LINCOLN, Neb. — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and quarterback Justin Fields spoke with reporters following the Buckeyes’ decisive 48-7 win over Nebraska. They answered plenty of questions about the impressive performance of their team and the potential for even more ahead. Here are the highlights of what the two had to say.
Ryan Day
+ He was proud of the way this team came out and played hard and played well. “I’m proud of the way the guys played.”
+ This doesn’t mean anything if we don’t keep it going.
+ The whole defensive staff has prepared these guys, including Mickey Marotti.
+ A defensive performance like this goes back to their training and if they can keep it going like this, then they have a chance.
+ When they circled this game in February it was because they knew it would be hard. “We have been preparing for this game for a while.”
+ It was a great job by the defensive staff in adjusting to the I-formation. “That was some throwback stuff there.”
+ Justin Fields still hasn’t played four quarters. Next week he is going to have to against one of the best defenses in the country. “Hasn’t been in the fire when you have to go win the game in the fourth quarter.”
+ Day left Fields in late because Nebraska had just scored and they can score a lot quickly. They decided to go one more drive, but be smart with them.
+ The goal going into this game was to contain Adrian Martinez. He is a heck of a player, but the Buckeyes did a great job of tackling. “Guys made plays.”
+ This is a very serious team. The game matters to them.
+ How much Fields runs from week to week will change. It’s a huge weapon, but he’s also a really good passer with multiple weapons.
Justin Fields
+ Any time Garrett Wilson has a one-on-one in the red zone, he’s a mismatch and they took advantage of it.
+ This team has a lot of momentum right now and they handled the Nebraska crowd very well.
+ The offensive line did a great job tonight, as did the defense.
+ The touchdown run he had was intended for the tight end, but the lane opened up so he took off and scored.
+ “The harder we practice, the easier the games are going to be.”
+ The offense is clicking on all cylinders right now.
+ They aren’t worried about looking ahead to any other game than the next one.
+ They came into this game planning to run the ball because the offensive line is great and JK Dobbins and Master Teague are tremendous. It wasn’t a surprise to see them do so well.