Ryan Day Discusses Ohio State’s Win Over Wisconsin, Open Week

Although Ohio State has the week off following a 38-7 win over Wisconsin, head coach Ryan Day met with the media for roughly 25 minutes on Tuesday afternoon.

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

Day called running back J.K. Dobbins well-rounded. “He’s a tremendous player but takes his job very seriously.”
Day said defensive end Chase Young “Having a player like Chase play the way he has clearly changes the game and makes everybody on that defense better.” Challenges him to continue to play that way with a rather large bullseye on his chest.
“I’ve made as many mistakes as anybody throughout my career,” Day said. “In life, you either succeed or you fail, and you learn.”
Day said the team is becoming more and more invested in its national championship potential every week. “We expected to be in this situation, and we have to act accordingly.”
Day said the team will be fine with running back recruiting despite not having a commit for the 2020 class. Given the long lineage of great running backs in Columbus, Day said he thinks “you’d be foolish to not give Ohio State a hard look.” Added they’re really confident in their chances with some of their top targets.
Day said they’re being smart with practice and late-game reps for players with injuries such as offensive tackle Thayer Munford and cornerback Damon Arnette in order to keep them healthy throughout the season.
Day on the Heisman Trophy potential for Dobbins, Young and quarterback Justin Fields. “When you’re at Ohio State, this is what the norm should be.”
“If you’re No. 1 right now and you lose next week, you’re not anymore,” Day said on Buckeyes’ current ranking in the polls.
Day mentioned leadership on team and points to how former team captain Terry McLaurin gave a speech to the team on Friday night. “The culture and legacy he left behind is special.” Added how many players on the team want to leave a similar impact.
On former five-star linebacker Justin Hilliard making an impact against Wisconsin. “That’s a story that isn’t being told for whatever reason.” Mentioned how Hilliard stuck with the team through injuries and lack of a playing time. “That shows you what kind of kid he is.”
Day said defensive tackle Davon Hamilton had a strong offseason that has translated into stellar play this season. “You could see him coming … This is a veteran guy who is a huge part of our defense.”
Day said playing Young on offense to boost his Heisman campaign “sounds fun,” but they’re not going to take any unnecessary risks.
On running back Master Teague’s ability to wear down the defense late in the game. “That’s huge for our team.”
Day said pursuing a sixth-year for Hilliard is up to the player.
On unexpected first-half rep for backup quarterback Chris Chugunov, Day said he thought he was well-prepared and handled it well. “That’s what’s hard about being a backup. You have to be ready to go.”
Day said Fields had a great attitude about playing in the rain, which gave him an opportunity to run the ball a little more. “He’s tough, he’s gritty. It just goes to show you how tough he is.”
Hypothesizing about playing Young alongside a healthy Nick Bosa last fall, Day said they’re “two of the more talented guys to ever come though here or ever play the game.”
Day said freshman wide receiver Garrett Wilson has progressed throughout the season. “I think the second half of the season is going to be good for him.” Added Wilson is making a “strong move” to be the starting punt returner.
In order for Young to win the Heisman, Day said voters would have to change their mindset on an award that is typically given to an offensive player and whether or not the award is best player or most important. “If he’s not the most dominant player in college football, then he’s close.”
Day said Wisconsin’s punt block and subsequent touchdown to make the score 10-7 in the third quarter was “the first time I felt like our team had its back against the wall.”
Day is confident the team will remain focused late in the season despite heightened expectations and Heisman conversations. “If they’re reading the hype, then they’re more foolish than I thought they would be.”