Will Howard praises Chip Kelly with NSFW statement on game-sealing playcall: 'It took some nuts to call that'

A comeback attempt from Notre Dame essentially ended when Will Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith for a 56-yard reception on 3rd and 11. Ohio State saw a one-on-one matchup on the outside, leaving Smith all alone. All Howard had to do was make the throw — he executed and Ohio State are now national champions.

Howard was asked about the moment by ESPN’s Rece Davis after the game, giving a hilarious NSFW response. He gave offensive coordinator Chip Kelly a ton of credit for making the play call in that moment. It would have been easy to hand the ball off and trust the defense but Ohio State went for the kill shot.

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“Man, they were running man coverage,” Howard said. “I said ‘Hey, I’m going to go let this thing loose for No. 4 and let him make a play on it.’ That was an unbelievable play, unbelievable play call, man. It took some nuts to call that. So, that was a fitting way to end it.”

During his own on-field postgame interview, head coach Ryan Day admitted the plan was to target Smith the moment they say one-on-one coverage on the outside. Kelly has yet to comment on his decision but appeared to have a ton of confidence in Howard and Smith.

Not the easiest play call when a national championship is on the line.

One of the big storylines heading into Monday’s game was how Notre Dame would defend Smith. Playing man-to-man defense has been the Irish’s mantra all season. The game plan did work for some time, containing Smith outside of the first and last drive.

In total, Smith caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. He was wide open on the score, coming on Ohio State’s opening drive to tie the game at seven. Between his touchdown and the 56-yard field goal, Notre Dame held Smith to just two receptions for 17 yards.

But when it mattered the most, as Howard said, No. 4 was the guy they wanted to go to. Quite impressive considering Smith is a true freshman but at the same time, he is unlike many freshmen we have ever seen in college football.