Former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles's tactics have been revealed, and they are glorious.
As Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger revealed in a lengthy profile piece about the CFP title-winning OSU DC and current Penn State Nittany Lions DC, Knowles would put his defensive players on the spot in front of the entire locker room in a game show format.
"He’s been the architect of some of the most transformational turnarounds in the last two decades of the sport, taking the Blue Devils from the 108th-ranked defense to 21st in his final season as coordinator, from 112th at Oklahoma State to fourth and from 59th at Ohio State to first during last season’s national championship run," Dellenger wrote.
"How does he do it? Those who have coached for or with him share his secret. He uses an unconventional teaching method by staging game-show competitions among defensive position groups. Standing at the front of the room, players are required to answer questions against a timer as if they are guests of games shows like 'Jeopardy,' 'Cash Cab' and '$100,000 Pyramid.' Coaching staff members keep points based on accurate answers, and Knowles often takes the winning position group to dinner."
Knowles' tactics helped produce 11 NFL draft picks during his time with the Buckeyes. While his methods are unorthodox, he's clearly a mad genius. Every school he goes to is left in better condition than the way he found it defensively.
So far, the Nittany Lions haven't been challenged at all, facing the Nevada Wolf Pack, the FIU Panthers, and the FCS Villanova Wildcats. Knowles's unit has gotten off to a slow start relative to the situation, but they've given up 17 points all season.
Based on his career, Penn State's defense should hold up over the long haul under Knowles. They face their first big test against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday.
By Sunday morning, we'll know whether or not Knowles can win it all again, this time in his home state.