It’s another Tuesday edition of my 10 scattered thoughts.
Here’s what I’m thinking about this week.
Let’s start with a question from the message boards.
From user heusel: “It is a given that (Jim) Knowles has more talent here to to work with than he did at Oklahoma State. Given that fact, where do you think his defense will end up ranked nationally when all is said and done?”
Not only is this a very good question, but a good synopsis of what the main question about Ohio State is heading into the 2022 season: what will defensive coordinator Jim Knowles be able to do with what he’s been given?
Let’s break it down between two distinct categories: Knowles’ track record for rebuilding defenses and what he’s actually inheriting.
The first one is something we have looked at before.
Knowles has been a defensive coordinator for three other programs before joining Ohio State: Western Michigan, Duke and Oklahoma State. Here’s a look at each program’s defense allowed the year before he arrived compared to the numbers it allowed in Knowles’ first season.
Western Michigan
2000 (served as DL coach): 11.6 points per game, 283.3 total yards per game (178 passing, 105.3 rushing), 15.5 first downs per game — No. 4 in total defense
2001: 24.2 points per game, 366.3 total yards per game (179.8 passing, 186.5 rushing), 20.1 first downs per game — No. 49 in total defense
Duke
2009: 28.3 points per game, 367.6 total yards per game (215.8 passing, 152.8 rushing), 18.8 first downs per game — No. 83 in total defense
2010: 35.3 points per game 450.1 total yards per game (241.8 passing, 208.3 rushing, 21.8 first downs per game — No. 109 in total defense
Oklahoma State
2017: 29.4 points per game, 409.3 total yards per game (268.6 passing, 140.7 rushing), 22 first downs per game — No. 85 in total defense
2018: 32.5 points per game, 452.5 total yards per game (267.1 passing, 185.4 rushing), 23.2 first downs per game — No. 97 in total defense
In three separate spots, Knowles’ team’s total defense has dropped an average of nearly 28 spots the first season he takes over as defensive coordinator.
Now, what is Knowles inheriting statistically?
Let’s take a look at these stats for the past three seasons of Ohio State’s defense under head coach Ryan Day.
2019 (Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley): 13.7 points per game, 260 total yards per game (156 passing, 104 rushing), 15.5 first downs — No. 4 in total defense
2020 (Kerry Coombs): 25.6 points per game, 401.9 total yards per game (304 passing, 97.9 rushing), 20.8 first downs — No. 44 in total defense
2021 (Kerry Coombs): 22.7 points per game, 374 total yards per game (246.2 passing, 127.8 rushing), 21.3 first downs — No. 38 in total defense
If Ohio State were to drop according to Knowles’ average, it would fall to No. 66 into the same range as Syracuse, South Alabama and Florida State last season.
So what’s your answer?
I bring all these stats up to say Knowles’ defense takes time, whether it’s players learning his scheme or recruiting players to fit the roles expected like those all-purpose safeties and linebackers or that linebacker/defensive end hybrid known as the Jack or Leo.
But Knowles has said it himself. He feels Ohio State is in a different spot than those other defenses were in when he first arrived.
“They were able to learn that we do a lot of things. It’s simple, but it looks complex. I think they were able to get to the heart of it and get excited and say, ‘OK, we can show a lot of different looks.’ But it was easy for them to learn,” Knowles said. “It can be overwhelming in the beginning because it looks like a lot. But when you get into the nuts and bolts of it, they were able to follow along at a rapid pace. And that’s a credit to our players too. They soaked it up and they really wanted to learn.
“I think now they got a taste of how good the system can work.”
He’s also said that he doesn’t have the luxury of time to build a defense up that he’s had at his other stops as a defensive coordinator, one that peaked with Oklahoma State’s No. 9 ranked total defense in 2021 with the most sacks in the nation.
So where do I think Ohio State should end up?
If they can generate a pass rush, and players like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau can provide the pressure Knowles’ defense is designed to bring, I think Ohio State can finish in that 20-30 range, taking a step up in total defense from last season.
We have another list. But this one, you might like.
No, it’s not the one naming Ronnie Hickman as the No. 30 safety in college football heading into 2022 behind Rutgers’ Avery Young, Penn State’s Ji’Ayir Brown, two Alabama safeties and Kent State’s Nico Bolden.
Big Game Boomer strikes again, but, this time, in favor of Ohio State.
First, the account lists Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka as the No. 1 returning kick returner in college football next season, ahead of players like USF running back Brian Battie (No. 2), Kansas State wide receiver Malik Knowles (No. 3) and Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed (No. 7) after averaging 29 yards on 10 returns a season ago.
And finally, the account lists incoming Oklahoma State transfer Tanner McCalister as the fifth-best slot cornerback in the country behind South Carolina’s Cam Smith, Georgia’s Tykee Smith, Texas A&M’s Antonio Johnson and Boston College’s Josh DeBerry, with Illinois’ Jartavius Martin coming in as the second-best option in the Big Ten at No. 8.
Expectations remain high for McCalister, who allowed 23 receptions for 224 yards — 9.7 yards per reception and 3.4 yards after catch per reception — on 46 targets, allowing four touchdowns, including two against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
Pressure is also on McCalister as the face of the change coming for Ohio State on the defensive side of the ball, coming in as a fifth-year senior who spent his first four years learning Knowles’ defense at Oklahoma State.
But what these lists show is that Ohio State has talent to work with.
So, what have I learned from Ohio State’s first two recruiting camps?
Here’s three thoughts.
Young players are making a huge impression: I’ve never seen more talented eighth graders in my life. Whether it’s Tyler Atkinson — the 6-foot-3, 187-pound monster defensive end who emulated Chase Young in a major way — or Chris Henry Jr. — the 6-foot-2, 174-pound wide receiver who was one step ahead of defensive backs two or three years older than him all afternoon — Ohio State is bringing in some talented players who haven’t even experienced high school football yet. And they are the real deal. Will both end up at Ohio State? My gut tells me Henry is more likely than Atkinson, with the former being from Cincinnati and his dad being a former Bengals wide receiver. But both are going to get a lot of attention moving forward.
Ohio State sets the standard on the recruiting trail: Ohio State offers send shockwaves to programs across the country. And the Buckeyes had two examples of this after its first recruiting camp of the year. First, 2024 safety Garrett Stover — the cousin of tight end Cade Stover — came into his camp with offers from Iowa State, Michigan State and Kentucky. Since, he’s earned offers from Cincinnati, Ohio and Notre Dame. Finally, 2024 wide receiver Mylan Graham got Ohio State to be his first offer. Since, he’s earned Indiana, Notre Dame and Michigan. Ohio State sends shockwaves across the midwest. More on him coming later this week.
Commits come to work: Will Smith Jr. has been at each of Ohio State’s first two recruiting camps, and plans to be at each camp the Buckeyes coaching staff holds this summer. Tuesday, Ohio State is expected to host 2023 commits Ty Lockwood, Austin Sierveld, Luke Montgomery and Joshua Padilla. In the case of Smith, there always seems to be a group of top-level recruits hanging around him. We’ll see if that continues with a large group of commits coming in for camp.
Oh, and one more thing about the tight end position.
I’ve never heard someone explain the Ohio State tight end position more succinctly than 2024 three-star tight end Luca Puccinelli.
“It’s definitely important,” Puccinelli said when asked about how important receptions are to him as a tight end. “But winning games, I’d rather win the game and have zero catches than have 30 catches and a loss. Anything the coach needs, I’ll get it done.”
I’m not surprised that Kevin Wilson didn’t come running into the media scrum and tell Puccinelli that he had an offer right then and there after he said this.
Now, this is a list that makes some sense.
But this isn’t a fun one.
This Twitter account listed what it feels are the top 100 players in the country heading into the 2022-23 season.
It has Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe at No. 1 and 15 different Big Ten players including Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson at No. 4,, Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis at No. 6 and Purdue’s Zach Edey at No. 30.
But there are no Ohio State players.
It makes sense.
Ohio State has only 23% of its returning minutes per Barttotvik, ninth lowest among teams in major conferences.
Simply, the Buckeyes have a lot of growing up to do.
Which player on the roster could show up on that list before the 2022-23 season is complete?
Here’s three candidates.
Zed Key: If you know me at all, you know I’m all aboard the Zed Key hype train, whether it’s his slimmed down figure or his aim to develop a midrange jumper and a serviceable 3-point shot. Key could be the main piece for this team or he could be that guy who provides an emotional and versatile boost like Kyle Young did. Either way, he will be important heading into next season.
Tanner Holden: If the Wright State leading scorer can find some semblance of that offensive firepower in the Big Ten, he’s going to be hard to stop.
Brice Sensabaugh: All I’ve heard from coaches about this kid is along the lines of “What until you see him in action.” Based on his size and his skillset, he could be a matchup problem, one that could prove to be vital and one that could give him big minutes immediately.
I’m sure you all saw this.
I’ll just leave this here.
Oh, and this amazing response.
And finally, the song of the week.
It’s actually three songs this week.
First up, I spent my weekend at Ruoff Music Center — better known as Deer Creek — seeing my favorite band in the world: Phish.
This was the start of the second set of the Saturday night show, and may have been my highlight of the weekend, where the four-piece began with a staple and transitioned into a song that I knew would be a "jam vehicle" from the moment I first heard it.
Next, I had put in my calendar to share this wonderful, wonderful version of “Reuben And Cherise” by the Grateful Dead a few days before its 31st birthday. It also just so happens that I will be heading to Buckeye Lake this weekend to see Goose.
I’m a nerd, yes.
See you on the board.
Here’s what I’m thinking about this week.
Let’s start with a question from the message boards.
From user heusel: “It is a given that (Jim) Knowles has more talent here to to work with than he did at Oklahoma State. Given that fact, where do you think his defense will end up ranked nationally when all is said and done?”
Not only is this a very good question, but a good synopsis of what the main question about Ohio State is heading into the 2022 season: what will defensive coordinator Jim Knowles be able to do with what he’s been given?
Let’s break it down between two distinct categories: Knowles’ track record for rebuilding defenses and what he’s actually inheriting.
The first one is something we have looked at before.
Knowles has been a defensive coordinator for three other programs before joining Ohio State: Western Michigan, Duke and Oklahoma State. Here’s a look at each program’s defense allowed the year before he arrived compared to the numbers it allowed in Knowles’ first season.
Western Michigan
2000 (served as DL coach): 11.6 points per game, 283.3 total yards per game (178 passing, 105.3 rushing), 15.5 first downs per game — No. 4 in total defense
2001: 24.2 points per game, 366.3 total yards per game (179.8 passing, 186.5 rushing), 20.1 first downs per game — No. 49 in total defense
Duke
2009: 28.3 points per game, 367.6 total yards per game (215.8 passing, 152.8 rushing), 18.8 first downs per game — No. 83 in total defense
2010: 35.3 points per game 450.1 total yards per game (241.8 passing, 208.3 rushing, 21.8 first downs per game — No. 109 in total defense
Oklahoma State
2017: 29.4 points per game, 409.3 total yards per game (268.6 passing, 140.7 rushing), 22 first downs per game — No. 85 in total defense
2018: 32.5 points per game, 452.5 total yards per game (267.1 passing, 185.4 rushing), 23.2 first downs per game — No. 97 in total defense
In three separate spots, Knowles’ team’s total defense has dropped an average of nearly 28 spots the first season he takes over as defensive coordinator.
Now, what is Knowles inheriting statistically?
Let’s take a look at these stats for the past three seasons of Ohio State’s defense under head coach Ryan Day.
2019 (Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley): 13.7 points per game, 260 total yards per game (156 passing, 104 rushing), 15.5 first downs — No. 4 in total defense
2020 (Kerry Coombs): 25.6 points per game, 401.9 total yards per game (304 passing, 97.9 rushing), 20.8 first downs — No. 44 in total defense
2021 (Kerry Coombs): 22.7 points per game, 374 total yards per game (246.2 passing, 127.8 rushing), 21.3 first downs — No. 38 in total defense
If Ohio State were to drop according to Knowles’ average, it would fall to No. 66 into the same range as Syracuse, South Alabama and Florida State last season.
So what’s your answer?
I bring all these stats up to say Knowles’ defense takes time, whether it’s players learning his scheme or recruiting players to fit the roles expected like those all-purpose safeties and linebackers or that linebacker/defensive end hybrid known as the Jack or Leo.
But Knowles has said it himself. He feels Ohio State is in a different spot than those other defenses were in when he first arrived.
“They were able to learn that we do a lot of things. It’s simple, but it looks complex. I think they were able to get to the heart of it and get excited and say, ‘OK, we can show a lot of different looks.’ But it was easy for them to learn,” Knowles said. “It can be overwhelming in the beginning because it looks like a lot. But when you get into the nuts and bolts of it, they were able to follow along at a rapid pace. And that’s a credit to our players too. They soaked it up and they really wanted to learn.
“I think now they got a taste of how good the system can work.”
He’s also said that he doesn’t have the luxury of time to build a defense up that he’s had at his other stops as a defensive coordinator, one that peaked with Oklahoma State’s No. 9 ranked total defense in 2021 with the most sacks in the nation.
So where do I think Ohio State should end up?
If they can generate a pass rush, and players like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau can provide the pressure Knowles’ defense is designed to bring, I think Ohio State can finish in that 20-30 range, taking a step up in total defense from last season.
We have another list. But this one, you might like.
No, it’s not the one naming Ronnie Hickman as the No. 30 safety in college football heading into 2022 behind Rutgers’ Avery Young, Penn State’s Ji’Ayir Brown, two Alabama safeties and Kent State’s Nico Bolden.
Big Game Boomer strikes again, but, this time, in favor of Ohio State.
First, the account lists Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka as the No. 1 returning kick returner in college football next season, ahead of players like USF running back Brian Battie (No. 2), Kansas State wide receiver Malik Knowles (No. 3) and Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed (No. 7) after averaging 29 yards on 10 returns a season ago.
And finally, the account lists incoming Oklahoma State transfer Tanner McCalister as the fifth-best slot cornerback in the country behind South Carolina’s Cam Smith, Georgia’s Tykee Smith, Texas A&M’s Antonio Johnson and Boston College’s Josh DeBerry, with Illinois’ Jartavius Martin coming in as the second-best option in the Big Ten at No. 8.
Expectations remain high for McCalister, who allowed 23 receptions for 224 yards — 9.7 yards per reception and 3.4 yards after catch per reception — on 46 targets, allowing four touchdowns, including two against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
Pressure is also on McCalister as the face of the change coming for Ohio State on the defensive side of the ball, coming in as a fifth-year senior who spent his first four years learning Knowles’ defense at Oklahoma State.
But what these lists show is that Ohio State has talent to work with.
So, what have I learned from Ohio State’s first two recruiting camps?
Here’s three thoughts.
Young players are making a huge impression: I’ve never seen more talented eighth graders in my life. Whether it’s Tyler Atkinson — the 6-foot-3, 187-pound monster defensive end who emulated Chase Young in a major way — or Chris Henry Jr. — the 6-foot-2, 174-pound wide receiver who was one step ahead of defensive backs two or three years older than him all afternoon — Ohio State is bringing in some talented players who haven’t even experienced high school football yet. And they are the real deal. Will both end up at Ohio State? My gut tells me Henry is more likely than Atkinson, with the former being from Cincinnati and his dad being a former Bengals wide receiver. But both are going to get a lot of attention moving forward.
Ohio State sets the standard on the recruiting trail: Ohio State offers send shockwaves to programs across the country. And the Buckeyes had two examples of this after its first recruiting camp of the year. First, 2024 safety Garrett Stover — the cousin of tight end Cade Stover — came into his camp with offers from Iowa State, Michigan State and Kentucky. Since, he’s earned offers from Cincinnati, Ohio and Notre Dame. Finally, 2024 wide receiver Mylan Graham got Ohio State to be his first offer. Since, he’s earned Indiana, Notre Dame and Michigan. Ohio State sends shockwaves across the midwest. More on him coming later this week.
Commits come to work: Will Smith Jr. has been at each of Ohio State’s first two recruiting camps, and plans to be at each camp the Buckeyes coaching staff holds this summer. Tuesday, Ohio State is expected to host 2023 commits Ty Lockwood, Austin Sierveld, Luke Montgomery and Joshua Padilla. In the case of Smith, there always seems to be a group of top-level recruits hanging around him. We’ll see if that continues with a large group of commits coming in for camp.
Oh, and one more thing about the tight end position.
I’ve never heard someone explain the Ohio State tight end position more succinctly than 2024 three-star tight end Luca Puccinelli.
“It’s definitely important,” Puccinelli said when asked about how important receptions are to him as a tight end. “But winning games, I’d rather win the game and have zero catches than have 30 catches and a loss. Anything the coach needs, I’ll get it done.”
I’m not surprised that Kevin Wilson didn’t come running into the media scrum and tell Puccinelli that he had an offer right then and there after he said this.
Now, this is a list that makes some sense.
But this isn’t a fun one.
This Twitter account listed what it feels are the top 100 players in the country heading into the 2022-23 season.
It has Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe at No. 1 and 15 different Big Ten players including Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson at No. 4,, Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis at No. 6 and Purdue’s Zach Edey at No. 30.
But there are no Ohio State players.
It makes sense.
Ohio State has only 23% of its returning minutes per Barttotvik, ninth lowest among teams in major conferences.
Simply, the Buckeyes have a lot of growing up to do.
Which player on the roster could show up on that list before the 2022-23 season is complete?
Here’s three candidates.
Zed Key: If you know me at all, you know I’m all aboard the Zed Key hype train, whether it’s his slimmed down figure or his aim to develop a midrange jumper and a serviceable 3-point shot. Key could be the main piece for this team or he could be that guy who provides an emotional and versatile boost like Kyle Young did. Either way, he will be important heading into next season.
Tanner Holden: If the Wright State leading scorer can find some semblance of that offensive firepower in the Big Ten, he’s going to be hard to stop.
Brice Sensabaugh: All I’ve heard from coaches about this kid is along the lines of “What until you see him in action.” Based on his size and his skillset, he could be a matchup problem, one that could prove to be vital and one that could give him big minutes immediately.
I’m sure you all saw this.
I’ll just leave this here.
Oh, and this amazing response.
And finally, the song of the week.
It’s actually three songs this week.
First up, I spent my weekend at Ruoff Music Center — better known as Deer Creek — seeing my favorite band in the world: Phish.
This was the start of the second set of the Saturday night show, and may have been my highlight of the weekend, where the four-piece began with a staple and transitioned into a song that I knew would be a "jam vehicle" from the moment I first heard it.
Next, I had put in my calendar to share this wonderful, wonderful version of “Reuben And Cherise” by the Grateful Dead a few days before its 31st birthday. It also just so happens that I will be heading to Buckeye Lake this weekend to see Goose.
I’m a nerd, yes.
See you on the board.
