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Ohio State Football: Big Ten defensive power rankings

By Alex Austin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Caesar Williams #21 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Caesar Williams #21 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Will Levis #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is dragged down by Jordan Fuller #4, Shaun Wade #24, and Baron Browning #5, all of the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the third quarter after a gain for a first down at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn State 28-17. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Will Levis #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is dragged down by Jordan Fuller #4, Shaun Wade #24, and Baron Browning #5, all of the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the third quarter after a gain for a first down at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn State 28-17. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Ohio State

Ohio State lost some of the best pieces on this unit. Chase Young and Jeff Okudah obviously lead the way, but there will be many holes to fill on this roster.

Fortunately, Ohio State is known for retooling and coming to play each year. While I do expect this unit to take a step back, I don’t think there is any reason to expect a total drop off.

The casual fan will learn some new names this year as players have to step up.

A secondary led by Shaun Wade and returning coach Kerry Coombs should be able to adapt quickly. Meanwhile, a bevy of young talent on the defensive line are all looking to have their name be the next great Ohio State defensive end.

No. 1 Wisconsin

For Wisconsin, 9 starters return on a defense that was already ranked in the top ten nationally last season.

The Badgers are the epitome of defense and running the football and there is no reason that will change in 2020. Even with Zach Baun off to the NFL, Wisconsin will continue to terrorize the opposing quarterback and clog plenty of running lanes.

Next. Ranking the top 5 upcoming non conference games. dark

With so much continuity during a shortened off-season program, Wisconsin looks to be the defense to beat.

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