ESPN analyst Booger McFarland calls Jim Knowles, Ohio State defensive game plan 'arrogant'

The aggressive load-the-box strategy that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Ohio State deployed on Saturday in The Game against Michigan got pantsed, repeatedly, for big plays. It was enough for ESPN analyst Booger McFarland to take to Twitter and personally call out the game plan from Knowles.

McFarland’s distaste probably stems from the lack of any meaningful adjustments from Ohio State in the second half on defense. As it became clear that Michigan could keep hitting home run plays against the loaded boxes, Knowles and Ohio State hardly changed take and McFarland took affront.

“Also Jim Knowles had one of the more arrogant game plans I’ve ever seen by a Defensive coordinator,” McFarland tweeted.

Also Jim Knowles had one of the more arrogant game plans I’ve ever seen by a Defensive coordinator. Safeties and man coverage got exposed by Harbaugh. Buckeyes were outplayed and out coached by Wolverines

— Booger (@ESPNBooger) November 26, 2022

He continued by noting that the safeties and man coverage across the board wasn’t working and that Michigan and head coach Jim Harbaugh exposed them. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a masterful game, accounting for four total touchdowns — three on passing plays longer than 40 yards.

The Wolverines finished with touchdowns on plays of 45, 69, 75, 75, and 85 yards. Three were the aforementioned passes and two were game-icing runs by Donovan Edwards late in the fourth quarter, killing any comeback hopes for Ohio State.

“Safeties and man coverage got exposed by Harbaugh. Buckeyes were outplayed and out coached by Wolverines,” McFarland added.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

For his part after the game, Knowles acknowledged the second half shortcomings and called the continual coverage busts “disappointing.”

“It’s a story of explosive plays,” Knowles said. “I didn’t do a good enough job, and I need to do better.”

#Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles felt good about the unit’s performance at halftime: “We gave up a couple big plays. Nothing to get panicked about.” Called the continued busts “disheartening.”

“It’s a story of explosive plays.” pic.twitter.com/EdSvA2utMe

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 26, 2022

McFarland saw that, too, and thought it was arrogant not to change tack and stop it. And for that apparent arrogance, Ohio State paid the price, losing 45-23 in The Game.