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Kirk Herbstreit ranks Jim Knowles as a top 5 coach in Week 6

Jim Knowles ranked top 5 coach after Ohio State’s defensive masterclass shuts down Iowa. Here's how he transformed the Buckeyes into the nation’s best defense.

By Jon Rhoades

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kirk Herbstreit attends the game between the LSU Tigers and the Southern California Trojans at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kirk Herbstreit attends the game between the LSU Tigers and the Southern California Trojans at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles earned high praise from ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who ranked Knowles as the fifth-best coach in the country in Week 6. Herbstreit’s ranking is a testament to the tremendous impact Knowles has had on Ohio State’s defense, which has been the backbone of the team this season.

Knowles' unit has emerged as the most dominant defense in college football, and the Buckeyes’ 35-7 rout of the Iowa Hawkeyes in Week 6 is just the latest example of his coaching prowess.

Defensive masterclass against Iowa

Facing an Iowa team that had relied on a strong running game all season, Ohio State's defense delivered a complete shutdown performance. The Buckeyes prioritized neutralizing Iowa’s star running back, Kaleb Johnson, who came into the game ranked second in the FBS with 685 rushing yards. Johnson had been a consistent threat on the ground, posting 100+ yards in every game up to that point.

However, under Knowles' game plan, Ohio State held him to just 85 rushing yards on 15 carries and only one touchdown. This marked Johnson’s worst performance of the season, and it set the tone for a long afternoon for the Hawkeyes.

The Buckeyes' defensive dominance didn’t stop there. Ohio State’s defensive line, which had struggled with production in previous weeks, came alive against Iowa, spearheaded by defensive end Jack Sawyer. Sawyer had an outstanding game, recording two sacks, including a strip sack that rattled Iowa’s offense.

His performance signaled to fans and the rest of the country that the Ohio State defensive line is still one of, if not the best offensive lines in college football. Sawyer’s ability to penetrate the backfield was pivotal, especially against a Hawkeyes offensive line that had been solid in pass protection all season.

Ohio State’s secondary also played a significant role in the team’s win. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun led the charge, intercepting Iowa’s quarterback Cade McNamara, and contributing to the Hawkeyes’ meager 98 passing yards on the day.

While not necessarily leading the nation in interceptions, the Buckeyes' secondary has been remarkably effective at shutting down opponents' aerial attacks all year, and the Iowa game was no exception.

The Hawkeyes managed just 226 total yards, with McNamara’s 98 yards passing and three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) highlighting Ohio State’s defensive control. By the time Iowa scored a late-game touchdown with Ohio State's starters already on the bench, the damage had long been done.

The evolution of Jim Knowles’ defense

What made the Iowa game even more notable was the response from Knowles and the defense after the team’s performance two weeks earlier against Marshall. Following the Buckeyes’ victory over Marshall, Knowles made headlines by choosing not to name a defensive player of the game, signaling that the unit’s overall performance had not met his high standards.

That decision seemed to light a fire under his defense, as they responded in spectacular fashion against Iowa. Against the Hawkeyes, Knowles did not hesitate to name three players of the game: Davison Igbinosun, linebacker Sonny Styles, and defensive end Jack Sawyer. This recognition highlights how well-rounded and disciplined the unit has become under his leadership.

Statistically the Best Defense in the Nation

Ohio State’s defensive dominance under Jim Knowles isn't just evident in single-game performances; it shows in their season-long statistical excellence. According to ESPN’s Bill Connelly and his SP+ predictive metric, Ohio State boasts the number one defense in the country. The Buckeyes lead the nation in several key categories, including:

  • Points Allowed per Game: 1st
  • Total Yards Allowed per Game: 1st
  • Passing Yards Allowed per Game: 3rd
  • Passing Yards Allowed per Attempt: 7th
  • Rushing Yards Allowed per Game: 4th
  • Rushing Yards Allowed per Attempt: 1st

This comprehensive defensive success speaks to the meticulous approach Knowles has brought to Ohio State since taking over as defensive coordinator. The Buckeyes have excelled at limiting both the run and the pass, and their ability to adjust their game plans based on their opponents has made them a formidable unit. Against Iowa, this flexibility was on full display, as they shut down both the Hawkeyes’ run game and passing attack while forcing turnovers and sacks in critical moments.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Ohio State’s defense continues to be the foundation of the team’s success. With Jim Knowles orchestrating the top defense in college football, the Buckeyes are poised for a deep run in both the Big Ten and the national championship race.

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The Week 6 performance against Iowa, where three defensive players earned player of the game honors, showed that this unit is hitting its stride at the perfect time. Knowles' ability to motivate his players and adjust his schemes has not only earned him recognition from figures like Kirk Herbstreit but has also put Ohio State in a position to contend for college football’s highest honors.

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