Top-rated Ohio State crushed Wisconsin, 34-0. Ohio State’s defense got its second shutout of the season and sixth game of not letting its opponent get out of the single digits. This was a case of strength on weakness, with Wisconsin having the 131st-ranked scoring offense with 15.5 points per game. Their total offense of 292.5 yards per game wasn’t much better at 127th in the country.
The Buckeyes have only given up 41 points all season. They came into the game 1st in the nation with the fewest points allowed, giving up only 6.8 per game. With the shutout, that is down to 5.9 points per game. They were not far behind in yards per game. They were fourth in the nation, allowing only 229 yards per game. They only gave up 144 yards to the Badgers.
Ohio State had the second-best third-down defense, with opponents only converting 21.8% of their third downs coming into the game. The Bucks held the Badgers to 2 of 11, dropping that percentage to 21.3. Ohio State’s Red Zone defense continues to be dominant.
They forced a turnover on downs the one time Wisconsin got in the Red Zone. Ohio State has held its opponents to 6 of 12 when they get to the red zone, giving up only two touchdowns and four field goals. That’s another major statistic where the Ohio State defense is the best in the nation.
The Buckeyes were in the top 15 in sacking the quarterback, ranking 14th with 18 sacks. They got three more from Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Arvell Reese, and Caden Curry. Sonny Styles had a couple of tackles, including a tackle for a loss, and forced the game’s only turnover with an interception.
This defense is out to prove that they are just as good, if not better, than the team they were last year that won a national championship. Through seven games, they got the record and the rankings to prove it.