Collage Football Semifinals: Ohio State DC Jim Knowles analyzes what the team must do to take down the ‘Big Ten Champs’
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15.
It is do or die for Ohio State in this upcoming matchup with Oregon. The Buckeyes will get a chance to take down the Big Ten champs and punch a ticket to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State was up to the task against Tennessee from the jump. The Buckeyes jumpstarted things with 21 points in the first quarter and it ended up a 42-17 rout of the Volunteers.
Ohio State’s defense was very good against Tennessee and they have been the best defense in the country in 2024. In fact, their loss to Oregon back in October may be to thank for the level the defense has reached.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles recently admitted that the game against Oregon helped the team a lot. That means they’re expected to go out there and show it once again on the big stage.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity because it was not a great game for us,” Jim Knowles said after the win on Saturday. “Quite frankly, the guys got pis*** off, and it led to a run for us. They used that game as motivation.”
Ohio State ranks first in the FBS with 11.4 points allowed, 141 passing yards allowed per game, and 262 total yards allowed per game. Ohio State has not given up a passing touchdown since the loss against Oregon on Oct. 14.
Nico Iamleava put up just 104 passing yards for the Vols against Ohio State in the first round. Tennessee averages 458 yards of offense a game, which is top 20 in the FBS. Knowles’ unit was up to the task and showed up big against them. If Ohio State wants to win it all, they are going to need more of it.
Oregon and Ohio State will play on Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. with it all on the line in the Rose Bowl.
