The defense played really well, but it all started with the o-line play. Even on those early drives that went down the field and resulted in no points, they were controlling the game and keeping the defense off the field. That made a big difference in how the defense was able to play later in the game.
True, an OL was actually on the field tonight. Arnold has some wheels if they can give him a slot. But Stutzman laying the wood to Jalen Milroe on the first snap is what set the tone. It just rolled from there.
The defense absolutely set the tone, but the offense being able to move the ball early kept them off the field so they were able to maintain it for the duration of the game. A lot of that goes back to the o-line getting the job done, both in protecting Arnold and in opening holes for the backs.
