It's no newsflash Ohio State's defense was the Achilles heel of a 2021 squad that failed to win the Big Ten and reach the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes ranked No. 38 in scoring defense, No. 59 in total defense and No. 100 in pass defense while posting an 11-2 record with losses to Oregon and Michigan. Six opponents scored at least 24 points and five scored at least 31, including 45 and 42 by Utah and Michigan, respectively.
As a result, head coach Ryan Day sent much of his defensive staff packing and most notably, brought in Jim Knowles, by way of Oklahoma State, to serve as his new defensive coordinator.