COLUMBUS — Ohio State acting head coach Ryan Day spoke with the media on Monday, as did defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. They provided updates on the Buckeyes following their 52-3 win over conference foe Rutgers this past Saturday. They also spent a little bit of time talking about the challenge that faces the entire team this coming week in Dallas against TCU.
Ryan Day
+ The depth of talent on offense has been the most impressive thing for Day so far this season. There are a lot of guys that allows them to stretch the ball deep and wide. The protection has allowed them to do that as well.
+ TCU’s defense “has all of the answers.” The defense has seen everything because they have been around forever. Veteran players and talented. “They’ve been together for such a long time that you’re not going to get anything free.”
+ Urban Meyer has had a huge amount of input on the offensive game plan this week just like last week.
+ When a defense has to account for J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber, it allows the passing game to take advantage of the defense’s concerns. “It all starts with running the football.”
+ J.K. Dobbins has a great personality. “Wants it very, very bad.” Has an edge, hard worker, but very likeable.
+ Dobbins and Weber are pushing each other, but they also pull for each other.
+ Asked what has allowed the team to make it through this suspension so well, Day attributed it to the culture of the program and the maturity of the players.
+ Dwayne Haskins has the ability to make checks in the run game or slide protections on the pass. He has to be able to make those decisions.
+ When the games get tighter, every play matters. This team is still making mistakes, so there is enough to look at to where the players won’t get overconfident. There is still plenty to critique and the players are looking to improve each week.
+ Tate Martell has shown what he can do. Nothing he has done has surprised them. His skill set it excellent for attacking a defense. They have to account for him. How much will Martell play this year depends on the games and the opponents and how things are going.
+ The main deep threats are Johnnie Dixon and Terry McLaurin, but any of the receivers can be threats down the field. Depends on what the defense is allowing. Rutgers played their safeties lower, which allowed them to go over the top. “When those opportunities present themselves, you’ve got to capitalize.”
+ Feedback from Meyer was that the mistakes need to be made. They have to correct them because they’re not okay.
+ When you play in big games, you have to take care of the ball, you have to run it well, and you have to play good defense. When you start to focus on other things — like it being a big game — that’s when you start to get distracted. Over thinking is not the way to put their best foot forward.
+ There is no one thing about the offense that worries him, but the execution needs to be high every play and the effort needs to be there as well. As long as they remain very critical of themselves, they can remain efficient and productive. That’s how a team gets better throughout the season.
+ Michael Jordan has done a nice job at center. Communication is getting better and better, but it needs to be at an all-time high this weekend. “We’re gonna be tested.”
+ Dwayne Haskins is reading on most of the run plays.
+ Day has seen an improvement with Tate Martell throwing the ball. He is managing the offense as well. “That’s important to do. Can’t force the action and he didn’t do that.” Coming back from taking the big hit was good to see.
+ TCU’s defense has played a lot of football together at a high level. They were a top 20 defense last year and it was against high-octane offenses. Gary Patterson is one of the best coaches over the last 20 years in college football. “If you get them with something, you’re not going to get them twice.” Their team speed is outstanding.
+ It’s always good to have two capable of punt returners. They need to get them more reps because neither has a bunch of experience doing it.
+ There will be some familiarity with playing in AT&T Stadium this weekend, which is good. But at the end of the day it will still come down to how you play.
+ “If you don’t think it’s a big game, try losing it.” You have to prepare each week. “That’s not any different this week.”
Greg Schiano
+ Jordan Fuller is a very good athlete and has good anticipation and vision. He came here as a corner and could play corner at OSU or even receiver. Has good spatial awareness and he’s a good tackler.
+ The strong safety spot is not quite settled. Isaiah Pryor played well on Saturday. Shaun Wade is getting better and better and they are trying to find a place for him. Jahsen Wint played well. They’re all kind of the same age so they’re going to keep seeing who emerges there.
+ They are going to try to find ways to get Shaun Wade on the field. He can play corner and nickel and eventually be able to play safety.
+ Baron Browning runs very well. Tuf Borland has great instincts. They have more than just three linebackers who can play.
+ TCU has a very talented offense. Their offensive line is as good as any in the B1G. They have fast skill players. The receivers are really athletic and they have good running backs. The quarterback is multi-dimensional. “This will be a huge test for our defense.”
+ Quarterback Shawn Robinson is a big challenge because when he carries the ball, it changes the defensive math. He scrambles to throw, but will keep it and is a very good runner. They will have to hold coverage when he does scramble, but they have to then tackle well when he breaks the line of scrimmage.
+ Receiving/returner Kavontae Turpin is quick as a cat. The wideouts all present different issues, but they all can run.
+ Can’t get too excited about the familiarity with AT&T Stadium for the Buckeyes when this is pretty much a home game for TCU.
+ He doesn’t want to make too big a deal of the Chase Young ejection because he loves the passion he plays with. Just have to harness it a little bit. He wants players to have an edge. A great defense needs that. Just can’t overdo it.
+ Nick Bosa isn’t getting a ton of one-on-one blocking this week. He’ll need to be aware of that, and OSU will need to do a good job of moving him around to keep him from being targeted. “We need to help him and he needs to be a little bit more aware, and his teammates need to help him be aware.”
+ Nick Bosa is playing at a very high level. “As an offensive coach, you’re going to know where he is all the time.” Offenses are trying to slow him down in the run game as well.
+ Is it time for a Nick Bosa Heisman campaign or any defensive guy? “Well, I’d love to say yeah…but it’s more of an offensive award.” Bosa is a dominant player and there are awards for defensive guys as well. “I like him on our team, I know that.”
Our LB’s will have a very tough night in this one. You are talking about a QB who is a better passer and runner than JT, with a quick release, surrounded by big and elusive running backs. They also have a great punt and kick returner. If their OL holds and if our OL has enough mishaps and we are not able to effectively neutralize their blitzes, and we don’t establish the run, we will drop this one. Our DBs will have to play aggressive to give the DL enough time to make plays, but the DL and LB have to contain the QB when flushed. Our defensive performance against mobile QB of late worries me. If this does not break our back though, it will be a nice prep for psu.
You sure?
One thing’s for sure….can’t afford to have a dozen penalties like there’s been the first couple games. There won’t be a 50 point cushion.