The Ohio State Buckeyes suffered their first blemish of the season this past weekend. Before the Big Ten Championship Game, many felt they would be the team to beat heading into the College Football Playoff.
However, the Indiana Hoosiers had other plans. Indiana shocked many with their conference championship win. Still, the Buckeyes, who are now the second overall seed in the playoffs, are going to be a tough out.
One of the biggest reasons the Buckeys have been so dominant this season has been the play from their defense. It is a unit led by former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia.
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Patricia’s time on the sidelines in Detroit was a time to forget. However, the former NFL head coach has definitely found his groove in Columbus.
On Tuesday, the Buckeyes revealed that Patricia is a finalist for the Broyles Award. The Broyles Award goes to the best coordinator in college football, and Patricia has a strong case to be the winner.
Going into the playoffs, Ohio State’s defense ranks first in numerous categories. The Buckeyes’ defense is first in points allowed per game with a jaw-dropping 8.2. They also rank first in the country in yards allowed per game at 213 yards.
The Buckeyes were a terribly missed kick away from tying the Big Ten title game in the final moments of regulation. Just like last season when they lost to Michigan, this could be a loss that fires this team up to earn their second straight national championship.
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Patricia may not be on the sidelines much longer as a coordinator. However, what better way to go out than by helping lead the team to another ring?
This has to make some Michigan fans even more sick of Ohio State’s success this season.
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