The last time new Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia stepped into such a spotlight, it was his debut as the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018.

They’re still cleaning up the wreckage.

As first impressions go, we’d say Patricia was like the guy who shows up late for a job interview wearing ketchup-stained jean shorts, then tells the boss, “You’re not as dumb as you look.”

Except that’s being too kind.

It took all of seven minutes into the Lions’ 48-17 loss to the New York Jets for the boos to rain down in Ford Field.

I was more gracious and totally gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. My column headline that night: “Go ahead, write off the 2018 Lions — and maybe Patricia, too.”

Well …

What a difference a few years makes.

In his anticipated return to the role that

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