Ohio State defensive lineman Kenyatta Jackson, right, tackles Nebraska receiver Jaylen Lloyd for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

It used to be that Ohio State’s path to victory was simply to outplay everyone.

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

Penn State got a dose of work from Knowles last year when 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 played really good defense. » James Franklin said Monday. “Over the last few years, they’ve played really good defense. But I think since Coach Knowles has been here, he’s taken them to a whole new level.

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

For one thing, he doesn’t know if Drew Allar or Beau Pribula will start at quarterback.

Allar, more of a behind-the-scenes passer, was injured at Wisconsin last week and did not play in the second half.

Backup and potential starter Pribula seems 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.

Additionally, he said tight end Tyler Warren requires constant vigilance.

“You never know where he’s going to be and what he’s going to do. » » said Knowles. “You always have to know where it is.”

Buckeyes DC says Penn State’s addition of Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator made the Nittany Lions “very different” defend.

“There are multiple formations, movements and changes – all the time” he said.

“That kind of facade creates stress on the defense, and you add in the running game of the quarterback, and it’s a lot different. It’s a big challenge.

He insisted to his defensive players to “just do your job.”

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