Boo Corrigan explains how Ohio State defense helps Buckeyes pass 'eye test'

Following the first College Football Playoff rankings, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the top-ranked team in the country.

That ranking is largely based on the Buckeyes’ resume, which includes excellent wins against Notre Dame and Penn State. On top of that, selection committee chair Boo Corrigan explained that Ohio State’s defense is playing a major factor in the eye test.

“Yeah, to your point, and thank you for asking, the win against Penn State, to win at Notre Dame, the win at Wisconsin, they’ve proven they can do it at home, they’ve proven they can do it on the road,” Boo Corrigan said. “They have explosive plays. Down a receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., who’s clearly one of the top players in the country.”

This season, Ohio State is second in the country in scoring defense, only allowing 10 points per game. That unit has been phenomenal and was a huge reason why the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame and Penn State. It’s also a key factor in the selection committee’s rankings.

“As we look at it, as we evaluate it, it is part of the overall evaluation, but a top 5 defense that’s given up about 10 points a game really does play into it, as well,” Corrigan said.

“To pick completely on one side when the other side is so dominant, and the offense is really, really good, so we’ve got to take all that into account as we’re looking at it, and we came to the conclusion as a committee that they deserved the No. 1 ranking.”

Despite being ranked first this week, that can change quickly. ESPN reported Heather Dinich, in particular, is expecting changes once teams like Georgia start playing tougher games in upcoming weeks.

“And when you look at the rest of Georgia’s schedule over the next three weeks, three straight ranked opponents,” Dinich said. “I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I was an Ohio State Buckeye at the top.”

Kirk Herbstreit not surprised by Ohio State being No. 1

Many people were surprised that Ohio State was the top-ranked team. However, one person not surprised by this ranking is ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if anybody was No. 1. I think the resume speaks for itself, I’m sure that’s why they put them up at No. 1. I’m sure it was a great discussion about Georgia, two-time defending champ,” Herbstreit said.

“It’s all about 2023 and what’s happened this year. The great thing about this is, at the end of the day, whether you’re 1 or you’re 2 or you’re 3 or 4, all these teams are going to control their own destiny, even Ohio State and Michigan playing each other. You look at Florida State now, a team that you’ve talked about. They’re in a really good spot controlling their own destiny. But there’s the numbers, and that’s probably what stood out to the committee, is what Ohio State did going to South Bend, beating Penn State and even beating Wisconsin in Madison, an impressive win.”