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Ryan Day explains keys for an improved Ohio State defense in Year 2 under Jim Knowles
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Ryan Day brought in Jim Knowles to fix Ohio State’s defense ahead of the 2022 season. While the team did experience growth on that side of the ball, the Buckeyes must take another step forward if the program wants to regain its hold as the premier program in the B1G.
In an interview with Greg McElroy for the Always College Football Podcast, Day discussed how Year 2 for Knowles’ defense should be smoother. A large part of that is simply related to familiarity with the scheme and understanding how the pieces fit together.
“I think the first part of it is when you’re learning a new language, you have to process the new language, you have to process the new scheme. When you’re in a Year 2, it’s talking just like you and I are talking,” said Day. “You understand exactly what it so there’s just a better understanding overall. Then you have the whole offseason of understanding how. Now our guys know what, they just need to learn how and then why and why do they fit into the scheme.”
As for keys to getting the defense to click at a high level, Day pointed to a deep, talented and experienced front 7 returning for Ohio State this season. Day specifically called on that group to set the tone if the Buckeye defense is going to get where it needs to be.
“I think when you look at our guys who are coming back, it certainly starts with our defensive line and then our linebackers up front… All these guys are going to have to play veteran and play really well at a really high level if we’re going to be where we need to be on defense,” Day explained. “We think they’ve had a great offseason, we’re really bullish on where they’ve been in terms of the last couple of months and where they’re heading into August. We’re gonna have to play great defense and win on defense if we’re gonna reach our goals.”
Ohio State’s defensive performance
During the 2021 season, Ryan Day’s program led the nation in scoring but allowed 22.8 points per game, a mark that ranked 38th in the country. The Buckeyes allowed 30+ points 5 times and 35+ 3 times, leading Ohio State to hire Jim Knowles in the offseason.
Ohio State’s defense improved in 2022 to 21 points allowed per game but still allowed 30+ points in 4 games, including 3 straight to end the season. The Buckeyes also gave up more than 40 points in 2 games to end the season during losses to Michigan and Georgia. It goes without saying that Day’s program needs to find consistency on the defensive side of the ball throughout 2023.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.