Ryan Day Lightning Round: Buckeyes Have A Standard To Meet

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with reporters following practice Wednesday evening for his weekly “Lightning Round” session. This was his final opportunity to speak with the media before Saturday’s season opener against Akron. The highlights of everything he had to say can be found below.

• Nothing long-term regarding injuries right now but there may be some gameday decisions as they go on this week.
• Jeremiah Smith has been very consistent in practice. He’s mature beyond his years. He has embraced special teams and run blocking.

• Austin Siereveld stepped into an opportunity in preseason practice and got better. He made the adjustment quickly. He was thrown into the fire and is now a better player. It’s an example for the entire staff that they have to build depth by getting guys on the field.
• The quarterback run game will always be part of the game plan but how much will be determined week to week, situation to situation. The quarterback can also have an effect with their feet in the passing game. They will tailor the QB run based on the opponent.
• They are going to try to roll the tight ends the best they can. They have built some depth there. They will have multiple groupings in the game.
• Jayden Ballard is the No. 1 kickoff returner. Carnell Tate will be with there. Brandon Inniss could be the punt returner.
• Would you rather open with a better opponent? It’s coachspeak, but it’s true. It’s about the standard and getting the players to grade out as champions. If it’s truly about themselves, then the opponent shouldn’t matter. Everybody should be battling to play their best regardless of the opponent. There is a standard they want to play with and there is a tone that they want to set in the first game.
• This is an interesting mix of experienced Buckeyes and new guys that Day is excited to see.
• Nobody has forgotten how exciting Emeka Egbuka is but it’s always good to see it again. He’s always been mature. He impacts the entire team when he’s healthy.
• “I’m excited” about having Chip Kelly running the offense on Saturday. “I do like the way the offensive staff has come together.” Brian Hartline has been unbelievable day to day. Justin Frye and Tim Drevno have done a good job working together. It’s important to have good chemistry on offense and they have that.

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