Jim Knowles' schemes and results

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JohnnyJava

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#1
This year, Knowles' PSU team was 34th in total defense and 37th in scoring defense. I didn't know anything about him, so I asked Google Gemini for a scheme and results overview which follows:

I. Defensive Philosophy: The "Safety-Driven" 4-2-5​

Knowles calls his scheme a "Safety-Driven Defense." While it is technically a 4-2-5 base (4 defensive linemen, 2 linebackers, 5 defensive backs), it functions differently than standard nickel packages.

  • Aggression & Disguise: Knowles views defense through an "offensive" lens. He wants to dictate the tempo rather than react. His hallmark is disguising coverages—showing one look pre-snap and rotating into a completely different one post-snap to trick the quarterback.


  • The Three Safeties: The scheme relies heavily on three safeties on the field simultaneously.
    • Bandit/Boundary Safety: Plays into the boundary (short side of the field) and is often involved in run support.


    • Field Safety: Covers the wide side of the field.
    • Strike/Nickel: A hybrid safety/linebacker who covers the slot but also fits the run aggressively.
  • The "Jack" Position: This is a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (sometimes called a "Leo"). Knowles recruits an athletic pass rusher for this spot who can line up with his hand in the dirt, stand up on the edge, or drop into coverage. This moving piece prevents the offense from predicting where the pressure is coming from.
  • "Touching" the Quarterback: Knowles tracks a specific metric called "havoc" or "touching the QB." He emphasizes that even if you don't get the sack, physically hitting or moving the quarterback off his spot is the primary correlation to winning games.

II. Statistical Success & Rankings​

Knowles has a distinct track record of "build-up" success. At his previous stops (Duke and Oklahoma State), his defenses often struggled statistically in Year 1 as players learned his complex system, but they improved drastically by Year 3 or 4 to become top-tier units. At Ohio State, however, the turnaround was much faster due to the elite talent available.




1. Ohio State (2022–2024)​

  • The Turnaround: Knowles inherited a defense that ranked #59 in total defense the year prior (2021).


  • Results: He produced an immediate turnaround, culminating in one of the nation's best units.
    • 2022 (Year 1): Improved to 14th in Total Defense.


    • 2023 (Year 2): Ranked 3rd nationally in Total Defense and 2nd in Scoring Defense (11.2 ppg).
    • 2024 (Year 3): His unit ranked 1st in the nation in both Scoring Defense and Total Defense.

2. Oklahoma State (2018–2021)​

  • The Build: Inherited a unit ranked in the 90s.
  • Results: The defense improved steadily each year, peaking in his final season with historic numbers.
    • 2018 (Year 1): 112th in Total Defense (Struggle year).


    • 2020 (Year 3): 1st nationally in 3rd Down Defense; led the nation in defensive touchdowns.
    • 2021 (Year 4): The defense was elite, ranking #3 in Total Defense and #1 in the nation in Sacks (57).

3. Duke (2010–2017)​

  • The Context: Duke was historically a difficult place to play defense due to talent disparities in the ACC.
  • Results: Knowles took them from the bottom of the FBS to a respectable, bowl-winning level.
    • Early Years: Consistently ranked near 100th.
    • 2017 (Final Year): Peaked at 21st nationally in Scoring Defense (20.2 ppg), marking one of the best defenses in Duke history.
 
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#2
#2
JohnnyJava said:
This year, Knowles' PSU team was 34th in total defense and 37th in scoring defense. I didn't know anything about him, so I asked Google Gemini for a scheme and results overview which follows:

I. Defensive Philosophy: The "Safety-Driven" 4-2-5​

Knowles calls his scheme a "Safety-Driven Defense." While it is technically a 4-2-5 base (4 defensive linemen, 2 linebackers, 5 defensive backs), it functions differently than standard nickel packages.

  • Aggression & Disguise: Knowles views defense through an "offensive" lens. He wants to dictate the tempo rather than react. His hallmark is disguising coverages—showing one look pre-snap and rotating into a completely different one post-snap to trick the quarterback.


  • The Three Safeties:The scheme relies heavily on three safeties on the field simultaneously.
    • Bandit/Boundary Safety: Plays into the boundary (short side of the field) and is often involved in run support.


    • Field Safety: Covers the wide side of the field.
    • Strike/Nickel: A hybrid safety/linebacker who covers the slot but also fits the run aggressively.
  • The "Jack" Position: This is a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (sometimes called a "Leo"). Knowles recruits an athletic pass rusher for this spot who can line up with his hand in the dirt, stand up on the edge, or drop into coverage. This moving piece prevents the offense from predicting where the pressure is coming from.
  • "Touching" the Quarterback: Knowles tracks a specific metric called "havoc" or "touching the QB." He emphasizes that even if you don't get the sack, physically hitting or moving the quarterback off his spot is the primary correlation to winning games.

II. Statistical Success & Rankings​

Knowles has a distinct track record of "build-up" success. At his previous stops (Duke and Oklahoma State), his defenses often struggled statistically in Year 1 as players learned his complex system, but they improved drastically by Year 3 or 4 to become top-tier units. At Ohio State, however, the turnaround was much faster due to the elite talent available.




1. Ohio State (2022–2024)​

  • The Turnaround: Knowles inherited a defense that ranked #59 in total defense the year prior (2021).


  • Results:He produced an immediate turnaround, culminating in one of the nation's best units.
    • 2022 (Year 1): Improved to 14th in Total Defense.


    • 2023 (Year 2): Ranked 3rd nationally in Total Defense and 2nd in Scoring Defense (11.2 ppg).
    • 2024 (Year 3): His unit ranked 1st in the nation in both Scoring Defense and Total Defense.

2. Oklahoma State (2018–2021)​

  • The Build: Inherited a unit ranked in the 90s.
  • Results:The defense improved steadily each year, peaking in his final season with historic numbers.
    • 2018 (Year 1): 112th in Total Defense (Struggle year).


    • 2020 (Year 3): 1st nationally in 3rd Down Defense; led the nation in defensive touchdowns.
    • 2021 (Year 4): The defense was elite, ranking #3 in Total Defense and #1 in the nation in Sacks (57).

3. Duke (2010–2017)​

  • The Context: Duke was historically a difficult place to play defense due to talent disparities in the ACC.
  • Results:Knowles took them from the bottom of the FBS to a respectable, bowl-winning level.
    • Early Years: Consistently ranked near 100th.
    • 2017 (Final Year): Peaked at 21st nationally in Scoring Defense (20.2 ppg), marking one of the best defenses in Duke history.
Click to expand...
Heck if he makes our defense under 40 in ranking we should get up a parade for him
 
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#4
#4
JohnnyJava said:
This year, Knowles' PSU team was 34th in total defense and 37th in scoring defense. I didn't know anything about him, so I asked Google Gemini for a scheme and results overview which follows:

I. Defensive Philosophy: The "Safety-Driven" 4-2-5​

Knowles calls his scheme a "Safety-Driven Defense." While it is technically a 4-2-5 base (4 defensive linemen, 2 linebackers, 5 defensive backs), it functions differently than standard nickel packages.

  • Aggression & Disguise: Knowles views defense through an "offensive" lens. He wants to dictate the tempo rather than react. His hallmark is disguising coverages—showing one look pre-snap and rotating into a completely different one post-snap to trick the quarterback.


  • The Three Safeties:The scheme relies heavily on three safeties on the field simultaneously.
    • Bandit/Boundary Safety: Plays into the boundary (short side of the field) and is often involved in run support.


    • Field Safety: Covers the wide side of the field.
    • Strike/Nickel: A hybrid safety/linebacker who covers the slot but also fits the run aggressively.
  • The "Jack" Position: This is a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (sometimes called a "Leo"). Knowles recruits an athletic pass rusher for this spot who can line up with his hand in the dirt, stand up on the edge, or drop into coverage. This moving piece prevents the offense from predicting where the pressure is coming from.
  • "Touching" the Quarterback: Knowles tracks a specific metric called "havoc" or "touching the QB." He emphasizes that even if you don't get the sack, physically hitting or moving the quarterback off his spot is the primary correlation to winning games.

II. Statistical Success & Rankings​

Knowles has a distinct track record of "build-up" success. At his previous stops (Duke and Oklahoma State), his defenses often struggled statistically in Year 1 as players learned his complex system, but they improved drastically by Year 3 or 4 to become top-tier units. At Ohio State, however, the turnaround was much faster due to the elite talent available.




1. Ohio State (2022–2024)​

  • The Turnaround: Knowles inherited a defense that ranked #59 in total defense the year prior (2021).


  • Results:He produced an immediate turnaround, culminating in one of the nation's best units.
    • 2022 (Year 1): Improved to 14th in Total Defense.


    • 2023 (Year 2): Ranked 3rd nationally in Total Defense and 2nd in Scoring Defense (11.2 ppg).
    • 2024 (Year 3): His unit ranked 1st in the nation in both Scoring Defense and Total Defense.

2. Oklahoma State (2018–2021)​

  • The Build: Inherited a unit ranked in the 90s.
  • Results:The defense improved steadily each year, peaking in his final season with historic numbers.
    • 2018 (Year 1): 112th in Total Defense (Struggle year).


    • 2020 (Year 3): 1st nationally in 3rd Down Defense; led the nation in defensive touchdowns.
    • 2021 (Year 4): The defense was elite, ranking #3 in Total Defense and #1 in the nation in Sacks (57).

3. Duke (2010–2017)​

  • The Context: Duke was historically a difficult place to play defense due to talent disparities in the ACC.
  • Results:Knowles took them from the bottom of the FBS to a respectable, bowl-winning level.
    • Early Years: Consistently ranked near 100th.
    • 2017 (Final Year): Peaked at 21st nationally in Scoring Defense (20.2 ppg), marking one of the best defenses in Duke history.
Click to expand...
Appreciate that Johnny I was bout to look up what scheme he uses..
 
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#14
#14
Penn State's 2025 defense showed promise early, ranking high in stop rate (top 10 nationally mid-season) and having a strong pass defense (12th nationally allowing 167.7 YPG), but struggled later in the season, falling in overall rankings, with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hired to elevate them, despite key transfers like A.J. Harris bolstering the secondary. By late October, their stop rate dropped significantly (around 62.5%), and they were 8th in the Big Ten in passing defense percentage (63.8%).
Key Defensive Highlights & Trends (2025 Season):
  • Early Season Strength: Started strong with a high stop rate, reaching #1 nationally before tough stretches.
  • Pass Defense: A standout area, ranking 12th nationally, allowing under 170 yards per game.
  • Run Defense: Weaker, ranking 70th nationally and 11th in the Big Ten.
  • Overall Decline: Inability to get stops in crucial moments led to a drop in rankings as the season progressed.
  • Coaching & Personnel: Jim Knowles (DC) brought in high-profile transfers (Harris, King Mack, Audavion Collins) to build a strong secondary, with players like A.J. Harris showing All-American potential.
Key Stats (Varying points in the season):
  • Stop Rate: Top 10 early, around 62.5% (61st nationally) by late October.
  • Pass Defense (Yds/G): 12th nationally (167.7 YPG).
  • Big Ten Pass Defense %: 8th (63.8%).
In essence, the 2025 Penn State defense had flashes of elite play, especially in the secondary, but overall consistency, particularly against the run and late in the season, prevented them from reaching top-tier national defensive rankings
 
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#19
#19
JohnnyJava said:
This year, Knowles' PSU team was 34th in total defense and 37th in scoring defense. I didn't know anything about him, so I asked Google Gemini for a scheme and results overview which follows:

I. Defensive Philosophy: The "Safety-Driven" 4-2-5​

Knowles calls his scheme a "Safety-Driven Defense." While it is technically a 4-2-5 base (4 defensive linemen, 2 linebackers, 5 defensive backs), it functions differently than standard nickel packages.

  • Aggression & Disguise: Knowles views defense through an "offensive" lens. He wants to dictate the tempo rather than react. His hallmark is disguising coverages—showing one look pre-snap and rotating into a completely different one post-snap to trick the quarterback.


  • The Three Safeties:The scheme relies heavily on three safeties on the field simultaneously.
    • Bandit/Boundary Safety: Plays into the boundary (short side of the field) and is often involved in run support.


    • Field Safety: Covers the wide side of the field.
    • Strike/Nickel: A hybrid safety/linebacker who covers the slot but also fits the run aggressively.
  • The "Jack" Position: This is a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (sometimes called a "Leo"). Knowles recruits an athletic pass rusher for this spot who can line up with his hand in the dirt, stand up on the edge, or drop into coverage. This moving piece prevents the offense from predicting where the pressure is coming from.
  • "Touching" the Quarterback: Knowles tracks a specific metric called "havoc" or "touching the QB." He emphasizes that even if you don't get the sack, physically hitting or moving the quarterback off his spot is the primary correlation to winning games.

II. Statistical Success & Rankings​

Knowles has a distinct track record of "build-up" success. At his previous stops (Duke and Oklahoma State), his defenses often struggled statistically in Year 1 as players learned his complex system, but they improved drastically by Year 3 or 4 to become top-tier units. At Ohio State, however, the turnaround was much faster due to the elite talent available.




1. Ohio State (2022–2024)​

  • The Turnaround: Knowles inherited a defense that ranked #59 in total defense the year prior (2021).


  • Results:He produced an immediate turnaround, culminating in one of the nation's best units.
    • 2022 (Year 1): Improved to 14th in Total Defense.


    • 2023 (Year 2): Ranked 3rd nationally in Total Defense and 2nd in Scoring Defense (11.2 ppg).
    • 2024 (Year 3): His unit ranked 1st in the nation in both Scoring Defense and Total Defense.

2. Oklahoma State (2018–2021)​

  • The Build: Inherited a unit ranked in the 90s.
  • Results:The defense improved steadily each year, peaking in his final season with historic numbers.
    • 2018 (Year 1): 112th in Total Defense (Struggle year).


    • 2020 (Year 3): 1st nationally in 3rd Down Defense; led the nation in defensive touchdowns.
    • 2021 (Year 4): The defense was elite, ranking #3 in Total Defense and #1 in the nation in Sacks (57).

3. Duke (2010–2017)​

  • The Context: Duke was historically a difficult place to play defense due to talent disparities in the ACC.
  • Results:Knowles took them from the bottom of the FBS to a respectable, bowl-winning level.
    • Early Years: Consistently ranked near 100th.
    • 2017 (Final Year): Peaked at 21st nationally in Scoring Defense (20.2 ppg), marking one of the best defenses in Duke history.
Click to expand...
Didn’t we run a 4-2-5 under banks?
 
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#22
#22
JohnnyJava said:
This year, Knowles' PSU team was 34th in total defense and 37th in scoring defense. I didn't know anything about him, so I asked Google Gemini for a scheme and results overview which follows:

I. Defensive Philosophy: The "Safety-Driven" 4-2-5​

Knowles calls his scheme a "Safety-Driven Defense." While it is technically a 4-2-5 base (4 defensive linemen, 2 linebackers, 5 defensive backs), it functions differently than standard nickel packages.

  • Aggression & Disguise: Knowles views defense through an "offensive" lens. He wants to dictate the tempo rather than react. His hallmark is disguising coverages—showing one look pre-snap and rotating into a completely different one post-snap to trick the quarterback.


  • The Three Safeties:The scheme relies heavily on three safeties on the field simultaneously.
    • Bandit/Boundary Safety: Plays into the boundary (short side of the field) and is often involved in run support.


    • Field Safety: Covers the wide side of the field.
    • Strike/Nickel: A hybrid safety/linebacker who covers the slot but also fits the run aggressively.
  • The "Jack" Position: This is a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (sometimes called a "Leo"). Knowles recruits an athletic pass rusher for this spot who can line up with his hand in the dirt, stand up on the edge, or drop into coverage. This moving piece prevents the offense from predicting where the pressure is coming from.
  • "Touching" the Quarterback: Knowles tracks a specific metric called "havoc" or "touching the QB." He emphasizes that even if you don't get the sack, physically hitting or moving the quarterback off his spot is the primary correlation to winning games.

II. Statistical Success & Rankings​

Knowles has a distinct track record of "build-up" success. At his previous stops (Duke and Oklahoma State), his defenses often struggled statistically in Year 1 as players learned his complex system, but they improved drastically by Year 3 or 4 to become top-tier units. At Ohio State, however, the turnaround was much faster due to the elite talent available.




1. Ohio State (2022–2024)​

  • The Turnaround: Knowles inherited a defense that ranked #59 in total defense the year prior (2021).


  • Results:He produced an immediate turnaround, culminating in one of the nation's best units.
    • 2022 (Year 1): Improved to 14th in Total Defense.


    • 2023 (Year 2): Ranked 3rd nationally in Total Defense and 2nd in Scoring Defense (11.2 ppg).
    • 2024 (Year 3): His unit ranked 1st in the nation in both Scoring Defense and Total Defense.

2. Oklahoma State (2018–2021)​

  • The Build: Inherited a unit ranked in the 90s.
  • Results:The defense improved steadily each year, peaking in his final season with historic numbers.
    • 2018 (Year 1): 112th in Total Defense (Struggle year).


    • 2020 (Year 3): 1st nationally in 3rd Down Defense; led the nation in defensive touchdowns.
    • 2021 (Year 4): The defense was elite, ranking #3 in Total Defense and #1 in the nation in Sacks (57).

3. Duke (2010–2017)​

  • The Context: Duke was historically a difficult place to play defense due to talent disparities in the ACC.
  • Results:Knowles took them from the bottom of the FBS to a respectable, bowl-winning level.
    • Early Years: Consistently ranked near 100th.
    • 2017 (Final Year): Peaked at 21st nationally in Scoring Defense (20.2 ppg), marking one of the best defenses in Duke history.
Click to expand...
Joel Wyatt who is 6ft4in tall and weighs 200lbs but is dead set on playing Safety has this "strike/nickel" position written all over him. Hes gonna end up at least 220lbs but still very fast...and this hybrid Safety/LB looks like a position that was designed specifically for him. Wyatt was a 5* player when everyone wanted him as a WR...once he quit camping as a WR and instead went to elite athlete camps as a Safety (and committed to UT) he fell to a very high 4* guy but still a top100 player easily. He can be a monster in this scheme IMO. If he gets too big for that position he will just move forward a level on defense and play LB/Jack.

Wyatt and those 2 top 100 LBs we signed this year in White and Rouse should be ecstatic. Same for Spillman and the 2 Jadens also at LB.
 
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#25
#25
rocytop2624 said:
Didn’t we run a 4-2-5 under banks?
Click to expand...

Yep. Everybody plays some version of this "Nickel" (5 DBs) defense. Its because FBS is so pass happy these days. If it were still a smashmouth running game dominated sport, everyone would still play either 3-4 or 4-3 defense with more LBs.
 
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