Ohio State is coming off a national championship season in which Knowles defense was ranked No. 1 in fewest yards allowed per game (254.6) and fewest points per game (12.9). Penn State made it to the Final Four. It will take time for Penn State’s defensive assistants and players to get on the same page with Knowles.

The Nittany Lions' new defensive coordinator opened up about leaving Ohio State for Penn State after winning a national championship — and how he thinks he can help the football team he always viewed as the sport's gold standard.

New Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Tuesday the Nittany Lions are "so close" to winning their first national championship in almost four decades.