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.
Buy Fight to the End Ohio State championship book Buy CHAMPS! poster to celebrate OSU's CFP title winThat 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 Vannini (@ChrisVannini) January 21, 2025
That is the 1st holding call against an opposing offense vs. Ohio State’s defense since Sept. 21 – a span of 12 games and 747 consecutive plays
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 21, 2025
When the strange streak was broken, Ohio State fans cheered like they had scored a game-winning touchdown.
The loudest cheer of the day — even louder than the touchdown — is when Ohio State fans heard the holding call announced.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) January 21, 2025
OHIO STATE DEFENSE GOT A HOLDING CALL pic.twitter.com/BfMKSTTm1d
— Swish (@swishxvibes) January 21, 2025
HOLDING?!!! pic.twitter.com/IT0ISXdC8W
— Ohio State Football Fan Page (@OhioStFootball) January 21, 2025
Ohio State fans cheer very, very loudly because an opponent finally got called for a hold.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) January 21, 2025
