The Ohio State Buckeyes' defense is as good as it gets, and it keeps getting better week after week.

Ohio State's defense is the most well coached bunch, while also being the most athletic and intelligent group that continues to play the best football in the country.

Week after week, the Buckeyes take their opponent and completely suffocate them from the start to finish. Last week, I labeled them the "great equalizer" because no matter what this Buckeyes offense does, the defense seemingly keeps them in the game, no matter the circumstances. 

The defense is everything that meets the eye on any given Saturday, but as we dig a little deeper, the numbers are even more staggering. 

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3rd Down Percentage

The Buckeyes check in as the fourth-best team in the nation when it comes to stopping opponents on third down. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and his defense are currently hold opposing teams to an astounding 27.8 percent on third down. Teams are a mind-boggling 35-for-126 on the year, proving the Buckeyes thrive in those types of situations.

Shockingly enough, the Buckeyes trail UTEP, Indiana and Texas A&M who hold top-three spots.

First Downs

When looking at the success on first downs, Ohio State holds the top spot in the country, surrendering just 128 first downs on the year. Its a fairly even split on the air and on the ground, as  they have given up 55 yards on the ground and 59 through the air while the remaining 14 have come via penalty. They are four better than the Indiana Hoosiers, who are in second place with 132.

Passing Yards Allowed

Ohio State checks in at second place in passing yards allowed at a whopping 131.2 yards per game. They trail fellow Big Ten Conference member in the Oregon Ducks, who are giving up 127.3 yards per game and 8.41 yards per completion, which is the least in the nation. 

Redzone Defense

This is one of the most important stats for determining an elite defense.

Ohio State's personality over the past two seasons has been a "bend-don't-break" philosophy.  The program has allowed teams to move the ball inside the twenty yard line, but once they get inside the red zone, the group tightens the screws and prevents opponents from entering the end zone. This year, the Buckeyes hardly give up any yards, but good luck scoring in the red zone. 

Ohio State ranks first in the nation at a 61 percent score clip. They have only given up ELEVEN (11) scores on the year. That number is the result of just six touchdowns and five field goals surrendered.  The next closest is the SMU Mustangs, who give up a TD on 65 percent of the trips. 

Rushing Defense

The Buckeyes' run defense, despite the concerns earlier this season, has been nothing short of elite.

Ohio State has giving up 81.4 yards per game, which is good for second in the country. They simply don't allow opponents to run the football, and continue to impress week after week. This is the area of their defense that they have improved the most from the start of the year until now. They gave up 177 yards against Texas and over 100 yards against Grambling State.

SInce then, they have buckled down and become one of the most dominant units in America.

Scoring Defense

It's hard to win a football game when you only score one touchdown. It's especially hard to do it when you have to face star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. 

That is exactly the style of play the Buckeyes have relied on this season. They are giving up just 7.5 points per game, making it nearly impossible to beat the well-rounded team. The 7.5 points are four points better than every other team at the FBS level. 

If the eye test wasn't enough, dig into the numbers. You won't have to look hard to see how much better the Buckeyes are than everyone else in the country.