Ohio State was back on the practice field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Saturday morning for its eighth practice (but first scrimmage) of fall camp. Head coach Ryan Day met with the gathered media for about 15 minutes afterward, answering questions about the quarterback battle, standout players from the scrimmage and more.
Here’s a brief recap of what Day had to say:
- Day said leadership is a big part of the job of being a quarterback. “At the end of the day, your job is to lead 10 men down the field for a touchdown.”
- Day said he wants to look at film before singling out players who have flashed. “Today is really the first day in pads we’ve hit and tackled to the ground.” He did, however, mention linebacker Baron Browning and the secondary, which had several pick-sixes during the scrimmage (linebacker K’Vaughan Pope and cornerback Sevyn Banks).
- Day said he was disappointed in the turnovers. “We want to watch the film because it’s never as bad as you think, but you can’t turn the ball over.”
- Day said the defense won today’s scrimmage. “The defense got after the offense today, for sure.” It’s been back and forth throughout fall camp, however.
- There were a couple fumbles and a pair of interceptions during the scrimmage. “We gotta do a better job of taking care of (the ball).”
- The first-team offense got about 40 snaps in the scrimmage, but the team also worked on specifically coming out of the end zone and red zone packages.
- Day on defensive tackle Robert Landers’ post on Twitter about mental health awareness and Dayton shootings: “I’m proud that he did that.” Mentions how the university has hired two more athletic counselors. “We want them to know we’re here and there’s no stigma for mental health. It’s okay to ask for help.”
- Day expects wide receiver Austin Mack to be back at practice in a week or so. Has been out with an undisclosed injury.
- Day said he remains in awe of some of the athletes on the team. “Every day you see something that’s amazing.”
- Browning has been taking reps at middle linebacker, but is moving around, too. Day said he’s been practicing well, and “that’s exciting.” Teradja Mitchell was sidelined in practice with an undisclosed injury today, meanwhile.
- Day said the right tackle battle between fifth-year senior Branden Bowen and redshirt freshman Nicholas Petit-Frere is “neck-and-neck.”
- Day thought he’d have a better feel for the quarterback battle between Justin Fields and Gunnar Hoak. “Nobody went out there and won the job. Hopefully by this time next week, someone steps up.”
- Day said freshman wide receiver Jameson Williams, who lost his black stripe earlier this week, has been exceptional on special teams, notably blocking a couple of punts.
- Day said the battle for backup running back remains as nobody has stepped up yet.
- Day was asked about Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s recent comments on playing two Power 5 non-conference games. Said you can’t really compare because the Big Ten plays nine conference games while the SEC plays just eight.
- Offensive tackle Thayer Munford is “on volume control.” The staff is easing him back from last season’s hip injury.
- There was no score during the scrimmage.
