Ohio State’s ‘silver bullet’ defense eager to avenge loss to Oregon

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel runs past Ohio State’s defense for a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Oct. 12 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. “You always hope for a second shot when you don’t do well, and that’s life,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. So we have a chance to do better and be better.” By most metrics, that first game against Oregon was an anomaly for Ohio State’s defense. One thing we’ve been preaching is ‘execution is really the motive.’ Anything can be called but as long as everybody’s mindset is one mentality — which is just, ‘go get it, and make sure there’s no yard gain,’ — I think that changes the mindset of everybody on the silver bullet defense.” Veteran leadership Knowles credited key players on the defensive side of the ball for Ohio State’s consistent success. It doesn’t matter who’s in those positions, and we can all play every position.” Rose Bowl memories The last time Ohio State and Oregon met in the Rose Bowl, it was a traditional Big Ten versus Pac-10 matchup, Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly roamed the sidelines as the Ducks’ head coach and 7-year-old Bryce Boettcher watched from the stands.