Scarlet Sunrise: Jim Knowles stressing need for Buckeyes defense to 'chase perfection'

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Jim Knowles stressing need for Buckeyes defense to ‘chase perfection’

Ohio State ranked second nationally in scoring defense (11.2 points per game allowed). The Buckeyes were at the top of the country in passing yards per game allowed (145.9). They were second in pass defense efficiency (99.21) and fifth in the FBS in opponent third down conversion rate (28.57%). Ohio State also gave up the fewest plays of 40-plus yards from scrimmage in college football last season.

The Buckeyes were top five in several defensive categories in 2023. But they weren’t in others, namely sacks per game (2.15, tied for 66th) and takeaways (11, tied for 124th).

Now in his third year as defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles is striving for more. His first year, he was too aggressive. His second year, he was a bit too conservative. This year, he’s trying to strike the balance because, in his words, “being a Silver Bullet defense means being a top-five defense” in all significant categories.

“The important point to get across to our guys is that, Vince Lombardi said it, ‘We have to chase perfection.’ We have to,” Knowles said, referencing the legendary Green Bay Packers head coach.

“We have to chase perfection. It’s impossible, but you catch excellence in the process. We can never be satisfied with just being good. I mean, we have the guys to really reach for perfection, and we just got to keep pushing for that. So seeing good things — [like], seeing cover guys fit the right gaps — and, now, we got to keep pushing them, we got to keep pushing them.

Knowles reiterated: “Just always chase to be best in the country.”

It’s hard to make the jump from great to elite. But it’s the one Knowles is focused on this preseason.

Tim May: Jim Knowles teaching an ‘upper-level’ course to veteran Buckeyes defense

The Buckeyes returned 11 draft-eligible and starter-level players this offseason, including most of its vaunted defense from last year. That’s a luxury for Knowles, not only because of the talent that remained in the fold but also because of their familiarity with his system.

Knowles agreed, in Year 3 of his scheme at Ohio State, he’s basically teaching an “upper-level course” of his defense.

“Yes, it’s definitely an upper-level course,” he said. “And I think there’s just more confidence that guys are going to be able to make the adjustments themselves [on the fly on the field].”

For the full story, head on over here.

Will Howard, OL and defensive standouts: Observations from Buckeyes third day of training camp

Ohio State threw on the shoulder pads Saturday morning for the third practice of training camp, a long but productive session on the outdoor fields of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Quarterback Will Howard impressed, at one point rushing for an 80 yard touchdown. Fellow signal caller Devin Brown continued to flash his deep ball. And the Buckeyes’ offensive line stacked another good day.

Lettermen Row was on site and filled out a notebook of observations. Check it out here.

Then watch our Spencer Holbrook, Andy Backstrom and Tim May break it all down in the video below:

Counting Down

Buckeyes vs. Akron: 27 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 118 days

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