Ohio State football: Jim Knowles has high expectations for defense

A few days ago, I wrote that Ohio State football fans need to have realistic expectations for the defense in 2022. Thinking they are going to be a top-five defense right away seems unfair. Well, apparently Jim Knowles doesn’t seem to think that it’s an unfair expectation at all.

Talking to the media today, Knowles said that he wishes Ryan Day hadn’t said that he expected a top-10 defense. Knowles was hoping he’d say a top-5 defense. As you can see, Knowles has an enormous amount of confidence in his coaching abilities, as well as the guys he has.

The way that Knowles is leaning into the pressure is impressive. He understands that he is being looked at to fix this unit right away. This is a challenge that he has embraced since day one. He clearly thinks his new system can help the Buckeyes improve dramatically.

Knowles understands that his unit holds the cards on how far this Ohio State football team is able to go this season. If he does indeed have a top-5 defense, this team wins the national title. I think that’s the case even if it’s just a top-10 defense.

I love to hear the confidence coming from the defensive coordinator. It’s his first year here and he understands the stakes. He’s never coached at a program that was one of the favorites to win the national championship. He’s adjusting his mentality accordingly.

The defense will have its hands full when the season-opener gets here in just under a month. The Buckeyes will be playing a top-5 team in Notre Dame, and they have a lot of talent. Hopefully, Knowles’ unit is ready from the get-go.