Ryan Day spent Tuesday’s weekly press conference talking like a coach who sees progress in some spots and a long list of clean-up items in others as Ohio State turns the page to Maryland.
The biggest theme was trust. Day made it clear that freshmen will not be handed snaps just because they arrived with buzz, and that message came into focus when he addressed defensive end Khary Wilder not playing at Iowa.
“Nobody just gets on the field because they have talent.”
That same standard, Day said, applies across the roster. Ohio State’s newcomers have to earn their way, even if they came in with college experience or major recruiting hype. At the same time, he said the Buckeyes’ transfers are beginning to settle in after needing time to adjust to the program.
“In this game (vs. Iowa), you started to see that… Some of these guys are now starting to show up.”
Day also pointed to the ground game as an area that is trending the right direction. He said the Buckeyes got contributions from everyone in the run game against Iowa, and singled out Bo Jackson, Ja’Kobi Jackson and Isaiah West for running with their pads down.
“Our running game right now… is solid. We want to be more explosive still.”
The defense, too, earned some praise for its work against the run. Day said Ohio State was better at setting the edge and limiting space in the C gap, and he highlighted the way players were getting off blocks.
“Overall, there was some really good clips of guys getting off of blocks”
One of the more encouraging individual notes came on safety Jaylen McClain, who intercepted a pass at Iowa. Day said McClain is growing more comfortable and confident.
“You see him play with more confidence. The game is slowing down for him.”
There was also a direct message for cornerback Devin Sanchez, who Day said has a plan in place to help cut down on penalties. He described Sanchez as competitive, while also noting the need for more control at the top of routes.
“He’s competitive. He has to have a little more composure at the top of the route.”
Special teams remained a concern. Day said Ohio State needs better production there and was blunt about where the unit stands compared with last season.
“We need to play better. That’s everybody included.”
He also said the kickers tend to fall back to their training level under pressure, and that Ohio State is still searching for better ways to recreate pressure in practice.
“What we’ve done hasn’t worked.”
On offense, Day said the line has found some rhythm with Austin Siereveld at right tackle and Gabe VanSickle at right guard, and he added that Phillip Daniels could be back from injury soon. He also said the Buckeyes expect receiver Kyle Parker to return this week.
And then there was Jeremiah Smith, whose production continues to draw attention. Day spoke highly of the receiver and, in his own words, summed up the challenge of trying to stop him.
“If he’s one on one, he’s open. If he’s doubled, he’s sort of open. If he’s tripled, he’s covered.”
Day closed with a note of frustration about Ohio State’s failed wildcat attempt on fourth down at Iowa. He called the breakdown “discouraging,” then said the later successful version made things easier on the coaching staff.
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