Scarlet Sunrise: Jim Knowles recognized as Broyles Award semifinalist

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Jim Knowles recognized as Broyles Award semifinalist

The pressure was on Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to deliver in 2023 after last year’s late-season collapse against Michigan and Georgia.

While he’ll ultimately be judged by how things go Saturday in The Game, he’s been nothing short of fantastic through 11 games this time around.

The Buckeyes haven’t allowed a team to score more than 17 points this season. They’re No. 1 in pass defense efficiency (92.73), No. 2 in scoring defense (9.3 points per game allowed) and No. 3 in total defense (252.8 yards per game allowed).

And Monday, Knowles was recognized by the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation for those efforts. Knowles was named one of 15 semifinalists for this year’s Broyles Award, given annually to the best assistant coach in college football.

The longtime DC was one of five finalists for the accolade two years ago at Oklahoma State. That year, his defensive turnaround with the Cowboys featured the No. 9 scoring defense (18.1 points per game allowed) and the second-most sacks nationally (56.0).

Knowles’ defense at Ohio State isn’t built on huge sack numbers. He’s gone away from the hybrid, standup linebacker/defensive end “JACK” position, too.

He figured out last year, and this past offseason, that he didn’t need to overcomplicate things with all the speed and talent he had in Columbus. In the second year of his system, the Buckeyes have flourished. Since the opener at Indiana — where they quickly adjusted to an unexpected triple-option look — they’ve played fast and proactive rather than reactive.

The only thing standing between Ohio State and a shutout each of the last two weeks has been one 50-plus-yard field goal. Although the Buckeyes had allowed a touchdown drive or two in the games prior, they always responded and buckled down when it mattered most, like late in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame or in the first half against Maryland or down the stretch at Rutgers.

Their first-half-ending goal line stand at Wisconsin comes to mind, too, as does their brilliant performance — pretty much from start to finish — against Penn State last month.

Third down defense has been a critical part of the success. Ohio State has held its last six opponents to a combined 19-of-88 (21.6%) on third down.

Again, however, what the No. 2 Buckeyes do against No. 3 Michigan will matter most. The spotlight will be on Knowles. If Ohio State remains dominant defensively, he could be well on his way to winning the Broyles Award, or at least becoming a finalist.

Here are the 15 semifinalists this season:

• Tommy Rees (Alabama OC)
• Adam Fuller (Florida State DC)
• Mike Bobo (Georgia OC)
• Phil Parker (Iowa DC)
• Bryant Haines (JMU DC)
• Ron English (Louisville DC)
• Mike Denbrock (LSU OC)
• Sherrone Moore (Michigan OC)
• Kevin Peoples (Missouri D-Line)
• Will Stein (Oregon OC)
• Manny Diaz (Penn State DC)
• Pete Kwiatkowski (Texas DC)
• D’Anton Lynn (UCLA DC)
• Ryan Grubb (Washington OC)
• Jim Knowles (Ohio State DC)

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh: ‘All the focus is on Ohio State’

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh won’t be on the sidelines this weekend in Michigan Stadium. He’s finishing out the three-game suspension he received from the Big Ten after its investigation into the Wolverines’ sign-stealing operation.

But, as has been the case each of the last two weeks, Harbaugh can still help his team prepare for games throughout the week.

And he can still meet with the media. He did so Monday.

Harbaugh reiterated throughout his short availability period that the focus is on The Game, even when asked about his future and the future of the program.

Lettermen Row has a rundown of what Harbaugh said, plus quick hitters from interim head coach Sherrone Moore’s presser.

Check it out here.

Storylines to track as Buckeyes, Michigan prepare for rivalry clash

It’s almost here: 11-0 versus 11-0 for the Big Ten East title and, likely, a trip to the College Football Playoff. For the second year in a row, Ohio State-Michigan is a top-three showdown, but this time it’s in Michigan Stadium.

“We’re all in this thing together,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said after the Buckeyes’ 37-3 win over Minnesota this past weekend. “We are. I love this team. We’ve been working hard to get to this point. And so we need a great week of preparation, and then we get on that bus and head to Ann Arbor.”

Lettermen Row is breaking down the biggest storylines for Ohio State during Rivalry Week.

Get those here.

RELATED

• Holbrook: Ohio State, Michigan under equal immense pressure as The Game looms

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 4 days

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