Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Drops Honest Take on Ohio State's Defense

The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a challenging matchup in the Big Ten Championship Game against the Indiana Hoosiers. Both teams enter the game undefeated and playing at a high level.

Ahead of Saturday's game, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza shared his thoughts on the Buckeyes' defense.

"The Ohio State defense, Coach Patricia does a fantastic job," he said. "That guy is a fantastic football mind."

Matt Patricia has done an excellent job of maximizing the talent on the Buckeyes' defense in his first year as their defensive coordinator.

Patricia previously served as a head coach for the Detroit Lions and had major success as a defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots during their dynasty.

Ohio State is allowing the fewest points per game in college football at 7.8. They are also allowing the fewest passing yards at 121.3, the fourth fewest rushing yards at 81.7, and the fewest total yards per game at 203 yards.

The Buckeyes' defense has been dominant, and they will need to keep it up against Indiana. Mendoza is among the favorites to win the Heisman, as he's putting together an incredible season. He has completed 72 percent of his passes for 2,758 yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Mendoza has added 243 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. He will pose a challenge for Patricia and the Buckeyes' defense, but they have the talent to contain Mendoza and the Hoosiers' offense.

This game will have major implications for playoff seeding in the College Football Playoff, as Ohio State is currently the No. 1 seed and Indiana is the No. 2 seed.

The winner of this game will likely lock up the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes are looking to repeat as National Champions and will lean on their defense.

Ohio State has a ton of talented players on their defense, including likely first-round picks in linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs.

While Mendoza and Indiana is the best offense Ohio State has matched up against this season, their defense should be up for the task, as Patricia has put together a great scheme.