Eric Boggs
As Ohio State prepares for its highly anticipated national championship showdown against Notre Dame, Buckeye Nation is buzzing with excitement. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly recently shared his insights on the team’s preparation, key matchups, and the mindset needed to overcome a formidable opponent. From the growth of quarterback Will Harrison to the resilience of the team’s depth, Ohio State fans have plenty of reasons to believe this could be a game for the ages.
Notre Dame’s defense presents a significant challenge, boasting one of the nation’s top pass defenses. Kelly acknowledged the Fighting Irish’s ability to mix and match their coverages, keeping offenses off balance:
“They don’t just play one coverage,” Kelly explained. “They mix it up, bring different blitzes, and attack in a really good manner. Al [Golden’s] background in the NFL is evident with the concepts he’s running. Their players adjust on the fly, which speaks to their coaching and preparation.”
Facing such a disciplined and adaptive defense, Ohio State’s high-powered offense must rise to the occasion. Kelly praised Notre Dame’s secondary for its depth and man-heavy scheme, noting that even injuries haven’t slowed them down. “They all can cover, so it’s not like you can just avoid one guy and go after another,” he said.
Ohio State’s receiving corps, led by stars like Jeremiah Smith, and Emeka Egbuka, will test themselves against one of the toughest secondaries in college football. Kelly emphasized the importance of versatility and adaptability in these matchups, highlighting the Buckeyes’ ability to exploit opportunities:
“Our strength is our versatility. When teams focus on someone like Jeremiah, it opens up opportunities for other guys. Will [Howard] has done a great job recognizing that and distributing the ball effectively.”
The use of different personnel groupings, such as 12 personnel with two tight ends, will also play a key role. “It depends on how the other team deploys when you put that in the game,” Kelly noted. “It’s about seeing how they respond and then adjusting accordingly.”
Quarterback Will Howard has shown remarkable growth throughout the season, learning from mistakes like a key interception against Texas and turning those lessons into opportunities for improvement. Kelly praised Howard’s accountability and ability to bounce back:
“The one thing about Will is he owns everything he does. If you don’t own it, you’ll make the same mistake again. He usually doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”
As Harrison prepares to face a Notre Dame defense ranked second in the nation, his decision-making and leadership will be critical. Kelly also highlighted the contributions of left tackle Donnie Jackson, whose seamless transition from guard has solidified the offensive line.
Ohio State’s journey to the championship has been anything but easy. The grueling 16-game schedule tested the team’s endurance and depth. Kelly credited the running backs—Trey and Quinshon—for effectively splitting carries to stay fresh and commended the entire roster for stepping up when injuries struck.
“We knew this season would be a battle of attrition,” Kelly said. “The depth and cohesion of this group have been key to our success.”
The development of Ohio State’s receivers has been a major factor in the team’s success, thanks to wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. Kelly praised Hartline’s ability to recruit, develop players, and translate individual drills into game situations:
“Brian’s as good as they come. His ability to prepare our receivers for any situation is remarkable, and it’s a big reason why they’re so successful.”
While Ohio State enters the game with confidence, Kelly showed great respect for Notre Dame’s defense, calling them “a cohesive and hard-working unit.” He added, “We’re excited to compete against a team of their caliber. This is what you play for: the opportunity to go against the best.”
As the Buckeyes finalize their preparations, Kelly made it clear that there’s no holding back in a game of this magnitude:
“We don’t save things. You make decisions based on the personnel available that week and what’s going to help you win that football game.”
With players like Jack Sawyer delivering pivotal moments in big games and the entire team focused on the ultimate prize, Ohio State fans can feel the intensity and excitement building. Monday night promises to be a clash of titans, and the Buckeyes are ready to leave everything on the field.
This championship showdown is more than just another game. It’s the culmination of months of hard work, resilience, and belief. For Buckeye Nation, the stage is set, and the dream of bringing home the title is within reach. As kickoff approaches, one thing is certain: Ohio State is ready for battle, and fans everywhere are united in their support. Let’s go, Bucks!
