Ohio State coordinators preview national championship game vs. Notre Dame
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With less than one week until the College Football Playoff national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame, the Buckeyes' coordinators will offer their thoughts Tuesday afternoon.
This is Kelly's first season on the Ohio State coaching staff but not his first trip to a championship game. The 61-year-old led Oregon to the 2010 BCS championship game in his second season. The Ducks lost to Auburn 22-19.
On Tuesday, Kelly described the challenge his unit faces as the Buckeyes take on a Notre Dame team that has made 19 interceptions and allows an average of 4.6 yards per play.
"They do an outstanding job. Some real veterans leaders. [Howard] Cross and [Jack] Kiser have been there," Kelly said. "They've got depth up front, second level and third level. They're really smart. You can watch their communication that goes on during the play. You can see how in tune they are to what the coaching staff is asking them to do. That's a huge challenge on Monday going up against a really well coached defense."
Monday will be Knowles' first national championship game and conclude his third season with the Buckeyes. He joined coach Ryan Day's staff after four seasons as at Oklahoma State. Knowles talked about how important it is to recognize how Monday will matchup the two best defensive teams in the country.
"We have to outplay their defense. They're obviously very good in all aspects and in that area," Knowles said. "Our mantra has been, since I've gotten here, is to be able to win games on defense. So we embrace it."
The Buckeyes are heavy favorites to beat Notre Dame and win the national title in the first 12-team playoff format. Ohio State's last national championship was 10 seasons ago when it won the first four-team playoff in 2014. The Fighting Irish have not won a national championship since 1988 and have lost to Ohio State in each of the last two seasons.