By Neil Rudel

nrudel@altoonamirror.com

It used to be that Ohio State’s path to victory was merely to outscore everybody.

The Buckeyes have attempted to change that narrative under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, now in his third season.

Penn State got a dose of Knowles’ work last year as it was held to 12 points in Columbus — and that included a late TD with the Buckeyes up 20-6.

Ohio State (6-1) currently leads the Big Ten in total defense, allowing 11.86 points per game, which ranks fourth nationally.

“Obviously, the last two years, they’ve played really good defense,” James Franklin said Monday. “Really over the last number of years, they’ve played really good defense. But I think since Coach Knowles has been there, he’s taken them to a whole other level.”

Knowles believes Penn State (7-0) presents a significant challenge for Saturday’s showdown between the top five teams (noon, Fox).

For one thing, he’s not sure whether Drew Allar or Beau Pribula will start at quarterback.

Allar, more of a dropback passer, was hurt at Wisconsin last week and did not play in the second half. Backup and potential starter Pribula looks to run more frequently.

“When you have a quarterback who can hurt you with the run, it really changes the game plan,” Knowles said Tuesday.

In addition, he said tight end Tyler Warren requires constant awareness.

“You never know where he’s going to be and what he’s going to do,” Knowles said. “You have to always be aware of where he’s at.”

The Buckeyes’ DC said Penn State’s addition of Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator has made the Nittany Lions “a lot different” to defend.

“There are multiple formations, motions and shifts — all the time,” he said. “That kind of window dressing creates stress on the defense, and you add in the quarterback run game, and it’s a lot different. It’s a big challenge.”

He’s emphasized to his defensive players to “just do your job.”

Knowles, 59, is Cornell’s former head coach who moved to Oklahoma State as defensive coordinator before Ryan Day hired him in 2022.