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Jim Knowles evaluates Penn State, comments on reps for Cody Simon, Steele Chambers
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Jim Knowles’ Ohio State defense faces its toughest offensive threat of the regular season on Saturday.
This Penn State team appears to have taken a step forward from season’s past. QB Drew Allar is playing at a high level, and James Franklin’s squad is perfect on the season looking for their first win over Ohio State in over 6 meetings.
Knowles told reporters Tuesday that the Buckeyes have to prepare for everything:
Despite Penn State’s lack of deep balls from Drew Allar and lack of explosive plays, Jim Knowles said Ohio State’s defense will be ready for whatever the Nittany Lions throw at them:
“Prepare for everything, stop everything, have answers for everything.”
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) October 17, 2023
Something that has been a slight point of concern for Ohio State this season has been its play from its linebackers outside of Tommy Eichenberg. Knowles told reporters Tuesday that this week Cody Simon and Steele Chambers have been battling for more reps, and that it’s about 50/50 right now.
He said that Simon has seen a few more snaps in recent weeks. Here’s his full quote on the pair:
“They’re neck and neck. Cody is continuing to earn more playing time,” Knowles said. “He plays both positions and is extremely valuable. He’s earned the time.”
Simon has 21 tackles on the season while Chambers has 36 with 1 TFL.
Ohio State opened as a slim -6 home favorite for Saturday’s showdown vs. Penn State. Interested fans can get in on the action via our Caesars Ohio promo code!
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.