Ryan Day, Chip Kelly Speak Ahead of Battle With Tennessee

Photo by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Both head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly spoke to the media on Dec. 16 about No. 6 Ohio State's (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten Conference) first-round College Football Playoff matchup with No. 7 Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) on Dec. 21. Both coaches spent a large amount of time at the podium and revealed a lot about their thoughts heading into this weekend's game.

Ryan Day

Day led the news conference stating how excited his players are to be moving forward now and to have one last game at Ohio Stadium this season as they welcome the Volunteers. Day was then quickly asked about the status of the various Buckeyes who entered the Transfer Portal and their decision to play or not in the postseason. Linebacker Gabe Powers and wide receiver Jayden Ballard both will not be playing, while WR Kojo Antwi will stay on the gameday roster. Quarterback Devin Brown will also still be playing despite his intent to transfer afterward as he previously announced. Day reaffirmed Brown's status as the No. 2 QB behind starter Will Howard as well, ahead of frehsman Julian Sayin.

The biggest news Day dropped also came early in the news conference. He stated that sophomore offensive lineman Luke Montgomery will be getting snaps against Tennessee.

"Luke Montgomery has got some reps at guard. You're probably going to see him some at guard this game," Day said. "We'll see how this week goes. Austin (Siereveld) will be rotating in there as well with Tegra (Tshabola)."

Day later was asked again about the exact lineup and said Montgomery will likely be in at left guard, but will also get time on the right side as practice goes on this week. Siereveld has played both left and right guard this season, so there could be a lot of frequent rotating. The Buckeyes previously rotated Siereveld and Tshabola at RG, but Siereveld played LG early with injuries, and in their last two games after the injury to center Seth McLaughlin.

Day also spoke about the gameplan of the offense for this game and how it will be different from some of their recent ones.

"The bottom line is when you look at where we are right now, we've got to make sure we're maximizing our strengths and minimizing our weaknesses or deficiencies," Day said.

He was seemingly pointing to a need to pass more with their struggles on the ground.

We've got to make sure that we're getting our best players the ball," Day added.

The Buckeyes were strongly condemned for not getting their star WRs in Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate the ball enough in their loss to Michigan (7-5, 5-4). Day seems to be stressing the point that they will be sure to have them more involved going forward.

He was also asked about the similarities of this postseason to the NFL or at Ohio State in 2022, when they still made the four-team playoff after losing to Michigan.

"Once you get into the playoffs, it's a brand new start," Day said. "Every team is going to have their issues and deficiencies. And the team that can address those the best are going to win this thing."

He was adamant that his staff and the players are prepared to charge ahead, not dwelling on the past.

Chip Kelly

This was the first time Kelly has spoken at a news conference since the puzzling offensive performance in their 13-10 loss against the Wolverines on Nov. 30. Kelly's play calling was questioned and heavily criticized in the rivalry game. He wasted no time taking accountability for that outing.

"We didn't put our players in position to make the plays they needed to make in that game," Kelly said.

Kelly later expanded further on that thought when asked if a play caller can get into a sort of rut.

"Yeah, a play caller can get into a rut. That's a very valid point. You know, I think sometimes you kind of go in with the mindset that you have to establish the run to win a football game," he said. "Maybe that's not the case."

He seemed to be very transparent that he needs to change things moving forward and do a much better job of getting the Buckeyes' best players the ball on offense, as opposed to just blindly sticking to a struggling run-game.

Kelly also was asked about Howard's performance and what they need to improve upon in the postseason after his struggles against the Wolverines.

"I've got to do a better job of putting Will (Howard) in position to make plays," Kelly said.

He gave a specific example, referring to the interception he threw in the red zone that game. He pointed out how they called a seven-man pass protection, only leaving three players to run routes. He explained how maybe it would have been a better idea to spread the defense out and let Howard have more options so he can make his read and get the ball out on time.

Both Day and Kelly seemed to echo the same beliefs and plans moving into the playoff. They are making a point of being better at putting the offense in advantageous situations. Both took accountability, while expressing that they need to move forward now as they prepare for an incredible Tennessee defense.