The performance of Ohio State's defense against Oregon leaves conflicted feelings about where things stand with the unit.
All signs pointed toward the Buckeyes having one of the best defenses in team history before this past Saturday. They were No. 1 in the country for both points and yards allowed, and so much talent returned from a top-three defense in 2023 only to add the nation's No. 1 transfer at free safety in Caleb Downs.
Then the defense put on its worst display since the 2022 Peach Bowl, which Ohio State lost 42-41 to Georgia, giving up its most points (32), total yards (496) and plays of 20 yards or more (eight) since that game.