Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles reacts second half defense in 30-24 loss to Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Ohio Sate’s defense in 2023 had been the bedrock of entire team.

It hadn’t allowed more than 17 points all season long to anyone. It held other talented teams like Notre Dame and Penn State to a combined 26 points in two games. It had a bevy of five-star prospects and talented veterans at nearly every spot on the defense.

But when the Buckeyes needed it most, with their season repeatedly on the line in the second half of a 30-24 loss to the Wolverines, they couldn’t get the stop they neeed.

“I think we just didn’t get the stops when we had to,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “Had some guys in position. We didn’t make plays. You always wish you had made those plays in the critical moments. I thought the guys played hard. It’s just disappointing for the players.”

Michigan scored on seven of its final eight possessions, not counting the game-ending kneeldown, and scored 16 points on four drives in the second half. Those drives totaled 33 plays for 221 yards and totaled 17:50 of the 30-minute second half. Add in the final 25 seconds to bun the clock out, and Michigan controlled 60.83% of the clock in the second half.

“Not enough,” Knowles said. “Ultimately, you’ve got to win this game. I certainly feel like we were a play short. That’s something that I’ve got to keep working on.”

In the second half, Ohio State was out-gained 219-185 as the Wolverines averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Adding to that feat was that Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy was nearly perfect in the second half (8 of 9), and that the Buckeyes were put in a position to play a flawless game.

While they went 9 of 12 on third down stops, Michigan went 3 of 3 on fourth downs. And whenever Ohio State needed a stop to get the ball back to its offense in the second half, it was just too much to ask.

“I think he showed he’s an excellent quarterback,” Knowles said of McCarthy. “Made the plays with his feet when he couldn’t with his arm — and we didn’t. That’s what happens in matchup games when you go up against great players.”