I saw this idea posted on Facebook and think there is a lot of merit to it. Essentially since the 2022 game against TCUN, Knowles has been scared to blitz in big games. Knowles blitz at a much higher rate before that game. Then half way through, TCUN start to exploit the blitz that Knowles sent. The cheaters knew what was coming from their scheme and called the perfect plays to beat the blitzes.

Since that game, starting with Georgia, Knowles has been conservative and done nothing but try and not give up the big play. It has resulted in very little pressure on the opposing QB as the defensive line has not gotten the job done on their own. 

The point being, Knowles has got to let that game go and be willing to send some blitz. Defense against elite teams is all about forcing turnovers and getting negative plays. You get those by being attacking and aggressive. Knowles first year he used to say that his defense was likely to give up a big play every game because of how aggressive they would be in getting pressure on the QB. That is what Knowles was at Oklahoma State and in his first year here…before that game against the cheaters.