Ohio State coach Ryan Day called Knowles' departure in January 'abrupt.' The Nittany Lions' defensive coordinator returns to Ohio Stadium on Saturday.

The Penn State defense has had its ups and downs all year long, but this week, they have a unique opportunity to perform well against a bitter rival. Not just any bitter rival, but the one where their new defensive coordinator led them to a national championship.

Joel Klatt previewed the Big Noon Kickoff game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He explained why this matchup is going to be interesting between the Penn State DC Jim Knowles and Ohio State HC Ryan Day.

Johnson sent all four Ohio State D-linemen to the NFL Draft after a national title. Instead of retiring on top, he embraced a new challenge.

Penn State football interim coach Terry Smith meet with reporters during the off week and touched on Ohio State and the Jim Knowles defense.

Since the College Football Playoff’s inception in the 2014 season, Ohio State has won two national championships, been to the dance six times and lost two or fewer games in each season. Expectations follow the Buckeyes wherever they go — before,