The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes have typically, throughout the history of college football, had top tier defensive units. From the defensive line all the way back to the secondary, these two programs traditionally have tough, hard-nosed defenses.
That is no different this season. OSU owns the No. 1 defensive unit, per SP+, while Michigan’s is No. 2. Michigan has the No. 8 rush defense in America, while OSU’s is 19th. The Buckeyes have the No. 1 pass defense in the country, while Michigan’s is No. 2.
OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has certainly rebounded since last year’s season-ending games against Michigan (45 points allowed) and Georgia (42).