Ryan Day Recaps Rutgers, Turns Page to Primetime Matchup Against TCU

By September 10, 2018 (12:05 pm)Football

After dispatching Rutgers 52-3 on Sept. 8, Ohio State quickly turned the page to TCU, with a primetime matchup against the Horned Frogs looming Saturday.

Ryan Day, after leading the offense to an impressive 579 yards, met with the media on Monday, likely his final time taking the podium before Urban Meyer returns from his suspension next week.

What follows are the main takeaways from his Monday press conference.

Day Notes

  • Said he was surprised and pleased with the depth Ohio State has shown on offense through two games. Also praised the pass protection the Buckeye offensive front has displayed so far this season.
  • Discussed TCU’s defense, and said Ohio State will “have to earn everything that you get.”
  • Said RPO’s and play-action passes have been critical for Ohio State with Dwayne Haskins at quarterback. Added though, that it all starts with the running game with J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber.
  • Despite the adversity surrounding the program, Day said the culture built at Ohio State as helped the program as a whole get through the Urban Meyer suspension.
  • Said Haskins has the authority to check to run plays and change protections up front.
  • “Nothing he did surprised us,” Day said of Tate Martell’s performance against Rutgers. Added they plan on continuing to play him consistently moving forward.
  • Named Johnnie Dixon and Terry McLaurin as Ohio State’s top deep threats, but added that other players have the ability to stretch the field as well.
  • “If it makes it on the call sheet, it’s good enough to call,” Day said of Ohio State’s offensive preparation during the week with Meyer and then him not being there on Saturday.
  • Day said he hopes Ohio State’s “execution level” continues to improve moving forward. Added young players are still learning.
  • Said there isn’t a set time for Martell to enter the game. First two games have been pure coincidence that he has come into the game at the same time.
  • Called TCU a “battle tested” team. Added TCU head coach Gary Patterson is one of the most consistent head coaches over the last 20 years.
  • Said he was more comfortable on Saturday in his second game as acting head coach. Added, “One more week, then it is back to normal.”
  • “If you don’t think it’s a big game, try losing it,” Day said of each game.
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