The Ohio State football program had the best defense in the country last season, especially during the College Football Playoff. Jim Knowles had the defense playing as well as they had at any point last season, and it showed. That was especially true in the red zone.
Against Texas, the Buckeyes stood their ground and not only kept the Longhorns from scoring, but created their own touchdown during that game. After winning the national championship, Knowles decided to leave for more money over at Penn State and now coaches for the Nittany Lions.
Instead of seeing a drop off in the defense without Knowles' coaching, the Buckeyes' defense might actually be better. They haven't allowed a red zone touchdown yet, being the only FBS team to do that so far. Meanwhile, Knowles failed his first real test as the DC with the Nittany Lions.
Jim Knowles made the wrong decision to leave the Ohio State football program
In his first real test with his new defense, at home, mind you, Knowles' defense allowed 424 yards, 20 first downs, and 30 points. Penn State lost to Oregon in double overtime at home, allowing the Ducks to convert 5/7 of their fourth-down attempts as well.
Not only did Penn State allow Oregon to move the ball up and down the field at will, but they also didn't force any turnovers. Quite frankly, they looked extremely pedestrian against the first good team they've faced this season. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes haven't allowed double-digit scoring in any game this year.
Granted, it's very early in the year. Knowles still needs some time for his players to really get into his defensive system. Still, it looks like the Ohio State Buckeyes may have made an upgrade at the defensive coordinator spot. Matt Patricia has been spectacular so far.
Ohio State has played two really good teams and two really bad ones. The results on defense have been the same. They have not allowed opposing offenses to put up points, and that's the most important stat for them. As Big Ten play continues, they will face more challenges.
Knowles has consistently proven himself to be an excellent defensive coordinator wherever he has been. It left a sour taste in some Ohio State fans' mouths that he left for a Big Ten rival, so Buckeye fans are going to celebrate him failing his first big test. Coaching for James Franklin is much different than coaching for Ryan Day.