You can make a compelling argument that the 2016 edition of the Ohio Bobcats’ defense was the best fielded in 12 seasons under current head coach Frank Solich and defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow.
And depending on which statistics you cite and which you give more importance to, you may even win the argument.
For instance, Ohio’s 2016 allowed just 22.6 points per game this season — the fourth-best number over the 12-year span — which is impressive given the advantages offenses have in the current age of college football.
The Bobcats’ 2016 defense ranked second amongst all of Solich’s teams at Ohio in yards allowed per play (5.