Jim Knowles Updates: Buckeyes Have Stiff Test Coming From Hoosier Offense

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met with the media on Tuesday to look back a bit on the win this past Saturday against Northwestern and also to look ahead to Saturday’s matchup against No. 5 Indiana. The highlights of everything that was said can be bound below.

On defending the back-shoulder throws that IU specializes in? You have to be physical through the receiver and violent at the catch point. You don’t want to tell your guys to back off and not worry about the pass interference. You have to be aggressive defending those throws.
You always have to prepare for the QB run. You always have to be sound against it. They have had some issues in the scrambling in the past and they have to work on that.
Kurtis Rourke is extremely efficient and calm in the pocket. He makes all the throws. Gets rid of the ball quickly. He’s very smart and figures out where the holes in the defense are and takes advantage.
On Davison Igbinosun’s penalties: You don’t ever accept it, you just keep coaching him on technique without limiting his aggressiveness.
CJ Hicks has the pass-rushing talent and skill. “I think his future is going to involve a lot more of that.”
Why haven’t you given up a third-quarter touchdown this year? They have veteran players that they can make adjustments with. There’s always a flow to the game. That’s just football. They know more what to expect as that game goes on.
Indiana is very efficient on offense so you preach that you must win every play and come out fast.
On the return of the Jack: He likes what Mitchell Melton and CJ Hicks can do there. They didn’t have much put in but they wanted to see what they could do. They both have a future at that position.
On preparing to play a team with a bye week: “I don’t want the players in my head” but he’s thinking about everything and then he pares it down to what is presentable to the players and what they can handle and can do.
Denzel Burke isn’t frustrated or down or lacking confidence.
Name some guys who have really stepped up: Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson “do a lot coming in at end.” “Arvell had his best game of the year last game, which was exciting to see. I saw a real leap forward.” Have liked what Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain have done.
Has Jordan Hancock “been activated?” He’s got the abilities to be more of a run-fitter and blitzer, but still has his cornerback coverage skills. “I think he’s got all of the tools you look for in a safety.”