Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch gave major recognition to the Ohio State defense in his press conference Tuesday, highlighting its elite level of play in recent years.
Fisch highlighted Ohio State’s disciplined, mistake-free play style, noting the continuity between former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ defenses in recent years and the new approach the Buckeyes are running now with Knowles’ replacement Matt Patricia.
“They’re very disciplined. They know their assignments. They are well-executed and that’s what I think that’s what Ohio State’s defense is now,” Fisch said. “A year ago their defense was fantastic too with just a different coordinator but coach Knowles did an amazing job there as well.”
Through Ohio State’s first three games, Ohio State missed a total of 10 tackles. In Washington’s 59-24 beatdown of Washington State in the Apple Cup, the Cougars missed 17 tackles alone — a luxury the Huskies won’t be able to rely on against the Buckeyes.
Fisch said Patricia’s NFL experience and ability to disguise coverages has made him a “fantastic defensive coach.”
The Washington head coach broke down Ohio State’s defensive approach, noting the similarities between Patricia’s scheme with the Silver Bullets and the system Washington employed last season.
“They do a great job of setting the edge,” he said. “They do a great job of tackling. They do a great job of disguising their coverages lining up in two-high shell and dropping their safeties down late and lining up in a one-high look and getting back to two-high.”
He added that Ohio State’s balance, especially its strong defense, is what allows the Buckeyes to consistently maintain their yearly dominance.
“Ohio State, they’re always going to have a great defense,” Fisch said. “They’re always going to have a great offense and great kicking game. That’s why they win as much as they win.”
Through three games, Ohio State’s defense has surrendered only 16 points and remains the lone FBS team yet to allow a red zone score of any kind.
