Ryan Day gave Ohio State fans something to feel good about five days ahead of The Game during his weekly appearance on 97.1 the Fan's Buckeye Roundtable Monday.
Asked whether star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are trending toward playing against Michigan, the head coach responded affirmatively.
“They are," Day said. "They’re going to continue to get some rest tonight, had a good day of rehab. So we’ll wake up in the morning and see how they’re doing, but nobody wants to play more than those two guys.”
Day also touched on the progression of Ohio State's running game, the performance of Max Klare and a few other topics during his brief appearance.
- On Ohio State's defense against Rutgers: "It's all leading up to the end of the season here. ... It's been, obviously, a focal point week-in and week-out, making sure that we stop the run. ... Guys have really embraced that, we've worked hard on it."
- On the run game: "You're seeing guys play physical. The runs are fitting up better. ... I've felt all along, the more our young running backs carry the ball, the better they're gonna get. ... They need to be at their best this week, and it all starts right out of the game with ball security."
- Day liked to see his punt team execute a punt downed inside the 2-yard line. "That's an important play and the battle of field position will be critical in this game."
- Day affirmed that Smith and Tate are trending toward playing. "Nobody wants to play more than those two guys."
- On Max Klare: "I think everybody can see the improvement in not only his route running, but also his blocking. ... He's a weapon. ... He's gonna have to really perform and grade out in this game. It's one of the reasons he came here, he's an Ohio guy."
- On what he's learned from his past Michigan experiences: "I've learned a lot in nine years now being at Ohio State. And you learn every year. ... Each game is different ... this team is different ... then there are some similarities. ... We're gonna do everything we can to keep our routine the same. ... We're gonna make sure we stay locked in and don't get distracted."
- On offensive line coach Tyler Bowen and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia getting their first introduction to the rivalry: "They're excited. And they're working hard. Obviously, the offensive line and the defense have a big hand in this. ... They really want to get their first pair of gold pants."
