Buckeyes defense draws the line when needed: Ohio State defensive thoughts

Ohio State limited Northwestern’s best threat and held Northwestern to 13 points on Saturday.

Doug Lesmerises

Nov 14, 2026

∙ Paid

COLUMBUS — Thoughts on the Ohio State defense after the Buckeyes’ 28-19 win over Northwestern on Saturday.

The defense stood up when Ohio State needed it. The Buckeyes forced three consecutive three-and-outs with the game in the balance in the second half. Northwestern gained a total of 5 yards on those nine plays. On the next drive, Northwestern briefly got a little life on a roughing the passer call on Kenyatta Jackson. But the next three plays were a pass breakup by Jaylen McClain, a sack by Qua Russaw and a sack by James Smith.

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