Ohio State’s championship aspirations are built on one dominant truth: this team wins because its defense suffocates opponents.
Through the regular season, Matt Patricia’s defense has allowed just 7.5 points per game—the best scoring defense in college football. The Buckeyes lead the nation in total defense (212.6 YPG) and red zone defense (57.9%), while ranking second in both passing defense (131.2 YPG) and rushing defense (81.4 YPG).
Those numbers represent more than statistical dominance—they’re the foundation for a championship run.
The Numbers That Win Championships
Elite defenses win championships. Ohio State’s defense at 7.5 PPG represents elite-level performance. For comparison, the 2024 Ohio State defense under Jim Knowles allowed 12.9 PPG and won the championship. Patricia’s defense has significantly improved on that championship unit while replacing eight starters.
Why Defense Matters More in the Playoff
The playoff format amplifies the importance of elite defense because opponents improve dramatically as the tournament progresses.
In that environment, offense alone rarely wins championships. Points become harder to score. Possessions become more valuable. Field position matters more. Turnovers become decisive.
Patricia’s defense provides Ohio State with advantages in all those areas:
- Scoring prevention—allows just 7.5 PPG
- Third-down defense—opponents converting at 27.6% (#4 nationally)
- Red zone stops—offenses scoring on just 57.9% of trips (#1)
- Rushing defense—allows only 81.4 YPG (#2) and 3 rushing TDs all season
- Passing defense—allows only 131.2 YPG (#2) and 5 passing TDs all season
The Defensive Line Sets the Foundation
Championship defenses start at the line of scrimmage, and Ohio State’s defensive line has been the foundation of Patricia’s scheme.
Despite replacing all four starters from last year’s championship team, the 2025 defensive line has produced multiple sack contributors, including:
- Caden Curry: 7 sacks and 43 total tackles
- Arvell Reese: 6.5 sacks and 58 total tackles
- Kayden McDonald: 3 sacks, 44 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles
In playoff games where running the ball becomes crucial for controlling tempo, Ohio State’s defensive line gives the Buckeyes a decisive advantage. Opponents can’t establish ground games, with the Buckeyes allowing just 81.4 rushing yards per game and only 3 rushing touchdowns all season.
Versatility Creates Matchup Advantages
One of Patricia’s greatest assets entering the playoff is the versatility of his defenders.
Caleb Downs can play deep safety, box safety, slot corner, or hybrid linebacker depending on the matchup. At Alabama in 2023, he became the first freshman to lead the team in tackles with 107 stops.
Sonny Styles at 6’5″ and 243 pounds gives Patricia a linebacker who can match up against tight ends without sacrificing run defense. With 58 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception, Styles has established himself as a matchup eraser.
Arvell Reese provides edge pressure (6.5 sacks) while also functioning as an off-ball linebacker with 58 total tackles.
This versatility means Patricia can game-plan specifically for each playoff opponent without asking players to execute roles they haven’t practiced.
Red Zone Defense Wins Close Games
Playoff games are often decided by one or two possessions. Red zone execution determines championships.
Ohio State’s red zone defense—allowing opponents to score on just 57.9% of red zone trips—provides a massive advantage. That’s the best rate in the nation. When opponents drive inside the 20-yard line, the Buckeyes force field goals or turnovers rather than allowing touchdowns.
That three-to-four-point swing per red zone possession accumulates over playoff games. Patricia’s red zone packages emphasize gap discipline, leverage coverage, pressure from unexpected angles, and versatile defenders like the 326-pound Kayden McDonald clogging interior running lanes.
Third-Down Defense Controls Possessions
Championship games often feature limited possessions. The team that wins third downs typically wins the game.
Ohio State’s 27.6% third-down conversion rate allowed ranks fourth nationally and represents a massive advantage. Opponents have converted just 60 of 217 third-down attempts.
Patricia’s third-down packages feature aggressive pressure from varied alignments, disguised coverages, multiple looks, and situational excellence.
Scheme Flexibility for Different Opponents
The playoff will likely feature opponents with dramatically different offensive identities. Patricia’s scheme flexibility allows the Buckeyes to adapt to any opponent:
- Against passing teams: More defensive backs, disguised coverages, creative pressures
- Against running teams: Heavier fronts, gap-focused assignments, physical linebacker play
- Against tempo offenses: Simple calls, clear assignments, fast substitutions
This adaptability was evident during the regular season when Patricia showed different defensive identities against different opponents.
Experience and Poise Under Pressure
Matt Patricia brings two decades of NFL coaching experience, including three Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots. He understands what elite postseason football requires and brings a level of championship experience that most college coordinators lack.
The Road Ahead
Ohio State’s path to a second consecutive championship will run through elite opponents with explosive offenses and championship aspirations of their own.
But the Buckeyes possess the nation’s best defense—a unit that leads in virtually every major category while playing with NFL-level sophistication under Patricia’s guidance.
The numbers support Ohio State’s championship hopes:
- 7.5 PPG—championship-level scoring defense (#1)
- 212.6 YPG—best total defense in the nation (#1)
- 27.6% third-down conversion—suffocating situational defense (#4)
- 57.9% red zone defense—best in the nation (#1)
- 131.2 passing YPG—elite pass defense (#2)
- 81.4 rushing YPG—dominant run defense (#2)
- Only 3 rushing TDs and 5 passing TDs allowed all season
These statistics aren’t just impressive—they’re the blueprint for championship football. Defense wins championships, and Ohio State has the best defense in college football. The blueprint is clear. The defense is dominant. The coordinator has a championship pedigree.
Ohio State’s playoff hopes are built on the foundation of the nation’s best defensive unit playing at a historically dominant level under Matt Patricia’s guidance.
