I’m beyond thrilled about the changes to the defensive staff and the defensive philosophy that were made by Coach Day this off season. However, as the upcoming season approaches, I do have a couple questions that I think could have a significant impact on the field this coming season (and in seasons to follow).
 

Here’s my thinking—the Ohio State offense has been practicing against a “basic defense” ever since before Day even took over. So, in theory, what they’ve seen in practice has helped prep them for competing against other “basic” defenses on Saturdays; and I’m guessing most other B1G teams employ a similar “basic” approach to defense. Now that Knowles is implementing major changes, I’m wondering how that will impact the offense’s preparedness week-to-week for B1G play (and big OOC matchups). So….

#1… Are there any other B1G teams that attempt to run a similar defense to what Knowles runs?

#2… What are the potential gameday downsides (schematically…if any) to seeing the Knowles defense day-in and day-out?

#3… All schemes have strengths and weaknesses. What specific weaknesses does Knowles’ defense potentially have?