Ryan Day makes it clear he's 'not happy with' Ohio State's defensive problems
The Ohio State Buckeyes are trying to turn the page on their 32-31 loss against Oregon, but it's been a painful process. Fans are still healing, and because they had a bye week after the game, the media is still asking questions. On Tuesday, head coach Ryan Day provided some needed responses. At his weekly […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are trying to turn the page on their 32-31 loss against Oregon, but it's been a painful process. Fans are still healing, and because they had a bye week after the game, the media is still asking questions. On Tuesday, head coach Ryan Day provided some needed responses.
At his weekly press conference, Day talked about Nick Saban's analysis of the team's pass rush and whether his defensive staff is working well together. One thing is for sure: his quote, "I'm not happy with anything,” will hang over this team until things improve.
The Buckeyes faithful have been wondering whether defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is getting to run his own scheme or if defensive line coach Larry Johnson is overstepping his position. Some beat writers have planted seeds that Day gave Johnson the power to demand that four linemen be played in every play, even though Knowles would love to be multi-front.
It's possible that's true. Day dispelled that a bit, saying Knowles and Johnson are "on the same page." He said the three have had conversations about handling the unit, but there's not some massive chasm about what each party wants. If this is the case, then it's more of a talent issue and lack of scheme aggressiveness, causing inconsistent pressure on the quarterback.
Day did acknowledge they need to stop relying on a straight four-man rush, and that changes are coming. Ohio State has been stale for too long, and the combination of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are inconsistent, at best.
Denzel Burke and JT Tuimoloau headline Ohio State veterans who should see playing time cut against Nebraska
Expectations were for the Ohio State Buckeyes to be a powerhouse this fall. There have been impressive moments, especially for the offense, but the team's defense hasn't quite matched the hype. With a veteran-laden defense that returned all key players but Mike Hall, Oregon's 32-point explosion was far beyond acceptable. The fallout won't be too […]
Creating pressure on the quarterback is the talking point about the unit. Day agreed with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who called out the unit for being antiquated. Day said he's right because it's not working and that change happens when things aren't effective.
But Day was also clear, saying this should not be on the players and that the staff has to put players in the right spot to succeed. In general, this was a serious tone that we had not heard in some time.
As JBook of Bucknuts pointed out, this is the first time Day has talked about his staff in this way since Kerry Coombs crashed and burned as the defensive coordinator. I think it's clear changes are coming.
The obvious move after the season is letting Johnson retire. Now in his 70s and struggling to land and develop impactful pass-rushers, the game has passed by the once-revered presence. But the Buckeyes need more talent, and that talent needs to get better while in Columbus, which hasn't happened in years under Johnson.
The other key is giving Knowles the chance to succeed on his own. While Knowles has done well to get this defense back to dominating cupcakes from a unit that was bleeding against everyone, he has to show some level of upside against good teams. Far too often, the Buckeyes can't get a stop against good offenses.
