As Ohio State prepares to face Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship, Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly took to the podium to discuss game strategy, team dynamics, and the challenges of competing against a defense ranked second in the nation. Kelly’s candor offered a glimpse into the Buckeyes’ preparation for what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Prowess
“Al Golden does a great job with that defense,” Kelly remarked, acknowledging Notre Dame’s mastery of man coverage. “They’re one of the top pass defenses in the country. Their front and back end work really well together, and that’s a challenge we’re going to face.”
Kelly emphasized the adaptability required to counter a defense as versatile as Notre Dame’s. Highlighting their seamless communication and discipline, he noted, “You can see how in tune they are to what the coaching staff is asking them to do. That’s a huge challenge for us.”
Ohio State’s Offensive Flexibility
Ohio State’s diverse offensive arsenal has been a hallmark of its success. Kelly praised quarterback Will Rogers for his decision-making under pressure, especially when Texas’ defense attempted to neutralize top receiver Jeremiah Smith.
“Will did a great job diagnosing what they were doing,” Kelly said. “The beauty of what we have is more than one weapon. The quarterback has to make really good decisions on what they’re trying to take away and then adjust accordingly.”
This flexibility will be crucial against Notre Dame, whose defensive strategy thrives on keeping opponents off balance with mixed coverages and well-timed blitzes.
Jeremiah Smith’s Response to Adversity
Smith, a pivotal offensive asset, was a focal point of Texas’ defensive scheme in the semifinals. Despite limited opportunities, Kelly lauded Smith’s maturity and forward-focused mentality. “He’s always a forward-looking guy,” Kelly said. “What’s the next challenge? That’s his mindset.”
Such resilience will be critical in the championship game, especially given Notre Dame’s capacity to contain star players. Kelly noted their consistency in man coverage across all opponents, from USC to Louisville, attributing their success to Al Golden’s NFL-inspired approach.
Game-Changing Personnel Decisions
Kelly discussed Ohio State’s recent use of 12 personnel formations, which feature two tight ends. The tactic offers both offensive versatility and a challenge for opposing defenses. However, Kelly stressed the importance of adaptability: “It depends on how the other team deploys when you put it in the game. Do we think that match-up is favorable to us or them?”
Personnel rotations on the offensive line also received attention. Kelly praised Luke Montgomery’s extended snaps at left guard, noting the contributions of injured players like Austin and the resilience of others in stepping up. “That speaks to the depth of this team,” he said.
Leadership and Cohesion
Kelly’s admiration for the team’s leadership shone through, particularly when discussing Will Rogers and Donny Jackson. After the loss of key players like Seth and Jimmy, Rogers and Jackson stepped up to fill the leadership void. “Will and Donny are the real leaders of those guys up front,” Kelly said. “That was evident after Seth went down.”
This camaraderie extends throughout the team. “The connection from players to coaches, players to players, and coaches to coaches is really special,” Kelly added. “It’s one of the reasons we’ve had the success we’ve had.”
A Focus on Execution
When asked about the potential influence of narratives, such as the motivation stemming from a loss to Michigan, Kelly dismissed the idea. “I’m not into narratives,” he said. “We live in a week-to-week world. It’s about preparation—what does a Monday look like? A Tuesday?”
This pragmatic approach underscores Kelly’s emphasis on execution over storyline. His mantra is clear: focus on the task at hand.
High Praise for Notre Dame
As much as Kelly exuded confidence in his team, he also expressed respect for Notre Dame’s defense. “You admire how cohesive that entire group is and how hard they play,” he said. “This is the next challenge, and we’re excited about the opportunity to go play it.”
The excitement is mutual among Ohio State’s players. Kelly described the atmosphere as one of anticipation and readiness. “We’re going to enjoy these last couple of days in the Woody, get on a plane, and play a game on Monday night.”
Final Thoughts
As the Buckeyes prepare to take the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Kelly’s insights reveal a team poised and focused. Whether discussing Jeremiah Smith’s resilience, Will Rogers’ leadership, or the tactical decisions needed against a formidable opponent, Kelly’s remarks highlight the discipline and preparation underpinning Ohio State’s championship bid.
The nation will soon witness whether this preparation pays off as the Buckeyes face Notre Dame in what promises to be an epic conclusion to the college football season.
