COLUMBUS, Ohio — Year 2 of Ohio State’s defense under the guidance of Jim Knowles should be considered a success even if the overall season was not. The Buckeyes were third nationally in yards per play (4.17), tid for first in passing yards per attempt (5.0), 23rd in rushing yards per attempt (3.44) and second in points allowed per game (11.2). The only team to score more than 17 points all season was Michigan in a 30-24 loss which essentially ended their season. Numerous players took strides on all three levels starting on the defensive line with Jack Sawyer — who closed out the season with a three-sack performance against Missouri — posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 90.1. That grade led all defensive players on the team and was 10th among edge rushers nationally. Behind him were freshman cornerback Jermaine Mathews (85.9) and safety Josh Proctor (80.5) as…
Continue Reading: How Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau and the rest of Ohio State’s defense graded out in the 2023 season
