Despite recent criticism Ohio State Buckeyes defense, the unit is on a historic run through the 2024 college football season.

After the team’s dominant 31-7 victory Northwest Wildcats In Week 12, the Buckeyes led the nation in fewest points allowed per game with 10.3 points. That margin is the third-fewest points per game by power conference teams since 2010, according to the Big Ten Network.

*Indicates team won the National Championship

Ohio State is in elite company, as three of the four teams in the bracket have won the National Championship. The Buckeyes, who lead the nation in fewest points per game, are No. 2 in the country in fewest yards allowed per game at 250.8.

Since the team’s loss to the Oregon Ducks in Week 7, Ohio State has outscored opponents 117 to 37. This includes the Buckeyes’ road victory. No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions’ running game was held to 3.8 rushing yards per carry as quarterback Drew Allar finished with 150 passing yards.

The defense was on full display in Week 12 against the Wildcats. After giving up a touchdown early in the first quarter, the Buckeyes held Northwestern to 251 total rushing yards and 1.7 yards per carry on Saturday. Ohio State’s defense also finished the contest with four sacks, six tackles for loss and a pass deflection.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and the Buckeyes need to continue their recent efforts into the final two weeks of the regular season as the program No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers and Michigan Wolverines.