The former Michigan star sends a strong message to Ohio State's offense under Chip Kelly

Jake Butt, a former Michigan tight end and later Big Ten football analyst and commentator, is impressed with Ohio State's potent offense.

Butt broke down the stats from the Buckeyes' first three wins over Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall and saw a common trend: Chip Kelly is the mastermind behind their early success.

Before the Buckeyes Big Ten In the opening game against Michigan State (3-1) on Saturday, Butt, who played for the Wolverines from 2013 to 2016, explained why the Buckeyes' offense has been successful so far.

The Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 157-20 and held Marshall to 14 points in a Week 4 loss.

Butt examined a graph Courtesy of the Big Ten Network that showed the differences in the Buckeye offense from last year to this year. Last season, Ohio State used a no-huddle offense 80 percent of the time. Under Kelly this season, it's been primarily a huddle-based offense.

Butt said this is a more innovative approach, especially given the adjustments freshman quarterback Will Howard has had to make since transferring from Kansas State.

Howard has already thrown six touchdowns with one interception in Columbus. He picked up right where he left off in Manhattan. He threw for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Wildcats to a 9-4 season.

Jake Butt marvels at Ohio State's “great” offense

Butt is intrigued by the Buckeyes' offensive attack.

“These numbers are great and they tell a story,” Butt said. “You mention that no-huddle usage has been cut almost in half. They slow down it's the key to the gap scheme for me. You can look for pullers.

Butt said he had a conversation with Kelly leading up to the game against Western Michigan about what makes a good offensive lineman. Athleticism is key, especially when their job is to defend the most important position on the field.

It remains to be seen how far Howard and the Buckeyes can go, but one thing is certain: So far, they are overcoming the challenge of no longer having to face a Jim Harbaugh-led Michigan team.

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