Jim Knowles addresses Ohio State's continued pursuit of defensive excellence

Jim Knowles has produced a swift turnaround for Ohio State’s defense in 2022. However, he knows the Buckeyes cannot rest on what has already been achieved in the 7-0 start.

So far in 2022, the Buckeyes are giving up just 14.9 points per game, a mark that ranks 5th nationally. That mark is a stark improvement from the 22.8 points per game (38th nationally) in 2021.

Despite the improvements, Knowles noted the arc of the defense “has trended up.” He also made it clear during his weekly press conference that it’s his job “to keep that going.”

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As for striving for excellence, Knowles noted the defense is “what we repeatedly do.”

Jim Knowles on the “arc” of the Buckeye defense this year: “It definitely has trended up, and continues to trend up. It’s my job to keep that going.”

— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) October 25, 2022

Jim Knowles on competitive excellence for the Buckeyes this season:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, it’s a habit,” he said. “That’s Aristotle, I think. Not Jim Knowles.”

— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) October 25, 2022

Next up for Knowles’ unit is Penn State, a team averaging 33.4 points per game. It will also be a true road test for Ohio State heading to Happy Valley in Week 9.