Eric Boggs
Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly expressed confidence and determination as the Buckeyes prepare for their highly anticipated College Football Playoff rematch against Oregon. Coming off a commanding victory over Tennessee, Kelly praised his team’s execution and detailed the preparation needed to face the undefeated Ducks, emphasizing adaptability and depth as keys to success.
Reflecting on Ohio State’s recent win over Tennessee, Kelly highlighted the all-around contributions that secured the decisive victory. “I thought Will [Howard – Ohio State’s quarterback] played really well, throwing accurately and operating efficiently within the offense,” Kelly said. He also commended the offensive line’s cohesion, the running backs’ productivity, and the receivers’ playmaking abilities.
Despite the dominant performance, Kelly pointed out areas for improvement, such as a mishandled snap and a missed third-down opportunity. “Those are things we can correct,” he noted. Reviewing game film has been a crucial part of fine-tuning their approach for the next challenge.
Facing Oregon for the second time this season presents a rare challenge in college football. “It’s uncommon to play a team twice,” Kelly observed. “Both teams have grown and evolved since our last meeting.”
Oregon’s defense has made significant adjustments, including the return of standout edge rusher Birch, who missed the first matchup. Kelly praised Birch’s impact and highlighted defensive lineman Mateo as a “force on the edge” with 10.5 sacks this season.
Kelly cautioned that past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. “Every game is different,” he said. “It’s about the matchups—our O-line versus their D-line—and figuring out how to beat a really good Oregon team.”
Injuries along the offensive line have tested Ohio State’s depth, but players like Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld have stepped up. Kelly lauded Austin’s versatility in switching between positions, a challenging adjustment that requires mastering different techniques. “The technique and repetitions to be great at it both ways are huge,” Kelly explained.
Kelly also emphasized the importance of flexibility in their run game strategy. “A lot of times, your game plan in the run game is dictated by your opponent’s spacing,” he said. “Adjustments happen weekly, and it’s about identifying strengths and tailoring our strategy.”
The contributions of tight ends have been pivotal in Ohio State’s offensive scheme. Kelly singled out Will Kacmerik for his physicality and versatility. “He’s essentially a sixth offensive lineman who can also catch passes and create mismatches,” Kelly remarked.
Freshman standout Jeremiah Smith has also emerged as a key player, earning praise for his maturity and consistency. “As young as he is, his love for football and his ability to make plays in both the passing game and as a blocker are rare,” Kelly said. Jeremiah’s ability to turn short passes into big gains and his willingness to block have made him a complete package.
Ohio State’s experienced quarterback, Howard, has been instrumental in game planning and execution. Kelly revealed that Will’s participation in game plan meetings has been invaluable. “He’ll share his perspective, and it’s great to bounce ideas off him,” Kelly said. “Having that kind of experience is huge.”
As the Buckeyes prepare for their playoff rematch, the stakes are higher than ever. Oregon, the nation’s only undefeated team, presents a formidable challenge. However, Kelly is confident in his team’s readiness. “We’ve watched all 13 games Oregon has played this year,” he said. “This will be a different game because both teams have matured and evolved since the first matchup.”
Kelly praised his players for their intrinsic motivation and focus on the ultimate goal: winning the national championship. “Our players are intrinsically motivated to be successful,” he said. “The only way to win the whole thing is to win game two.”
Ohio State’s preparation for the Rose Bowl rematch against Oregon centers on execution, adaptability, and leveraging their depth. With a cohesive team effort and a clear focus on correcting past mistakes, the Buckeyes are poised to meet the challenge head-on. For Kelly, the focus remains on putting all the pieces together and making a statement on game day.
