowing just 2.8 yards per carry, and have been equally effective against the pass, allowing just 5.5 yards per attempt.
But what’s behind the Buckeyes’ dominant defense? Is it the talent? The scheme? The coaching? The answer, of course, is all of the above.
One of the key factors in the Buckeyes’ defensive success has been the play of their defensive line. Led by ends Zach Harrison and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, the Buckeyes’ defensive line has been a force to be reckoned with, accounting for 25 sacks and 43 tackles for loss.
But the Buckeyes’ defensive line is more than just a collection of talented individuals. They’re a cohesive unit that has been coached to perfection by defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Johnson, who has been coaching the defensive line at Ohio State since 2014, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive line coaches in the country.
“Coach Johnson is a genius,” said Harrison. “He’s always pushing us to be our best, and he’s got a way of getting the most out of us. We’re lucky to have him as our coach.”
Another key factor in the Buckeyes’ defensive success has been the play of their linebackers. Led by Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg, the Buckeyes’ linebackers have been all over the field, accounting for 15 sacks and 25 tackles for loss.
But the Buckeyes’ linebackers are more than just a collection of talented individuals. They’re a cohesive unit that has been coached to perfection by linebackers coach Al Washington. Washington, who has been coaching the linebackers at Ohio State since 2019, is widely regarded as one of the best linebackers coaches in the country.
“Coach Washington is a great coach,” said Chambers. “He’s always pushing us to be our best, and he’s got a way of getting the most out of us. We’re lucky to have him as our coach.”
The Buckeyes’ secondary has also been a major factor in their defensive success. Led by corners Denzel Burke and Cam Brown, the Buckeyes’ secondary has been lockdown, allowing just 5.5 yards per attempt and intercepting 10 passes.
But the Buckeyes’ secondary is more than just a collection of talented individuals. They’re a cohesive unit that has been coached to perfection by secondary coach Tim Walton. Walton, who has been coaching the secondary at Ohio State since 2020, is widely regarded as one of the best secondary coaches in the country.
“Coach Walton is a great coach,” said Burke. “He’s always pushing us to be our best, and he’s got a way of getting the most out of us. We’re lucky to have him as our coach.”
Of course, the Buckeyes’ defensive success can’t be attributed to just one or two factors. It’s a team effort, and every player on the defense has contributed to their success.
“We’re a team,” said defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. “We’re a family. And we’re all working together to achieve one goal: to be the best defense in the country.”
The Buckeyes’ defense has been so dominant this season that they’re being mentioned alongside some of the greatest defenses in college football history. And while it’s still early, it’s clear that this defense has the potential to be truly special.
“We’re just trying to take it one game at a time,” said Knowles. “We’re not worried about the past or the future. We’re just focused on the present, and on being the best defense we can be.”
The Buckeyes’ defense will face its toughest test yet when they take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff semifinals. But based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s clear that they’re up to the challenge.
“Ohio State’s Defensive Rankings”
– Points allowed per game: 3rd (12.5)
– Yards allowed per game: 5th (276.5)
– Rushing yards allowed per game: 2nd (77.5)
– Passing yards allowed per game: 10th (199.0)
– Sacks: 2nd (43)
– Tackles for loss: 1st (93)
– Interceptions: 5th (10)
“Ohio State’s Defensive Leaders”
– Zach
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