Day Urges Urgency After Loss

Ryan Day told reporters on Tuesday that the Ohio State football team must act with high urgency to correct mistakes made in the recent 30-18 loss to USC. The Buckeyes face No. 23 Oregon on Saturday, a matchup that pits the preseason No. 1 team against the No. 2 ranked squad. Day emphasized that both the coaching staff and the players share the responsibility for improving performance before this next contest.

The 12-point deficit against USC marked the largest margin of defeat for Day since a 45-23 loss to Michigan on Nov. 26, 2022. In that game at LA Memorial Coliseum, the Buckeyes committed a season-high 11 penalties. The offense also allowed USC to gain 69 and 70 yards on two separate plays. Day described the penalties and mistakes as ridiculous, stating that they indicate the team is not yet where it needs to be.

Statistical trends show a decline in recent weeks. Ohio State has lost four of its last 10 games, dating back to last season. The team’s red zone efficiency has dropped, with only seven touchdowns scored on 16 trips over the last four games. In the loss to USC, the Buckeyes entered the red zone four times but scored just one touchdown. Day acknowledged that the current situation is not working very well.

Day stated that he is not currently considering changes to the coaching staff. He said the need for better coaching starts with himself, then extends to the coordinators and position coaches. He added that players must also hold themselves to a high standard of accountability. Day noted that everything happening on the field is his responsibility, though he involved the staff in the review of schemes and personnel.

The coaching staff is reviewing the red zone issues to determine if the problems stem from the scheme, the personnel, or the coaching. Day said the team must be able to run the ball and win one-on-one matchups on the outside to be effective in that area. He described the current red zone struggles as extremely frustrating and said the team would continue working on them during the week.

Day praised the upcoming opponent, Oregon, for its talent. He noted that the Ducks have NFL-caliber players across the field and speed at wideout. He also highlighted the strength of their offensive line and tight end, and pointed to the experience of quarterback Dylan Raiola. Day said the team has three losses on the season, but the depth of talent is comparable to any team in the country.

All four remaining teams on the regular-season schedule hold winning records. The Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 12. Day said the opportunity to turn the season around exists against Oregon, but only if the team fixes its current issues immediately.