Ex-Michigan tight end-turned-Big Ten football analyst and commentator Jake Butt is impressed with Ohio State’s potent offense.
Breaking down statistical numbers through the Buckeyes’ first three wins against Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall, Butt recognized a common trend: Chip Kelly is the mastermind behind its early success.
Ahead of the Buckeyes’ Big Ten opener against Michigan State (3-1) Saturday, Butt, who played for the Wolverines from 2013-2016, broke down why the Buckeyes’ offense is successfully gelling so far.
The Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 157-20 and held Marshall to 14 points in a Week 4 rout.
Butt examined a graphic courtesy of the Big Ten Network that showcased the differences in the Buckeye offense from last year to this year. Last season, Ohio State utilized a no-huddle offense 80 percent of the time. Under Kelly, it has primarily been a huddle-based offense this season.
Butt said this is a more innovative approach, especially given the adjustments newly minted quarterback Will Howard has had to make since transferring from Kansas State.
Howard has already thrown six touchdowns with one interception thus far in Columbus. He picked up right where he left off in Manhattan. He threw for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Wildcats to a 9-4 season.
Jake Butt marvels at ‘awesome’ Ohio State offense
Butt is spellbound by the Buckeyes’ offensive attack.
“These numbers are awesome, and they tell a story,” Butt said. “You mention the no-huddle [usage] almost cut in half. They’re slowing it down. You talk about the gap scheme. Not quite doubling it, but, you know, up 20 percent effectively. That’s physicality. The gap scheme is the key to me. Really, what gap scheme is is you can look for pullers. That’s gap scheme.”
Butt said he had a conversation with Kelly leading up to the Western Michigan game about what makes for a good offensive lineman. Athleticism is key, especially when it’s their job to protect the most important position on the field.
It remains to be seen how far Howard and the Buckeyes can take themselves, but one thing is for certain: thus far, they are answering the challenge of no longer having to face a Jim Harbaugh-led Michigan team.
