Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke to the media over a Zoom call Tuesday to discuss where the Buckeyes are at heading into their first game on Saturday against Nebraska, while also discussing the backup quarterback position, as well as some position battles on the offensive line.
- Day said that sometimes it might be louder in between plays than it normally would be with the pumped in sound rattling off the empty seats.
- Said that the team will be playing a lot of depth at running back this season, not just sticking with one guy. “We probably have more depth there than we’ve ever had.”
- Day said he knows Nebraska coach Scott Frost from when Frost coached for Chip Kelly at Oregon. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for Scott.”
- Also said that him and Frost had “a lot of conversations” throughout the summer as Ohio State and Nebraska fought to play this season.
- Day did not give a solid answer about what he expects at the defensive tackle position. Said the team was still sorting it out.
- Previously, Day said he expected running back Master Teague to have to sit out Week 1 against Bowling Green and play against Oregon the following week, but the scheduling change allowed for Teague to play immediately.
- Day emphasized the importance of Ohio State consistently staying with the COVID-19 guidelines put in place because one single mistake could put the entire team at risk.
- Said Ohio State is familiar with both Nebraska quarterbacks – Adrian Martinez and Luke McCaffrey – because the program had recruited both of them in the past.
- Day own having to prepare for games within the Big Ten without having any film this season: “You have to adapt in game, and that’s why you practice so much, so you have contingency plans.”
- Day said he likes the physicality, seriousness and leadership that he has seen from the defense so far in practices. He also called the linebackers the strength of the defense.
- On trying to get into the national title race with Alabama and Clemson: “There’s no conversation (with the team) about any national championship, it’s about beating Nebraska.”
- Even with that in mind, Day said it was a big deal and important to the team that Ohio State would be able to compete for a national title this season.
- Day called the backup quarterback situation a “daily evaluation” and an “ongoing process,” and that if one has to go in on Saturday, that decision would probably be made the night before.
- Day has been “very impressed the last couple of weeks” with how the secondary has looked in practice. Highlighted cornerbacks Shaun Wade and Sevyn Banks as players in that secondary that have experience in that room.
- Said he feels decent about the amount of depth that is on the team, but that he can’t say for sure until after Ohio State actually plays a game.
- Day likes linebacker Baron Browning’s experience, speed and versatility at the Sam (strong-side linebacker) position this season.
- He said one of the toughest things for him during the last couple of months with all the restrictions was not being able to see his family as much and not having the typical routine he is used to.
- Even with the long layoff in play, Day said “my expectation is that the level of play is going to be strong.”
- Day said Nicholas Petit-Frere is currently set to be the starter at right tackle to start the season. Also said that Paris Johnson and Dawand Jones will play.
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