Chip Kelly Updates: Fixing Michigan Mistakes, Maximizing OSU Talent

COLUMBUS — Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly met with reporters for the first time since the Buckeyes’ 13-10 loss to Michigan. As such, Kelly was asked about that game, the choices that were made, and how the Buckeyes move forward. The highlights of everything that was said can be found below.

When you look at the Michigan game, what do you think and how does it shape what you’ll do with this game? Every game is different. You always go back and look at what you did and didn’t do well and correct it. They have had plenty of time to review it and dissect it.
You’d always change things after a loss because if you wouldn’t change things, then you’d just lose it again. You’re always trying to analyze and improve what didn’t work. They were backed up a lot against Michigan and had a lot of situational calls. They probably needed more situational calls in that game.
They didn’t do a good job of getting the ball to their playmakers against Michigan.
After a tough loss, how do you keep a team buoyant? When you look what’s ahead of the team, they’re one of just 12 teams in the playoffs. That’s been the sole focus of the team right now. They have two losses by a total of four points. They are going to be playing a very good team.
This loss hung with them a little longer because they have had more time between games. But that game is behind them now because Tennessee is here.
Why can’t you just do two-minute drill all the time? It’s football, it never happens the way it’s laid out because everybody adjusts. More goes into it than just tempo.
How would you compare the pressure an Ohio State head coach faces and how has Ryan Day handled it? Obviously the loss to Michigan hurts. He’s done a great job of it. The team has looked to Day and followed his mindset in the ability to move on and play four more games. It’s a difficult job but he’s done a great job with it.
Can a play caller get into a rut or was there something you saw on film that running inside against Michigan was going to be effective? Yes, a play caller can get into a rut. There are also times you want to establish the run, so you have to actually try to do it. Tennessee is a tremendous defense. They have good players at all three levels.
After the hit on Will Howard did you have the same confidence in him as a play caller? “Yeah, we always have confidence in Will.” Sometimes those third and long situations when you’re deep in the opponent’s territory you’re trying to protect the ball.
What went wrong for Will Howard against Michigan? Kelly didn’t do a good job of putting him in a position to make plays.
On playing with two backs on the field at the same time: They both basically play the same position and neither one of them is a fullback. “We’re really a one-back offense.” When you play them both, then when one of those guys needs a break, who do you put in? Also, when you put two backs in, do you get what you want from a defense?
How important is it to show stuff that you haven’t shown before? It’s more important to show stuff that works. He’s not worried about showing stuff they haven’t shown this year. They want the plays that are effective and gets that first first down.
How difficult is it to change your running scheme and style on the fly? That’s just football. You can’t ask players to do what they’re not capable of doing (i.e. offensive line shuffling), but you still have to come up with a game plan.