Ohio State’s Third-Down Defense Is a Nightmare - And That’s Exactly How Matt Patricia Drew It Up
Picture this: It’s third-and-long, and you’re a college quarterback staring down two Ohio State linebackers - both built like NFL prototypes, both lurking like they know exactly what you’re about to do. They might blitz.
They might drop. They might just be messing with you.
But one thing’s certain: guess wrong, and you’re picking turf out of your helmet.
That’s the psychological warfare Ohio State has been waging all season long. Since their gritty 14-7 win over Texas, the Buckeyes’ defense has turned third downs into a chess match - and Matt Patricia is the grandmaster behind the curtain.
The former NFL head coach spent the offseason building a defense that thrives on confusion, disguise, and relentless pressure. And now, with the College Football Playoff in full view, his unit is playing with a kind of controlled chaos that’s as fun to watch as it is frustrating to face.
Styles and Reese: The Engines of Disruption
At the center of it all is Sonny Styles - a captain, a ‘Block O’ recipient, and the kind of linebacker who makes offensive coordinators second-guess their entire game plan. He’s racked up 80 tackles, five for loss, half a sack, a forced fumble, an interception, and 13 pressures - and he hasn’t missed a single tackle all season.
That’s not just consistency. That’s dominance.
And here’s the kicker: he’s only in his second season playing linebacker.
But as good as Styles has been, he’s not even the biggest breakout story on this defense. That title belongs to Arvell Reese, the Cleveland native who walked into the season opener as a first-time starter and walked out as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Nine tackles, a tackle for loss, five pressures - that was just Week 1. And he didn’t slow down.
For two straight months, Reese was a one-man wrecking crew, living in opposing backfields and forcing offenses to account for him on every snap.
Then came November - and a noticeable drop-off.
The Disruption Is Still There - Even When It’s Not
Reese posted 22 pressures in Ohio State’s first eight games. In the five games since?
Just three. But don’t mistake that for regression.
What’s really happening is that offenses have finally seen enough tape to know what kind of havoc Reese can cause - and they’re adjusting. Sliding protections his way.
Chipping him with backs and tight ends. Sometimes even scheming entire plays just to avoid him.
That’s the respect he’s earned. And for Patricia, that’s just another lever to pull.
“A lot of times, they’ll slide to his spot or make sure he’s accounted for,” Patricia said. “But that’s great. That gives opportunities for other players on the field.”
And those opportunities have been seized. Caden Curry became the first Buckeye since Chase Young to notch double-digit sacks in a regular season (he finished with 11).
Kenyatta Jackson has evolved into a pass-rushing force. Kayden McDonald?
He’s made a strong case as the Big Ten’s best defensive lineman. Add in Tywone Malone, Will Smith Jr., and a surging Eddrick Houston - who’s finally hitting his stride after transitioning from defensive end to tackle - and you’ve got a front seven that’s as deep as it is dangerous.
A Defense Built on Trust, Freedom, and Chaos
What makes this defense so difficult to prepare for is that it’s not just about Patricia’s playbook - it’s about the freedom he gives his players within it. Think of it less like a rigid system and more like a jazz ensemble.
There’s structure, sure. But there’s also improvisation.
And with players like Styles, Reese, and even Caleb Downs - who’s played all over the field this year - that freedom turns into something lethal.
“They’re making the changes on the field based on what they see,” Patricia said. “You give them the concept of the call, and they adjust in real time.”
That trust has paid off. Opponents are converting just 29.01% of their third-down attempts - fifth-best among Power 4 teams and second only to Indiana among College Football Playoff contenders. That’s elite territory, and it’s a big reason why Ohio State is back in the national title hunt.
Time to Unleash the Beast Again?
For all the success this defense has had, there’s still a sense that the Buckeyes are holding something back - namely, Arvell Reese. His presence alone is enough to alter game plans.
But at some point, the threat has to become reality again. If Ohio State wants to repeat as national champions, it might be time to turn Reese loose.
“As much as we can get out there and let the guys show off their ability and their talent in that situation, it’s great,” Patricia said. “They’re both really good in coverage.
They’re both really good in the rush. They’re big.
They’re long. And they’ve got that savviness, that suddenness, especially when you line them up inside.”
That’s the beauty of this defense. It’s constantly evolving, constantly adapting. And while Patricia might be the architect, it’s the players who are bringing it to life - one disruptive, unpredictable, quarterback-hunting snap at a time.
So if you’re a quarterback lining up on third-and-long against Ohio State, good luck. Because you’re not just facing a defense. You’re facing a masterpiece in motion - and it’s painted in scarlet, gray, and chaos.