Penn State thought it finally got a leg up on Ohio State back in January when defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left Columbus for Happy Valley to become the highest-paid assistant coach in college football.

It ended up being a temporary setback, and in the long run made the Buckeyes better.

Matt Patricia has made Ohio State’s defense even more formidable despite returning only three starters at the beginning of the season. The top-ranked Buckeyes have already posted two shutouts and only allowed four touchdowns in their first seven games.

“Like any relationship, when it breaks off, sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad,” coach Ryan Day said of Knowles. “But there really hasn’t been much communication. He did a great job when he was here, helped us win a national championship and kin

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