Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke with Paul Keels and Jim Lachey on 97.1 The Fan’s Ryan Day Radio Show on Thursday afternoon.
He talked about Ohio State’s performance against Minnesota and how he feels about the matchup with Oregon. The Buckeyes will host the Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday at noon. The game can be seen on Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” special.
RYAN DAY’S COMMENTS AND QUOTES
On the Ohio State’s performance against Minnesota:
- “It was a funny game on offense. We only had 48 gradable plays.”
- “I wish we had more plays to learn from in the game.”
- “Minnesota is not a team you blow out. We knew we were going to take it into the fourth quarter.”
On the big plays in the second half:
- “It was bizarre. I think it was 22 plays in the second half and we had 35 points on the board.”
- “There was going to be big plays to be had.”
On quarterback C.J. Stroud:
- “Just a start, but to see the way he came out in the second half and played, it was very encouraging.”
- “You put that in your back pocket and you move on.”
On Miyan Williams’ “wrong play touchdown”:
- “It was unbelievable. The hours we spend putting plays together, it was funky enough.”
- “He ran hard. He did a good job.”
On the competition in the running back room:
- “I wish they had more carries. Overall, I thought they ran hard.”
- “I think anytime you have competition — it brings out the best in each of these guys.”
On Luke Wypler and the depth at center:
- “Good start for him. A good sign of things to come.”
- “We have some different options in there. Finding the right chemistry is critical as well.”
On right tackle Dawand Jones matching up against the Oregon defensive line and Kayvon Thibodeaux:
- “He’s going to have a bigger challenge this week.”
On Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave:
- “Their practice habits have been excellent overall.”
- Day said the two wide receivers are “bringing the room up.”
On no sacks surrendered for the first time since 2018:
- “It was kind of a different game than we’re about to play.”
- Day said Oregon is another challenge for the offensive line. “We have to identify pressure.”
On getting his players reps during practice:
- “We try to get two huddles going. We actually go to three groups (starters, second-strings and third-strings).”
- “We usually get another 2 ½ plays per minute [during 7-on-7’s].”
On the special teams against Minnesota, looking ahead:
- “I thought it was a wash a little bit.”
- “I thought we had a couple of good punts.”
- “Looking to make it an advantage for us in all three phases.”
On the Oregon football team:
- “Very, very talented, fast, athletic. They’ve recruited well there.”
- “[Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal is building a great program.”
- “Some All-American type players. This is a big challenge for our team.”
On the Ducks’ offense:
- “I actually recruited Anthony [Brown] early on. Lot of respect for him.”
- “This is a good offense coming in here.”
On his relationship with former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly:
- “Very, very proud to have Chip as one of my mentors.”
- “Time when I almost went out there with him, but it didn’t work out.”
On Oregon’s defense and Kayvon Thibodeaux:
- “Very athletic, very explosive, creates lots of problems.”
- “I think there’s a lot of guys on there. Across the board, they have a lot of talent.”
- “One of the more athletic defenses we’ve played in a long time.”
On having last season’s game against Oregon canceled due to COVID-19:
- “We were looking forward to going out there.”
- “Lots of things we missed out on last year.”
- Day said the team had plans to tour the Nike facilities in Eugene.
On playing in front of fans at Ohio Stadium:
- “To think we haven’t had a game there in 600 days is crazy.”
- “We need it to be loud.”
- “It’s good for everybody to get out there early.”
On Ohio State’s gameday traditions:
- “We’re changing it up a little bit.”
- Day said the team will not go back to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center after the Skull Session. They will wear their travel sweats instead of suits.
- “If it’s not a noon game, we’re going to let them use [the Woody Hayes Athletic Center].”
On the linebacker room:
- “You got to play depth. I also think there’s a part of getting into a rhythm.”
On playing in front of the Ohio State fans:
- “You can’t ride the rollercoaster.”
- “You have to play with emotion, but you can’t let emotion play with you.”
On special teams standouts:
- “[Fullback] Mitch Rossi, I thought, stood out.”
On safety Bryson Shaw:
- “He played well, graded out a champion.”
- “An example of somebody that just kept working everyday.”
- “He’s a little bit of a calming force back there.”
On winning football games at Ohio State:
- “It’s hard to enjoy the wins.”
- “It’s more of a relief.”
On recruits coming to Ohio State’s campus on Saturday:
- “We have some official visitors and quite a few unofficial as well.”
On Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame ceremonies this weeked:
- “When you think about the history and tradition at Ohio State, it really is amazing.”
- “It’s our responsibility to uphold that standard.”
On bonds between current and former players:
- “Had a day during the preseason where we invited back former players.”
- “The former players are always welcome. The only reason we’re here is because of them.”
On the defensive linemen:
- “We spend a bunch of time in the spring on fundamentals and ball security.”
- “We talk about ball disruption. The sack-fumble was a huge one.”
On if the lack of reps on the defensive line will work against the Buckeyes:
- “Larry [Johnson] likes to roll those guys for a reason.”
- “Not abut who starts but who gets the reps.”
On defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson:
- “Veteran guy who has experience. He goes to work every day.”
On cornerback Demario McCall:
- “He’s shown leadership.”
- “Very impressed with his leadership.”
