TL;DR
- Ohio State's defense is a strong foundation for the 2025 Buckeyes, potentially crucial for consecutive national titles.
- The Buckeyes defense leads the nation in opponent points per game, yards per game, and red-zone scoring.
- Ohio State ranks highly in limiting opponent rushing and passing yards, showcasing a well-rounded defensive unit.
- This elite, fundamentally-sound defense is built to dominate opponents and carry the team when needed.
While Ohio State's offense often grabs the spotlight, the defense could very well be the foundation of the 2025 Buckeyes squad.
Should the Buckeyes aim for consecutive national titles, this group might prove to be the crucial element. Consistently, Ohio State has stifled adversaries through every conceivable method, crafting one of the most thorough defensive campaigns in the program's recent past.
Nationally, the Buckeyes are presently leading in several defensive categories: opponent points per game, opponent yards per game, opponent points per play, opponent yards per play, and opponent red-zone scoring. This means opponents struggle to advance the ball, complete scoring drives, and frequently fail to reach the end zone. Such consistent performance is the hallmark of championship-caliber defenses.
Beyond that, Ohio State also holds the second spot for opponent rushing attempts per game, opponent yards per pass, and opponent passing yards per game. They're sixth in opponent yards per rush, demonstrating their ability to shut down teams on the ground or put quarterbacks in difficult aerial situations.
This is a defense that plays fast, communicates well, and adjusts on the fly. It’s the kind of elite, fundamentally-sound group that can flip a playoff game or carry momentum when the offense hits a rough patch. With the postseason approaching, Ohio State isn't just chasing another title, they’re doing it with a defense built to dominate anyone in their path.
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