Ohio State Defense Leads Nation Against The Rush

Paced by All-American linebacker A. J. Hawk, the Ohio State defense led the nation against the rush this past season, allowing an average of 73.4 yards per game on the ground in 12 starts. Final NCAA statistical leaders were released earlier this week by the Big Ten.
The Buckeyes' stout-hearted defense also finished fifth nationally in both total defense and scoring defense, allowing averages of 281.3 yards and 15.2 points per game, respectively, in those two categories. Ohio State was the Big Ten leader in all three areas.
Jim Tressel's 10-2 squad, which shared the Big Ten title and closed out the season with seven consecutive victories, led the Big Ten in passing efficiency with a 156.6 rating. That figure was good for sixth-place nationally. Ohio State, which rolled up 1,035 yards in total offense in its last two games of the season, was 26th nationally in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game. On a roll late, the Buckeyes scored 30 or more points in six of their last seven games.
As a result of their 34-20 win over No. 5 Notre Dame in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the Buckeyes have a perfect 4-0 record in BCS games. That figure tops all schools that have played in BCS games.