One of the many reasons why Ohio State played for the national championship on Monday night is because it has an absolutely stellar defense. The Buckeyes entered their title game bout against Notre Dame with the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just 12.2 points per game. Ohio State also has the top passing defense, allowing just 161.1 yards per game, and are third in the nation in sacks with 51.
And when a pass rushing unit is that good, they usually draw a handful of holding penalties each game.
Except, Ohio State hadn’t. Or at least, in the opinion of Buckeyes’ coach Ryan Day, the referees weren’t calling it.
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That changed in the first half against Notre Dame when, finally, an offensive player was whistled for holding against the Buckeyes. It had been nearly four months since a holding call was made against an offense the Buckeyes were facing.
OHIO STATE DREW A HOLDING CALL. THE STREAK IS OVER!
First one since 9/21 against Marshall.
— Chris