Quick Hits: Chip Kelly Says “Winning is Fun,” Jim Knowles Discusses Ohio State Defense’s Success and Eme – Eleven Warriors
Ohio State has officially arrived in Dallas.
The Buckeyes touched down in Dallas on Wednesday evening just under 48 hours ahead of their College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Texas at the Cotton Bowl on Friday.
The Buckeyes have arrived in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/9hs3SP3em9
Moments after they arrived at their team hotel, Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and four Buckeye seniors – wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, left tackle Donovan Jackson, linebacker Cody Simon and cornerback Jordan Hancock – met with the media to field a variety of questions ahead of their battle with the Longhorns.
Among other topics, Kelly praised Ryan Day’s consistent leadership and the special talent of Jeremiah Smith while Knowles talked about what’s enabled his defense to be successful at all three levels. Egbuka talked about the relationship he built with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers during his brief time at Ohio State, Jackson talked about his successful move to left tackle and his excitement to play in his home state of Texas, Simon spoke about his love for Day and how he represents Ohio State and Hancock spoke about how coverage and rush are working together in the Buckeyes’ defense.
Some video, quotes and a few notes from each of their interview sessions can be found below.
“Yeah, winning is fun.”– Chip Kelly when asked if he’s having fun this season
“Tyleik (Williams), Ty (Hamilton), those guys are controlling the front, which I think you all would agree that they have consistently. … It changes how you call the game because it allows you to do other things.”– Jim Knowles on how Ohio State’s defensive tackles are boosting the defense
“I think our culture is strong, especially through the leaders. When it’s strong throughout the leaders, it permeates through the rest of the team. I think when you see it from the top down, from the younger guys to maybe the freshmen, it speaks volumes and reflects the character of the leaders and the captains.”– Emeka Egbuka on why Ohio State has so many players willing to check their egos at the door
“If you need to have motivation to go play a game, you shouldn’t be playing a sport. We’re not looking for that angle or anything like that. We’re just looking forward to competing at the Cotton Bowl at the highest level.”– Donovan Jackson on Ohio State maintaining its edge
“I love coach Day. That’s one thing about our team, we all ride for him.”– Cody Simon on how much he appreciates playing for Ryan Day
“We’re gonna stick to what we’ve been doing. Obviously we changed a little bit of stuff, we can’t run the same stuff (we did against Oregon), it’s about updating every week and upgrading every week.”– Jordan Hancock on what it will take to beat Texas
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