Nobody expected PSU to win the game against Ohio State last week, but there were hopes of at least a challenge. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes’ trio of QB Julian Sayin, WR Jeremiah Smith, and WR Carnell Tate ensured that interim HC Terry Smith felt the pain throughout the game. Quite simply, PSU defense struggled to contain the offense. Naturally, the accountability was attributed to DC Jim Knowles, but a certain analyst believes the fault lies elsewhere.

On the November 2nd episode of his podcast, sports multimedia host Zach Seyko brought light to why PSU has been struggling this season. Seyko believes the fault lies with OC Andy Kotelnicki, who has not been calling good offensive plays for PSU. He thinks it is high time the PSU administration gave Ty Howle, the co-offensive coordinator, a chance at the role.

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Ty gets a chance because I think he’s an up-and-coming assistant coach. I think he can be a really good offensive coordinator. I’ve only heard resounding reviews about him as an offensive mind. But he misses out on that opportunity because now Kotelnicki is being too stubborn,” said Seyko. However, removing Andy Kotelnicki is easier said than done.

The OC signed for Penn State in 2023, penning a four-year deal that will make him $2 million in his final year of his contract. The deal would see him make $1.6 million in the first year, $1.7 million in the second, $1.8 million in the third, and $2 million in the last year. With 2025 being his second season in charge of PSU’s offense, it seems unlikely that he would get the sack.

Scrutinizing the offensive numbers of Penn State, they rank 58th for points scored per game with 28.6. The record is much worse in the last three games, where they scored 19.7 points per game in their matchups against Ohio State, Iowa, and Northwestern. Now, those numbers don’t paint a pretty picture.

Against Ohio State, both the defense and offense were lacking for PSU, but ultimately,

the fault fell on the defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles. Facing his former team, the DC couldn’t devise tactics to stop Ohio State’s offense. The loss now places the Nittany Lions in 15th position in the Big Ten, with a 3-5 overall record.

Jim Knowles accepts responsibility for Ohio State’s loss

Jim Knowles’ arrival from Ohio State was initially considered a steal by PSU. Under Knowles, Ohio State had the best defense in 2024. They were No. 1 in total with an impact score of 91.2, allowing just 4.2 yards per play, and won the National Championship. However, Knowles hasn’t been able to replicate his success at Ohio State at PSU yet.

Against Ohio State, PSU allowed 480 total yards. It was the most Penn State has allowed in a game since its 2023 Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. The Penn State defense struggled to stop the run and indeed gave up a strong rushing attack by Ohio State. The offense trio took advantage and ran riot over the Nittany Lions’ defense.

The lack of run defense has been a significant issue for Penn State this season. Teams are finding success running against the Penn State defense, something Jim Knowles will have to fix before their game against Indiana this week. Yet, their offensive woes are another cause for concern.