"Notes on the Big Ten: Ohio State's Fresh Face, Chip"

During the end of July, the temperature is high almost everywhere.

However, in Columbus, Ohio, the pressure has been on Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day since 2021.

Losing three consecutive rivalry games against Michigan has left the fan base frustrated with the coach who is being paid millions to not lose those games.

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With Chip Kelly leading the Buckeyes' offense in 2024, Day may finally defeat Michigan and give the new athletic director, Ross Bjork, several million reasons to not search for a new coach. Kelly as offensive coordinator is as overqualified for the job as a college professor would be to teach middle school students about history.

However, this excess might be what Ohio State needs to take the next step under Day. In a culture and program that only values winning it all, Day has yet to achieve this goal in five attempts.

This is where Kelly comes in.

There may be a debate about how successful Kelly was at UCLA and in the NFL, but it cannot be argued that he was brilliant at Oregon. He should be able to elevate the Buckeyes' offense from 0 to 60 faster than their fans can meltdown on social media during three consecutive losses to their hated rivals from the north.

\"He is one of the greatest play-callers in the history of college football,\" Day stated on Tuesday at the first of three Big Ten Conference media days in Indianapolis. \"It gives me a sense of peace...there is a lot of trust here. I trust him with my life.\"

While the conference does not conduct a preseason media poll, cleveland.com does. Out of the 27 people they surveyed, 21 believe that Ohio State will emerge as the champion from the 18-team competition.

It does not take much to create high expectations for a program with a national fan base and devoted followers. However, pairing Kelly's brilliant offensive mind with some of the most talented players in the sport only increases these lofty hopes.

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\"He would tell you that he is very excited about what he has,\" Day said. \"My job as the head coach is to ensure that it fits into complementary football across the board.\"

Other Big Ten coaches also shared their thoughts on Tuesday:

--Illinois coach Bret Bielema began the session by saying that there is no more exciting time in his life to be the school's head coach.

This may come as a surprise, considering that the Fighting Illini are ranked 13th in the preseason after a disappointing 2022 season.

--Rutgers' Greg Schiano stated that it is \"time to get going. It is time to make a mark.\"

The Scarlet Knights are predicted to finish ninth, but Schiano is confident in his team, comparing them to his successful teams from his first stint in the mid-2000s that included several future NFL players.

--Wisconsin's Luke Fickell has high hopes for Miami transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, saying that he has \"done an exceptional job and I expect him to grow in his leadership role.\" If Van Dyke performs to his potential, the Badgers could exceed their predicted seventh-place finish.

--Northwestern's David Braun believes that the challenge this year is to replicate last year's success, when the Wildcats went from 1-11 to an impressive 8-5 record.

\"Can we find the same level of leadership within our team?\" he questioned.

--Purdue's Ryan Walters expressed that he is more comfortable in his second year as head coach. With 37 new players on the roster, the Boilermakers are not expected to have a successful season.

They are predicted to finish 18th and last in the league.

--Bucky Dent, Field Level Media