Ohio State’s recent win over Washington in their Big Ten opener was a defensive showcase. Sure, the Buckeyes have one of college football’s best weapons in receiver Jeremiah Smith, but it was the defense that stole the show.
With new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia calling the shots, Ohio State completely dismantled Washington’s high-powered offense. The final score, 24-6, says a lot. Let’s dig into what made the Buckeyes’ defense so dominant—and who’s stepping up on this roster.
Matt Patricia’s Defensive Mastery
Matt Patricia, a longtime NFL coach and Bill Belichick protégé, orchestrated Ohio State’s defense to perfection. His approach was classic Belichick: eliminate what the other team does best and make them uncomfortable.
From the opening drive, Patricia seemed focused on shutting down Washington’s dual-threat quarterback, Demond Williams Jr. That plan was obvious—and it worked.
Containing Demond Williams Jr.
Williams is usually a nightmare for defenses, with his accurate passing and dangerous runs. But Ohio State’s defense just wouldn’t let him get comfortable. They sacked him six times, and Caden Curry had three of those himself.
Forced to stay in the pocket, Williams managed only 173 passing yards. Even more shocking: he finished with -28 rushing yards on 13 carries. That kind of stat line set the tone for Ohio State’s first road win of the 2025 season.
Stifling Washington’s Offense
Washington came in with the top scoring offense in the country, thanks mostly to Williams’ versatility. But Ohio State clamped down, holding the Huskies to just 61 rushing yards on 30 carries.
Playmakers like running back Jonah Coleman and receiver Denzel Boston were kept quiet. Coleman, who led the FBS in rushing touchdowns, was limited to 70 yards on 13 attempts. Boston? Just 26 yards on three catches. That’s lockdown defense.
Key Defensive Players
It wasn’t just one player making the difference. The Buckeyes’ defense was a group effort, but a few guys really stood out. Caden Curry and Kayden McDonald, both defensive linemen, were monsters up front.
They combined for five sacks, 16 tackles, and eight tackles for loss. Their constant pressure threw Washington’s offense out of sync all night.
Secondary’s Role
The secondary deserves some love, too. Their tight coverage forced Williams to hold the ball, which gave the defensive line time to get home.
That teamwork between the front-four and the defensive backs was crucial. It’s not always flashy, but it wins games.
Game-Changing Plays
There was a moment in the fourth quarter that really sealed things. Washington was down 17-6 and had a fourth-and-2 at Ohio State’s 47-yard line. McDonald broke through for his second sack of Williams.
That play set up Ohio State’s final touchdown—a pass from Julian Sayin to CJ Donaldson. Game over, basically.
Offensive Progress
Ohio State’s defense may have been the headline, but the offense showed some growth, too. First-year starter Julian Sayin pointed out that facing defenders like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles in practice helped him get ready for real games.
Emerging Offensive Stars
The offense started slow, but found its groove before halftime. Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith for an 18-yard touchdown, which finally got the Buckeyes on the board.
Running back Bo Jackson also stepped up, leading all players with 80 rushing yards on 17 carries. If Sayin, Smith, and Jackson keep improving, Ohio State’s offense could be just as dangerous as its defense.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State’s win over Washington really showed off their defensive chops. The offense? It’s still coming together, but you can spot the promise there if you squint a bit.
With Matt Patricia leading the defense, the Buckeyes look like a team that’s ready to hold onto their national championship. The rest of the season should be interesting—fans have plenty to watch as both sides of the ball find their rhythm.
If you’re craving a deeper dive into the win and Patricia’s approach, check out the full article on CBS Sports: Matt Patricia’s Latest Ohio State Masterpiece.
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