Jim Knowles adjusted his philosophy this offseason to limit the big plays that cost Ohio State in big games last year. However, the true tests of whether those changes pay off are still to come.
Jim Knowles threw a curveball Tuesday when asked whether Ohio State’s three tackles for loss against Youngstown State met his standard for the defense.
That implies more base defenses and fewer blitzes like those the Buckeyes ran when Michigan gouged them for five touchdowns of more than 40 yards in a 45-23 beatdown in Columbus last year. Those games magnified lingering doubts that were in the back of Knowles’ mind, even as the Buckeyes played the weaker opponents on their schedule.
“It’s always about balance,” Knowles said. “You never want to be predictable. You want to be able to put the pressure in when it’s least expected.” Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky is one that serves as a litmus test for many of those ideological adjustments, Knowles feels.
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