Knowles' recent 3rd down success.

[Flamparadiddle]

Jim Knowles' defenses consistently excel on third down, with Ohio State ranking 5th nationally (28.6%) in 2023 and Oklahoma State leading the nation (26.5%) in 2020, showcasing his scheme's ability to shut down opponents in crucial situations, making him a sought-after defensive coordinator known for strong third-down efficiency across his tenures at OSU, Oklahoma State, Duke, and now Tennessee.
Key Third Down Stats & Examples:

• Ohio State (2023): Ranked 5th nationally in third down defense (28.6%).
• Oklahoma State (2020): Led the nation in third down conversion percentage defense (26.5%).
• Duke (2017): Finished 16th in third-down defense (32.0%).
• Overall Trend: His defenses across Oklahoma State and Ohio State ranked third nationally in third-down efficiency (30.5%).

Why It Matters:

• Knowles' philosophy focuses on stopping opponents on crucial downs, forcing them to punt or kick field goals, which aligns with his overall success in total and scoring defense.
• This strength in third-down situations was a key factor in his hiring at Tennessee, where the defense struggled in that area previously.

 

[FlyFishnVol]

Jim Knowles' defenses consistently excel on third down, with Ohio State ranking 5th nationally (28.6%) in 2023 and Oklahoma State leading the nation (26.5%) in 2020, showcasing his scheme's ability to shut down opponents in crucial situations, making him a sought-after defensive coordinator known for strong third-down efficiency across his tenures at OSU, Oklahoma State, Duke, and now Tennessee.
Key Third Down Stats & Examples:

• Ohio State (2023): Ranked 5th nationally in third down defense (28.6%).
• Oklahoma State (2020): Led the nation in third down conversion percentage defense (26.5%).
• Duke (2017): Finished 16th in third-down defense (32.0%).
• Overall Trend: His defenses across Oklahoma State and Ohio State ranked third nationally in third-down efficiency (30.5%).

Why It Matters:

• Knowles' philosophy focuses on stopping opponents on crucial downs, forcing them to punt or kick field goals, which aligns with his overall success in total and scoring defense.
• This strength in third-down situations was a key factor in his hiring at Tennessee, where the defense struggled in that area previously.

That is what I am looking for!

 

[HalfullVol]

Penn State doesnt count, maybe, as that squad gave up early this year.

 

[Rifleman]

For all the changes since Neyland, winning football is still line of scrimmage control, 3rd downs, turnover margin, and kicking.

We make it too complicated sometimes.

 

[#1fulmerite]

As long as we DO NOT have a third and Chavis!

 

[UTFranklinVol]

little does Knowles know that a voodoo shaman put a curse on Tennessee's defense in the 90s that causes them to give up huge plays on 3rd down for 100 years

and voodoo magic is the strongest magic

 

[VolinMichigan]

I’ll be interested to see if he retains anyone from the current staff. There may not be a better Dline coach than Garner.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I’ll be interested to see if he retains anyone from the current staff. There may not be a better Dline coach than Garner.

Agree.

 

[temptn]

.
I just hope he brings a new third down song.
.

 

[BLUTickbusdriver]

little does Knowles know that a voodoo shaman put a curse on Tennessee's defense in the 90s that causes them to give up huge plays on 3rd down for 100 years

and voodoo magic is the strongest magic

I think the Witchdoctor might have something to say about his. GBO.

 

[volfeeva]

I'm happy that the staff finally acknowledges that 3 rd downs was a problem.