There might not be a defense in the country that can shut down Oregon’s high-flying offense.
Under the direction of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, the Ducks boast one of the nation’s most potent attacks, ranking second in scoring offense and third in total offense. They’ve scored 38 or more points in all but one game this season—a 31-24 loss to Arizona in Week 6—with a 24.9-point margin of victory over their opponents.
It’s hard to imagine Ohio State’s defense putting together a dominant performance when it meets Oregon in the College Football Playoff Championship Game next Monday. However, the Buckeyes do have what it takes to limit the Ducks.
That may be enough for Ohio State to win its first national title since 2002.
It all starts up front for the Buckeyes with their star-studded defensive line. Unanimous first-team All-American Joey Bosa is a nightmare on the edge, and defensive tackles Michael Bennett and Adolphus Washington form one of college football’s most formidable interiors.
Defensive end Steve Miller has stepped up opposite Bosa over the last few games, giving Ohio State a unit that could cause some problems for Oregon’s offense.
That’s because the Ducks have struggled when they’ve faced elite, physical defensive lines in the past. Teams such as Stanford, LSU, Auburn, Boise State and even Ohio State in the 2010 Rose Bowl have handed Oregon losses because they were able to win the battle in the…
Continue Reading: Ohio State’s Defense Has What It Takes to Limit Oregon’s Offense
