COLUMBUS, Ohio — The hype surrounding Saturday’s matchup between Ohio State and Penn State has simmered significantly since the preseason.

A game once projected to feature a meeting between the Big Ten’s top two teams is now expected to be a dud, with the top-ranked Buckeyes favored by nearly three touchdowns against the struggling Nittany Lions.

However, one storyline has survived Penn State’s woeful start to the season: Jim Knowles’ return to Ohio Stadium.

The former Ohio State defensive coordinator is still in the same role for Penn State despite the midseason firing of head coach James Franklin. On Saturday, for the first time since leaving the Buckeyes for their former divisional rival, Knowles will coach against his previous employer.

“You’re seeing some things that maybe w

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