Jim Knowles coaches the Ohio State Buckeyes defense, which is No. 1 in the country in total defense. The unit allows just 11.4 points and 242.2 yards per game and is a key reason why the team is in the College Football Playoff.

However, the unit did have one ugly performance this season, and it came in the team’s first loss. The Oregon Ducks put up 32 points on the Buckeyes and gained 496 total yards of offense.

Fortunately for Knowles and his defense, they will get another shot at the Ducks in the quarterfinals of the CFP. When asked about the chance at a rematch, Knowles expressed excitement.

“You always hope for a second shot when you don’t do well. That’s life. A lot of times you don’t get them,” explained Knowles. “So we have a chance to do better, be better.”

Since the loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes have not allowed more than 17 points in a game. The Ducks, meanwhile, are averaging 35.9 points per game, so something will have to give in this highly-anticipated rematch.

Even with the team seeking revenge, Knowles added that the week-to-week process has remained the same.

“No matter who we’re playing, the point has always been for us to be at our best, to get better from the week before and from earlier in the season,” said Jim Knowles.

The Buckeyes and Ducks will kick off from the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day at 5:00 p.m. ET. The winner will get a spot in the Cotton Bowl against the winner of the Texas-Arizona State matchup.