Jim Knowles praises Ohio State's defensive performance in win over No. 5 Notre Dame

Ohio State secured a win in their season opening matchup against Notre Dame, winning 21-10. Many had high hopes for the Buckeye’s offense this season, as they brought back a ton of firepower on that side of the ball. But on defense, there were some doubts, and after their strong showing Saturday, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles applauded his group for their performance.

“I’m really happy for the players, we had a play here or there that we gave up, but what I’m most pleased with is the fact that they never flinched. They’ve bought into everything I’ve been asking them to do, and one or two bad plays or misplays, it didn’t affect them at all. I saw a great focus and that’s a big deal,” Knowles said. “And I think you saw guys playing fast too, the fits were really good, Notre Dame does a lot with the pulling tight ends and things that create different gaps and I thought you saw our guys really fitting things for the most part all night really well.”

The Buckeye’s defense definitely was on top of their game, holding Notre Dame to just ten points, the least amount of points they’ve allowed in a season opener since their 2016 opening game against Bowling Green.

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Ohio State’s run defense was superb as well, and their biggest strength of the game holding the Irish to just 76 rushing yards on 30 attempts. Knowles elaborated on their run-stopping performance and its impact on the team as a whole.

“I think like I said our run defense was stout, really controlled the line of scrimmage our guys up front, we thought that was going to be a strength. Really pleased with all the pull plays, shifting of formations, motions, that our linebackers and safeties were able to see it all,” Knowles said. “Coming into our first game they saw a lot in terms of the run game fits and that just gives everybody confidence, it gives the fans confidence. It gives the team confidence no matter how the offense is doing or whatever’s going on. When you see guys just showing up in the right places everybody’s like okay. It may not look exceptional, but it wins games, so I was really pleased with that.”

The Buckeye’s offensive attack has been their calling card for years now, but if they can combine that with strong defensive play under Knowles, they will surely be one of the most dangerous teams in the country this season.