Forward of No. 8 seed Ohio State’s assembly with No. 5 seed Texas in Friday night time’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Traditional, Buckeyes offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly had numerous reward for the Longhorns’ protection.
When talking with the media on Wednesday night time, Kelly was fast to level out the Longhorns’ veteran teaching employees and stability on the defensive facet of the ball.
Per Patrick Engels of the Buckeye Sports Bulletin, Kelly stated:
“So they’re rather well coached. They do not quit something low cost. I feel they’re the No. 1 crimson zone protection within the nation, and that is for a purpose. And so they performed a big-time SEC schedule. So actually, actually well-coached group in a very good scheme.”
Kelly made certain to level out the “actually, actually good” offense earlier than reverting again to how “legit” the Longhorns’ protection is and that “it is going to be a battle.”
Kelly’s feedback are spot-on. According to TeamRankings, Texas ranks third within the nation in opponent factors per recreation (14.5 PPG). The Longhorns have held 10 opponents underneath 20 factors this season and gained 11 video games by double digits.
One participant Kelly talked about is edge rusher Colin Simmons, who gained the Shaun Alexander Award because the nation’s prime freshman. At simply 19 years outdated, Simmons leads the group with 9 sacks. He additionally has 29 solo tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception this season.
Led by junior QB Quinn Ewers (3,189 go yards, 29 TDs), RBs Quintrevion Wisner (1,018 rush yards, 5 TDs) and Jaydon Blue (714 yards, eight TDs) and WR Matthew Golden (936 receiving yards, 9 TDs), Texas (13-2) has been balanced on either side of the ball.
Ohio State (12-2) possesses the nation’s finest protection (12.1 PPG) and the sensational freshman WR Jeremiah Smith (1,224 yards, 14 TDs), so each groups have lots to be ok with heading into the showdown.
Regardless that the Buckeyes have gained each of their playoff video games by not less than 20 factors, Kelly made it clear that Ohio State is nicely conscious of Texas’ vaunted protection as each groups combat for a spot within the CFP nationwide championship recreation on Jan. 20.
