At a time when the former president was still on the defensive about Jan. 6, the Justice Department followed a bottom-up strategy targeting more than 1,500 rioters in its largest criminal investigation ever.

Officials have been on the defensive amid mounting anger at how hydrants ran dry as firefighters struggled to contain the fast-moving blazes.

“Because of the youth we have on the defensive side of the ball, I think it’s good to be able to keep some opportunities for guys to play,” McVay said, “but maybe not the amount of workload that you’re accustomed to with some of the main cast of characters.”

Knowles credited key players on the defensive side of the ball for Ohio State’s consistent success.

"Everyone has to chip in, especially on the defensive end because AD is our anchor. I thought guys did a great job of just playing off one another, getting to where we wanted to get to offensively and also being able to buckle down and get timely stops versus a really good offensive team."