Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media on Thursday afternoon to discuss his team’s final preparations ahead of Saturday’s game against Wisconsin (12 p.m. on FOX).
Here’s a brief recap of what he had to say:
- Day on wide receivers coach Brian Hartline: “He’s really embraced this role. He was kind of thrown into it, but he’s put his heart and soul into it.”
- Day said he’s somewhat looking forward to playing a full game as opposed to the blowouts in the first seven contests. “When you play Wisconsin, you’ve got to play 60 minutes. It’s going to be tough at times, but you’ve got to work through it.”
- Day on his faith in running back J.K. Dobbins to pick up a long third-down conversion on the ground. “I think any time you can run the ball on third down, you can calm down what they’re doing in terms of schematics.”
- Day on winning the battle up front. “That’s any game, but certainly this week.”
- Day said the Buckeyes have been “spotty” when it comes to third down. “I think it’s important on both sides of the ball. The more third downs we can stay out of or force them into, that’s an advantage for us.”
- Though there is the potential for bad weather for the game, Day said they won’t change their game plan “unless it’s completely brutal.” Notes you have to be more conservative in those situations, but they’ll have their full arsenal on offense otherwise.
- Day said the team is focused on playing week by week. “Don’t worry about what’s coming in the future or what’s gone on in the past.”
- Day on quarterback Justin Fields’ ability to recognize the defense. “He and Josh (Myers) are doing a good job. They’re getting better at it every week.” Notes this is the second straight year the team has been forced to get a new quarterback and center up to speed with the sophisticated offense.
- Day on defensive end Chase Young: “He can beat you with speed and he can beat you with power.” He expects Wisconsin to have a game plan for dealing with him, but that he’ll adapt properly.
