Ohio State’s win over Washington was its first in Big Ten play this season. With Minnesota up next, Ryan Day is locked in on securing the Buckeyes’ second.
In a Wednesday press conference on the Woody Hayes Athletic Center indoor practice field, Ohio State's head coach said the Buckeyes have another challenge ahead of them: being the more edgy and gritty team when facing the Gophers this weekend.
"The most desperate and hungry team is gonna win every Saturday," Day said.
Day also addressed Tywone Malone's development, Jayden Fielding's confidence and more in the press conference. Here's a bullet-point recap of the brief media session:
- Day said Tywone Malone graded out as a champion against Washington. "He's been consistent in his approach. ... I think his confidence is improving." Day said Malone's mindset has improved this season, leading to better performances week to week.
- Day joked that Jayden Fielding "might be our leading tackler on kickoff, which is not good, but he passed the toughness test, I guess, for a kicker." Day added that Fielding has been "more and more consistent" in practice and that his confidence is "getting higher and higher." He said Ohio State will need Fielding to make a crucial kick at some point this season."One shot, one kill. When you go in there, you only got one shot to be right."
- Day said Julian Sayin passed his first road test in the Washington game. "I see what you guys see, and that's somebody that's building confidence out there. ... He knows the No. 1 goal is to win the game. ... It will be the same thing this week. ... He's taking care of the football, which is the most important thing, and winning games."
- Day said former Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Mattison was at practice on Wednesday. He said former Ohio State head coach was at practice on Tuesday.
- On Ohio State's edginess and gritiness: "They're edgy, and they like to compete. That's something we want to have as an identity. .... These guys aren't gonna back down to anybody."
- Day said Ohio State has to wake up with "a bad attitude" and an edge. "The most desperate and hungry team is gonna win every Saturday."
- Day said Tyler Bowen "had conviction" that Austin Siereveld would be Ohio State's best offensive tackle. "Austin is a captain. Austin is an Iron Buckeye. He earned the respect of his teammates this offseason, and he's earning respect now with his play."
- Day said Carson Hinzman and Luke Montgomery handled the road environment at Washington "like pros." Day said both players took the opportunities they were given last season and ran with them. Day said Montgomery is "starting to play his best football" right now.
