Chip Kelly, the head coach of Ohio State, has been watching film against his opponent in unconventional ways. In a surprising move, he re-watched the 2020 national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State, which ended with Alabama winning 52-24. One play from that game caught his attention: Jeremiah Smith’s 8-yard touchdown reception from Will Howard. What’s interesting is how Kelly used this information to his advantage during Monday night’s game against Notre Dame.
When Gee Scott Jr. went in motion, the defense initially got confused, with one defensive back jumping up and pointing towards Smith. However, it didn’t affect Smith’s ability to score a touchdown as he had a wide-open lane to the end zone. Kelly’s unique approach to film study and preparation is noteworthy, particularly in how he applied the information from a previous game to his team’s current performance.
Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for further coverage of the Ohio State vs Notre Dame national championship game.
Source: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024-25-college-football-playoff/2025/01/153108/jeremiah-smiths-8-yard-touchdown-remiscent-of-devonta-smiths-touchdown-against