COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s national title defense will come with a new face running the defense. The Buckeyes are losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. After three seasons in Columbus, he’s leaving to serve as Penn State’s defensive coordinator.

Clemson stole Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Penn State responded by stealing Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Sunday, much to the disappointment of OU and Notre Dame, which both cast come-hither eyeballs at Knowles.

The hiring of Tom Allen as Clemson’s new defensive coordinator is already having an impact on the recruiting trail. Allen, who was hired away from Penn State, was introduced as the

Tom Allen wore a weary smile in Penn State's locker room after the Orange Bowl as he surveyed a silent, still group of players hurting over the Nittany Lions' 27-24 loss to Notre Dame. Penn State ...

Tom Allen’s been in Clemson for just about a week. His impact continues to exceed the short time he’s spent on campus. Across the country, the news of his move