Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles addresses the media ahead of their CFP matchup against Tennessee, emphasizing preparation for the Volunteers' run-heavy offense and highlighting the confidence he has in his players, especially his cornerbacks.
Not only is 1,400-yard rusher Dylan Sampson the focal point of the Volunteers' offense, but forecasted temperatures around 20 degrees will emphasize the ground game more. That was the first focus of Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles as he met with the Buckeyes' media on Tuesday. One of the things that makes Tennessee 's running game so effective is its use of tempo, catching defenses out of position.
But Knowles said his defense has been'built for' such pace since his first days as a coordinator at Duke. He also expressed confidence in Ohio State's cornerbacks and defense as a whole entering the first round of the College Football Playoff. Knowles said Tennessee's tempo and spacing fuel its running game. 'They spread you out sideline to sideline.' On whether the defense can carry the team through the College Football Playoff:'I'm confident in our players, I'm confident in the way they perform in crucial moments. ... We can win the game on defense, that's everything I've been working on since I got here. If it comes to the defense winning, that's what we've got to do.' Knowles has no doubts about Ohio State cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun.'Great confidence. Both of them, Jermaine (Mathews) also. ... Those guys are on an island all the time. ... There are ups and downs in any season, any career. But those guys are great players. ... They're resilient, they're gonna bounceback and have a great game.' On the lack of defensive line rotation and whether the defensive line got gassed:'You have to trust your coaches. Coach Johnson's been doing this a long time, there's no one you'd rather have make those decisions. ... Those decisions happen at the moment. ... I think everyone in this room and all our fans know that Coach J is going to make the best decision for our program.' Despite the way Ohio State's defense performed in the Michigan loss, Knowles doesn't feel they did enough.'If it takes 3-0, it's 3-0. .
College Football Playoff Ohio State Tennessee Defense
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles talks Indiana’s offense, defensive depth and the top five challeOhio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles addressed the media on Tuesday.
Read more »
Ohio State's Defense Is On A Historical Run After Win Against NorthwesternDefensive coordinator Jim Knowles and the Ohio State Buckeyes' defense could make history in 2024.
Read more »
Fifty Ohio State Athletes, Including 13 Football Players, Earn Degrees at Ohio State’s Autumn CommencementFifty Ohio State athletes, including 13 football players, are earning their degrees from the university at its autumn commencement on Sunday.
Read more »
Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Named A Finalist For the Jim Thorpe Award and Bednarik AwardCaleb Downs is a finalist for both the Jim Thorpe and Bednarik awards, establishing him as one of the best defensive players in college football.
Read more »
Buckeyes and Ohio State fans celebrate big win over Indiana with ‘Carmen Ohio’ (video)Buckeyes and Ohio State fans celebrated a big win over Indiana by singing 'Carmen Ohio.'
Read more »
Two Ohio State prospects named finalists for Ohio Mr. Football: Buckeye BreakfastSome Ohio Mr. Football finalists are headed to Ohio State soon.
Read more »