Ohio State football: 5 bold predictions for Rose Bowl clash vs. Washington

1. Defense wins this game

It is a simple point that I’m sure for once no one will argue with me about. Defense wins championships, or in this case bowl games. The Rose Bowl has been extremely good in the past seasons and this one is shaping up to be no different. Both of these teams have extremely good defensive fronts.

Let’s start with Washington, who’s pass rush has been absolutely amazing week in and week out. Their secondary has been just as good, keeping opposing offenses from getting much of anything going in terms passing games. They also don’t allow much of an after the catch fight. They finished 12th in the nation and first in the Pac-12 in terms of total defense. That is something that Ohio State isn’t too excited about for sure.

On the other side, we have an Ohio State defense who isn’t too shabby themselves. Remember when they dismantled Michigan? How about Northwestern? And the rest of the Big Ten — Purdue not withstanding, of course.

Ohio State isn’t known for as much as the Washington group is, but they are good at getting off the field and that is a big deal for a unit that is looking to win yet another bowl game under Urban Meyer.