It was clear from the beginning of Ohio State's clash with Notre Dame that it would be a low-scoring affair. The Buckeyes held a 3-0 lead heading into the second half and were struggling to move the ball on the Fighting Irish early.
In those first three quarters, before the dramatics of the Notre Dame go-ahead score and subsequent OSU comeback, the Buckeye defense looked like one of the best units in the country.
Leading that unit was senior safety Lathan Ransom, who finished with 13 total tackles, seven of which were solo. Ransom, who also forced a fumble last weekend against Western Kentucky, led all tacklers in the 17-14 win over the Fighting Irish.
Playing OSU's "bandit" safety position, the senior was all over the field making plays at every level to get this Ohio State defense off the field.
Saturday's showdown in South Bend was a big moment for the veteran defensive back in scarlet and grey, but he's no stranger to the big stage.
In 2022, just a season after breaking his leg, Ransom found himself in the Peach Bowl against Georgia. On one of the most crucial plays of that game, he slipped in coverage and the Bulldogs ripped off a 76-yard touchdown, ultimately propelling them past OSU to a victory and a national championship a week later.
A lot of players would fold after a moment like that. But not Ransom.
“I use that as fuel. I use that as fuel to get better every day," said the Tuscon native back in April. “All types of things. I’m trying to improve my game all around," he continued. "[I want to] try to be the most consistent safety in the country.”
He looks like he's well on the way after Saturday's team-leading performance. Ransom and the Buckeye defense stifled the Notre Dame offense, allowing just 351 yards.
This comes after former Fighting Irish head coach Lou Holtz questioned Ohio State's toughness and vowed the Buckeyes wouldn't be able to touch Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman behind the blue and gold offensive line.
In fairness, the Buckeyes didn't register a sack in this one, but holding the Irish to just two scores was enough to get the job done on the road.
Ohio State scraped out a three-point win and their playoff hopes will survive another week, not to mention they'll probably move up a spot or two in the polls.
Now, it's time for Ransom and his squad to shore up those holes that led to a fourth quarter nail-biter in Notre Dame.
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