Understand this has been an exhaustive topic, however, recently have been able to put it into perspective in my own mind (I think) and it is somewhat frustrating.

Not being disparaging, but seems Knowles runs somewhat of a gimmicky defense, where he expects/allows for a certain number of explosive plays per game.  Previously he has certainly been successful with this approach, or else he wouldn’t be here. To his credit, upon coming to OSU he realized he didn’t have the luxury of time in years to develop an elite defense.

Knowing this and given his years of experience, one would have anticipated that Knowles would have recognized he could play his defense against lesser opponents and dial it back against better offenses, not taking as many chances and playing a more conventional defense.  Maybe easier said than done.  But would have welcomed a Mark Dantonio or Jim Heacock/Luke Fickell defense against the TTUN’s and UGA’s on the schedule. PSU probably as well, since it took a JT Tumelou (sp) defensive game of a lifetime to help out.

Like Knowles on the staff, but expect better decisions and defensive play calling next year in big time games.