The Ohio State Buckeyes' defense once again answered every doubter with a downright dominant showing during a 42-3 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday night. Just hours after the then-winless UCLA Bruins shredded Jim Knowles' Penn State Nittany Lions defense, the timing couldn't have been better for OSU head football coach Ryan Day and Knowles' defensive coordinator replacement, Matt Patricia.
Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik gave Day props for building something sustainable in Columbus that has outlived Knowles' tenure.
"On (defense), Ohio State provided a reminder of an impressive overhaul led by Day," Krajisnik wrote.
"The Buckeyes fielded a historically poor defense at the turn of the decade, forcing the offense to be perfect on numerous occasions. Day brought in Jim Knowles to overlook the unit ahead of the 2022 season, and it resulted in a much-needed turnaround.
"When Knowles left for Penn State in January following OSU’s run to a national title, Day brought in Matt Patricia to serve as defensive coordinator. He retained the rest of Ohio State’s defensive staff, and they’ve put together what’s likely the nation’s best unit.
"This combination of high-level talent and consistent production has helped mold a record-breaking start to Day’s career. It’s why, in a sport filled with upsets such as Penn State’s loss at UCLA, Ohio State has been a fixture."
Day has answered most questions this season with how dominant the Buckeyes have been on both sides of the ball. And certainly, Matt Patricia and Ryan Day have earned their keep. The college football world loves to clown on Day, but it's been dead silent on that front. His team is a throwback to the pre-NIL era, when parity was harder to find.
Ohio State is the best story in the sport until further notice: a defending champion that is somehow better despite losing a supposed defensive genius and players across the depth chart on both sides of the ball.
Poor Penn State, not in NIL spend, but in on-field success, is merely fly-by-night. OSU is here to stay.