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Jim Knowles is going to mix up the Ohio State football team's defense

Expect to see some different looks from the Ohio State football team this season on the defensive side of the ball.

By Ryan Stano

Sep 2, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches warm ups prior to the NCAA football game at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3.
Sep 2, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches warm ups prior to the NCAA football game at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Jim Knowles has helped transform the Ohio State football team's defense in just a short time. In just two years, he has created one of the best defenses in the country. The Buckeyes have been transformed with the new 4-2-5 scheme that Knowles brought in.

That system helped the Buckeyes have the best pass defense in the country. They should be even better at stopping the run than they did a year ago. That system is part of the reason why they have been so effective. Knowles will be changing some things up this season though.

Looking at the talent that the Buckeyes have on defense, they have so many guys that need to see the field. He is going to have a tough time deciding who gets snaps. That's why he's decided to change up the system a little bit depending on the matchups on the field.

Jim Knowles is changing some things up for the Ohio State football team

After Ohio State's practice on Friday, Knowles told reporters that the Buckeyes could use more three-linebacker sets. With Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks neck-and-neck for the Will linebacker spot, he's going to sure more three-linebacker sets to get them both on the field.

Expect to see Styles, Hicks, and Cody Simon on the field all at once during select times this season. That will be in packages to stop the run in all likelihood. Still, it's good to see that Knowles is comfortable enough with the group he has to change the base defensive setup a bit.

No matter who is on the field for the Ohio State football team, the defense should be in competition for the best in the country. The players they have from the defensive front all the way back to the secondary are premier players. Defense is the least of the worries for this team.

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The Buckeyes are gearing up for an all-time season. Knowles knows the best players need to see the field as much as possible.

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