Ohio State is rolling on offense. Chip Kelly has elite talent at his disposal this fall, and showed it off in their matchup with Iowa.
Chip Kelly always carries a version of Y Cross. It is a core concept in his drop back/play action arsenal. The play is a pure progression read and works well against most coverages. The front side consists of a vertical stretch, think flat/fade, bubble/fade, Smash. The “Cross” comes from the slot on the back side. This route replaces the space vacated by a safety or hook defender helping on the vertical stretch. Kelly likes to use a Post as the route behind the Cross>
Ohio State adds some fast motion to the concept to create free releases for the front side (boundary) on a Smash variation.
The fast motion helps create free releases for the front side receivers. Even if the defense still wants to press the “X” receiver, the motion man will get a free release with the defender in off coverage.
Iowa calls a single high simulated pressure. This keeps the running back in, with only rushing four. The seam'/flat player matches the vertical stem from the X, so the cornerback is in a true high low. The single high safety stays tucked inside the hash.
Cornerback retreats, leaving the Hitch route open.
