With the Washington game around the corner, Ryan Day shared his excitement for Ohio State to face its first road test at Husky Stadium.
"Great environment. I've never been," Day said on Wednesday. "Can't wait to go."
Day said his team understands that it must win in difficult environments to have success this season. Much of that success will stem from how Julian Sayin performs at the quarterback position. With Sayin entering his first road start as Ohio State's lead signal caller, Day has a similar message for him — one that echoes the message he had for Sayin before the Buckeyes' season opener against Texas.
"Take care of the football and just take it one play at a time. Don't do anything other than that, and then find a way to get your first road win," Day said. "It's kinda like the Texas game — find a way to win."
Beyond his excitement for Husky Stadium and his confidence in Sayin, Day said Lorenzo Styles Jr., who exited the Ohio game with an injury, is "ready to go" for the Washington game and has "had a good week of practice."
- Day said Devin Sanchez has earned the right to play as a freshman. "He had a vision for himself of coming in and playing in year one. ... That was his goal all along." Day added: "He obviously has a bright future as a Buckeye."
- On his excitement to play at Husky Stadium on Saturday: "Great environment. I've never been. Can't wait to go." Day noted that Washington has won 22 consecutive home games. He said the Buckeyes know they must win games in tough environments to achieve success this season. "In order for us to reach our goals, we know we're gonna have to go on the road and win games."
- Day said Caden Curry has put in "time, energy and effort" to play at a high level for Ohio State this season. "He's had his ups, and he's had his downs, but he's come out the other end stronger for it," he said. "It's great to see him playing the way he is right now. ... High motor. ... Has a great feel for the game."
- Day said Lorenzo Styles Jr. is "ready to go" against Washington and has "had a great week of practice."
- When asked about quarterback play across the Big Ten, Day said the conference is among the nation's best. Day said the Big Ten is "obviously a very attractive league" for the country's best signal callers coming out of high school.
- Day said Ohio State is "gonna need" Kenyatta Jackson Jr. against Washington. He wants to see Jackson take another step forward on the field and continue to be one of the leaders in Larry Johnson's defensive line room.
- Day recalled some of his memories from Ohio State's win over Washington in the 2019 Rose Bowl Game. Day said he remembers Urban Meyer putting a whistle around his neck in the locker room after the game. He has a picture of that moment in his office.
- On his message to Julian Sayin entering the Washington game: "Take care of the football and just take it one play at a time. Don't do anything other than that, and then find a way to get your first road win. It's kinda like the Texas game — find a way to win. ... You got to lead with your play and your resolve."
