The Ohio State football team came into Saturday with the best defense in the country in terms of points per game. They came into that contest only allowing 5.5 points per game. Minnesota knew that it was going to be hard for them to score and win this game, and that's exactly what it was.
Once again, the Ohio State Buckeyes were able to shut down an opposing offense. The Golden Gophers only mustered three points in this game, as the Buckeyes won 42-3. Somehow, their points per game have now gone down, as they only allow five points per game.
Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck was extremely impressed with what he saw from the Buckeyes and their defense. Following the game, he gave some extremely high praise to Matt Patricia and his unit for what they were able to do to his team.
PJ Fleck gives the Ohio State football team some incredible praise for their defense
When asked about the defense, here is what Fleck had to say.
"I mean, that's one of the best defenses I've seen in 13 years. And I mean that because I never met Coach Patricia. I got a chance to after the game, but it's not just the players. It's the depth that's exceptional. That's off the charts. Some of the best I've seen."
Fleck wasn't done with his praise for the defense after that, either.
"They've got really good players. They've got a really good scheme. They complement each other very well, and they put you in a phone both. We knew they were."
Ohio State has proven that it will refuse to let other teams score on it, especially in the red zone. They continue to be the only team in the country to not allow a red zone touchdown this season. Patricia has done an exceptional job with his scheme and putting the players in the best position to succeed.
This looks like a defense that has staying power throughout the season. This is a very dangerous team with a defense as good as this.