DALLAS — Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has a play-calling ... according to Pro Football Focus. But during their run to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, bringing a matchup with Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night ...

Will Howard, Jim Knowles and Al Golden are just some of the ties the College Football Playoff National Championship has to Philadelphia.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles responded Saturday during to the rumors linking him to OU's opening.

The College Football Playoff is in uncharted territory and injuries are piling up, forcing teams to manage a survival of the fittest gauntlet.

Ohio State's stars are finally showing up in the biggest moments and Jim Knowles' defensive scheme is working.

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, No. 15, is chased out of bounds after a scramble by Notre Dame defensive lineman Donovan Hinish, No. 41, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) AP

Now, we've got one more game left. On Monday night in Atlanta (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Ohio State, a nearly 10-point favorite, will seek its first national title in 10 years while underdog Notre Dame will seek its first in 36.

Speaking at media day ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Saturday, Knowles sidestepped the question. Knowles was the third-highest paid assistant in college football in 2024, earning $2.2 million. He remains under contract through 2026. Oklahoma paid Alley $850,000.

The Buckeyes are now set to take on coach Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame Fighting Irish, whom they beat 17-14 last season, for the national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m.