The Buckeyes frequently found themselves in difficult situations where they had to prevent the Scarlet Knights from reaching the endzone, whether it was due to turnovers, trick plays, or a weekly special teams error. Every time they did so, they gave the offense more time to assemble their pieces.

The defense even sparked the scoring surge once again thanks to Jordan Hancock getting his first career interception that he took back for a touchdown to open up the second half. Josh Proctor made a play to break up a pass, which cost the sixth-year senior the remainder of the game and led to that interception.

The two defensive backs were just part of another impressive outing for a defense that’s yet to allow more than 17 points. However, Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams, who had the defensive line’s highest Pro Football Focus grades, once again led that charge.

This season, Saywer has consistently been near the top of these rankings; he was the only player in the 80s with an 81.9. Williams followed with a 75.7.

Here’s how the rest of the defense graded: