These stats give even more proof that Caleb Downs is the best DB in college football

There are so many highlights to Ohio State's defense, it is hard to keep track of all of the players, but there is one that seems to be standing out just a little bit more than the rest. Junior safety Caleb Downs has had a phenomenal season so far for the Buckeyes in his second year at Ohio State.

So far in his second season with the Buckeyes, Downs has a total of 19 tackles, 11 solo tackles, and one interception. The takeaways are not as high right now, but that is also because quarterbacks don't want to target Downs or the receivers he is covering because he has such good coverage on them.

According to PFF, Pro Football Focus, Downs has only allowed 21 yards to receivers he has covered; he has not allowed a single touchdown, quarterbacks have an average 27.4 passer rating when they have targeted the receivers he has covered, and he has an 88.5 coverage grade.

Downs has been key to Ohio State's defense being so dominant this season. When Downs is able to take over a third of the field away from quarterbacks, that leaves less for a quarterback to deal with. If the opposing quarterback can't feel comforntable throwing the ball, it forces the offense to run the ball more, which the Buckeyes are also comfortable stopping.

That leads the ball right into the hands of the defensive line and the linebackers, who are also locking it down this season. Downs is the key piece to this Ohio State defense and what makes it so hard to get past.

Ohio State had a good defense last year, and it was a big part as to why they were able to hoist the National Championship trophy last year, but they have somehow gotten even better. Now with Matt Patricia calling the shots, things are on a whole new level and the Buckeyes don't look like they can be stopped.