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Ohio State football had an explosive offensive showing in its Week 1 win over the Akron Zips.
Winning 52-6, the Buckeyes struggled to get going early, having been up just 7-3 at the end of the first, but they figured things out and really started to put it on the MAC side.
While Ohio State‘s offense will be what most talked about, it is the defense that might be the more potent side. The Buckeyes defense was among the best in the country last season and had a dominant Week 1 start.
Ohio State gave up just 2.8 yards per play, the 8th-best mark in the Power 4. While LSU and and USC are still set to play, given the high-profile nature of both offenses, neither defense is expected to be on this list.
Top Defenses – Yards/Play
Week 1, Power 41.7 Missouri
1.8 Louisville
2.2 Alabama
2.3 Arizona State
2.3 Duke
2.4 Kansas State
2.7 Ole Miss
2.8 Ohio State
2.8 Arkansas
2.8 UCF
2.9 Purdue
2.9 Utah
3.1 Iowa— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) September 1, 2024
The Buckeyes didn’t play a capable offense like they will later in the season, but their defense got in the end zone twice and displayed why they should be considered an elite unit. While the linebacking unit is strong, the defensive line and secondary are what make this well-oiled machine work at its best.
Ohio State had two interceptions and five sacks. The leaders of the respective units, JT Tuimoloau and Lathan Ransom, combined for 1.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for a loss and a touchdown.
Expect the Buckeyes defense to continue to drastically limit opponents moving forward, especially with Western Michigan on the docket for Week 2.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football one of 12 Power 4 programs in this crucial defensive stat