Head Coach Ryan Day Recaps Ohio State’s Win Over Maryland, Previews Game At Rutgers

By November 12, 2019 (12:24 pm)Football

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media for about a half hour on Tuesday afternoon, recapping the 73-14 win over Maryland and the upcoming game at Rutgers (3:30 p.m. on BTN).

Here’s a brief recap of what he had to say:

  • Day said he had no update on defensive end Chase Young, who was suspended for the win over Maryland and awaits a ruling on his eligibility from the NCAA. “It’s an ongoing process right now. There’s nothing I can really talk about at this point.” They’re preparing as if Young will be available against Rutgers, so he’s practicing this week.
  • Day on defensive tackle Davon Hamilton’s improved play this season: “To see him get some sacks and affect the pass game as much as he has is a big deal for us.”
  • Day said he’s proud of and really happy for former quarterback Joe Burrow, who led LSU to a win over Alabama last weekend. “He’s probably the leader for the Heisman (Trophy) right now.” Added he’s happy to have Justin Fields at Ohio State, though.
  • “The one thing I love about this team is the chemistry and maturity,” Day said, noting the amount of time the team spends in the meeting room. “Talent is one thing, but being able to work through adversity (is another).”
  • On Fields, Day said he’s “approached every game the right way.”
  • Day said backup quarterback Chris Chugunov has played well in limited opportunities. “He’s a guy whose been around a lot of football. He’s smart and someone you can count on.” Adds there’s a body of work that would suggest he could handle the offense if Fields were to ever go down. “He’s come a long way and put a lot of work in.”
  • Day on offensive guard Jonah Jackson, who spent the last four years at Rutgers before coming to Ohio State as a graduate transfer. “There’s just something, to me, about Jonah that’s helped that group.” Said the rest of the offensive line was great for Jackson, and he was an impact on them, too. “This was a great fit.”
  • When asked about Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown’s remark about how Ohio State “better be careful,” Day declined to comment.
  • Day said the Buckeyes can’t just show up and expect to win at Rutgers. “They need to be prepared.”
  • Day said defensive end Zach Harrison and wide receiver Garrett Wilson are ahead of where typical freshmen would be at this time. Added they’re going to help the team down the stretch.
  • Day said they’ll try to “plug” fifth-year senior Rashod Berry in where he’s needed, whether it’s tight end or defensive end.”
  • On third-string quarterback Gunnar Hoak, Day said he’s “getting better. He’s still learning the offense.”
  • “If you’re a leader, your job is to solve problems,” Day said.
  • When asked to describe a perfect backup quarterback, Day said he wants someone who can take a lot of mental reps. “Someone who can play with their imagination so when they have that opportunity to play.”
  • “At the end of the day, we’re going to do the right things and recruit the right people,” Day said.
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