Despite Penn State's 3-4 record, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes won't underestimate the Nittany Lions when the teams battle in the Horseshoe on Saturday.
“They’re a very good team, and our guys know that," Day said.
The Ohio State head coach said his staff and players have been "locked in" this week as they prepare to face Penn State. He also praised Caden Curry for his performance to this point in the year, shared that he expects Lorenzo Styles Jr. back and playing on Saturday, and said he's looking for more consistency from Eddrick Houston and Ohio State's young running backs.
- On Caden Curry: “Everybody has their own story. He has his own story.” He’s somebody who’s always been an excellent football player. … He’s just relentless in his pursuit to the ball. … For the first half of the season, he’s shown what he can do.”
- Day said he expects to have Lorenzo Styles Jr. back and playing against Penn State. “Excited to have him back.”
- Day wants to see more consistency from Eddrick Houston. “We’ve all seen him flash. … You don’t just flash in this game.” Day said Houston can be disruptive “when he’s at his best,” but is working to become more consistent. “Being uncomfortable is the only way to grow. … But he is playing better. … He’s got momentum, so here we go. We need him to really step up.”
- When asked how he and Ohio State’s coaching staff evaluate position battles, Day said, “We got to do what’s best for the team. We go off of what we see. … We try to make it that way, as black and white as possible.” Day said Ohio State’s right guard position is still a work in progress as Tegra Tshabola and Josh Padilla battle for reps. “I don’t think it will be a wholesale change. … Now at that position, it’s gonna be what you see in a game.”
- On Penn State running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. “I think he’s running as good as anybody in the country. Singleton is a good back as well.” Day said Ohio State has to be violent, run to the football and swarm tackle both running backs.
- On Penn State’s roster talent: “They’re a very good team, and our guys know that.” Day said Ohio State has been “locked in” during practice this week as the Buckeyes prepare for the Nittany Lions.
- Day said Julian Sayin has to continue doing well, taking care of the football as Ohio State enters the home stretch. He has been pleased with how well Sayin has played to this point, but he sees room for growth.
- Day said Ohio State wants to score a touchdown on every play it runs. But “at the end of the day, we’re really driving efficiency right now.”Day said the Buckeyes’ main focus every Saturday must be to win the game.
- Day called Penn State “a matchup game” for Ohio State.
- On Ohio State’s running backs: “I think they’re all working at it. … They have good attitudes. … They’re learning, they’re growing. … They have a good look in their eye. … They just haven’t played a bunch of football before.” Day said each of the Buckeyes’ running backs has “high ceilings” and are working to develop consistency.
