Matt Patricia vs. Julian Sayin is the matchup we actually need to figure out Ohio State football
The explosiveness vs. success conversation on both sides of the ball is maybe best answered by comparing the Buckeyes' offenses and defenses
COLUMBUS — United by both choice and circumstance, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are operating from two sides of the same coin this season.
Ohio State’s offense is 109th in the country in most plays of 20 yards or more.
Ohio State’s defense is 2nd in the country in fewest plays of 20 yards or more.
OSU games haven’t been consistently explosive on either side of the ball.
Ohio State’s offense is 10th in the nation in third-down conversion rate. The Buckeyes are able to keep drives alive and move down the field.
Ohio State’s defense is 2nd in the nation in lowest third-down conversion. The Buckeyes are preventing opponents from continuing drives.
By plan or happenstance, games for the No. 1 Buckeyes often unfold this way. Neither side makes a bunch of big plays. Opposing defenses challenge Sayin and the offense to move the ball consistently and they do. Patricia and the OSU defense challenge opponents to move the ball consistently and they can’t.
The defense best equipped to stop Sayin’s efficiency is probably Ohio State.
The offense best equipped to overcome Patricia’s plan and succeed again and again is probably Ohio State.
It’s a winning formula.
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