Jim Knowles is earning national recognition for turning around Ohio State's defense in one year.
On Monday, Knowles was one of 15 coaches named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the best assistant coach in college football. Last week, Knowles was nominated along with 51 other assistant football coaches from across the country.
We are proud to announce the 2022 Broyles Award Semi-Finalists! Our list of over 50 coaches has been narrowed to just 15. Stay tuned as we get closer to the big event on December 6th! pic.twitter.com/nGSq3sWlbV
— BROYLES AWARD (@BroylesAward) November 21, 2022
In 2021, Ohio State's defense ranked No. 52 in total defense and No. 26 in scoring defense, allowing 366 yards and 20.9 points per contest. With one game remaining in the regular season this year, the Buckeyes are ninth in the country in total defense (283.4 yards per game) and 10th in total defense (16.91 points allowed per contest).
Ohio State's defense has also scored three defensive touchdowns this season, including Steele Chambers' fumble recovery off Zach Harrison's strip-sack in the final seconds of the Buckeyes' 43-30 win over Maryland Saturday, setting up an 11-0 vs. 11-0 clash with Michigan on Saturday.
Knowles is no stranger to being considered for this award, as he was a finalist for last year's honor while coaching at Oklahoma State but lost to then-Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.
Should Ohio State smother Michigan defensively and potentially make a statement in the Big Ten Championship should the Buckeyes emerge victorious against the Wolverines, Knowles may find himself in the winner's circle this time around.
The list will be trimmed a final time after Ohio State battles Michigan on Nov. 29. The winner will be presented with the award the following week on Dec. 6.
