Ryan Day reveals why he scheduled team filled with Ohio State rejects to visit the Buckeyes for projected blowout win
There could be some hard feelings between the current Ohio Bobcats who dreamed of playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes on day. While the top-ranked Buckeyes are undoubtedly a powerhouse who carry few regrets in their talent recruitment, growing up in Ohio and not becoming a Buckeye is a small letdown for some. The very […]
There could be some hard feelings between the current Ohio Bobcats who dreamed of playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes on day. While the top-ranked Buckeyes are undoubtedly a powerhouse who carry few regrets in their talent recruitment, growing up in Ohio and not becoming a Buckeye is a small letdown for some. The very best players on the Ohio roster could compete to play on the Buckeyes, if not earn starting time.
However, recruiting and development is strange. Late bloomers and busts happen, and hard-nosed workers can outproduce lofty blue-chippers. Ohio State enters the weekend as 32-point favorites against the Bobcats, but Ryan Day is still expecting a fight. He credited Brian Smith’s roster and program days before kickoff.
Here’s what Day had to say about the Bobcats who wanted to be Buckeyes one day.
Ryan Day speaks on Ohio State vs. Ohio matchup
When speaking about what it means for Ohio State to host Ohio in a nonconference game, Day showed great awareness for his program’s standing.
“I think it’s good for the state. I think it’s great for their school; I think it’s great for our school,” Day said. “When you’re from the state of Ohio, having a memory of playing in the Horseshoe during your college career is significant. We know these guys are gonna be playing with their hair on fire.”
The reality is that Ohio will be outmanned in this matchup, but this is an impressive team that might win the MAC. Quarterback Parker Navarro will give Ohio State trouble with his legs. Sieh Bangura, Chase Hendricks, and Kaci Seegars are good starters. The Ohio secondary is respectable and experienced.
That won’t stop the Buckeyes from rolling to a 3-0 start, but Day is right that this will be a special moment for a roster filled with local talent that wasn’t so far off from making it to Ohio State. Expect a prideful performance from Ohio this weekend.
