Jim Knowles Named Finalist for Broyles Award

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, which is given to the nation's top assistant coach.

• Jim Knowles: DC/LB – Oklahoma State
• Jeff Grimes: OC/TE – Baylor
• Dan Lanning: DC/OLB – Georgia
• Josh Gattis: OC/WR – Michigan
• Warren Ruggiero: OC/QB – Wake Forest

Throughout the 2021 season, the Cowboy defense is holding opponents to 16 points a game, just 93.6 rushing yards a game, 2.8 yards a carry, and just 187.8 yards through the air, just 6.26 yards per attempt.

This is a different Baylor team than it was earlier in the season, but the Bears rushed for just 107 yards and threw for 173 yards against the Pokes on Oct. 2. They were 3-for-15 on 3rd down attempts, 1-for-3 on 4th downs and were held to just 10 first downs.

Knowles defense has been the biggest part of the 11-1 regular season and berth into the Big 12 title game on Dec. 4. Even though you don’t overlook the Big 12 title game, the stakes are still very high for the Cowboys as there’s a chance of making the College Football Playoff if they beat Baylor on Saturday. The Cowboys are currently ranked seventh in the CFP rankings, with the committee set to release updated rankings on Dec. 1.