Ohio State’s preparations for the upcoming season are in full gear.
Facing the usual lofty expectations and an added sense of urgency stemming from three consecutive seasons derailed by losses to Michigan, head coach Ryan Day hopes this is the year he can finally get over the hump.
Despite finishing each of the last three seasons with an 11-2 record, the Buckeyes failed in their primary goals: defeating Michigan, winning the Big Ten Championship Game, and winning the national title.
The 2023 defeat was particularly gut-wrenching. Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord’s interception in Michigan territory with just 25 seconds left sealed a 30-24 victory for the Wolverines, who later secured the national championship amid a sign-stealing scandal.
This year, expectations for Ohio State are higher than ever. As a matter of fact, legendary coach Urban Meyer has gone on record saying that the 2024 Buckeyes may be the most talented team ever.
The lure of NIL money has helped retain 16 starters, including 11 NFL draft-eligible players, and attract key transfers.
Entering his sixth season, Day emphasized that the urgency is no different than in previous years.
“Every year there’s urgency,” he said. “If you don’t think it’s important, try losing a game at Ohio State. Yeah, it’s no different that way, but there are a lot of guys on the team who want to finish the season with some hardware, and that matters.”
Training camp is focused on positioning the right players in key roles, preparing them for the season’s demands, and ensuring peak performance during critical games, particularly late in the season.
“I think when you look at the way the season is designed, at the end of the year, you’re looking at, you know, four or five, six games of probably top-ten football back-to-back to back,” Day added.
“And so the only way to be ready for something like that is to train at a high level, challenge ourselves to be really good on both sides of the ball, run the ball, stop the run, take care of the football and have some passing yards.
“(We’ve) got to be a physical team, and we got to be able to travel on the road, play physical for longer,” he concluded.
It’s no secret that physicality has been a big topic around Columbus. Some may not like to hear it, but Ohio State’s lack of supreme physicality is what has held them back in recent years, particularly against Michigan.
That may sound harsh, especially considering the fact that the Buckeyes were a field goal away from winning the national title two years ago (they would have destroyed TCU). However, the standards are the standards, and in Columbus those standards are as high as anywhere in the country.
Ohio State’s roster boasts new talent, including former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who is expected to win the starting job. Former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, and former Alabama safety Caleb Downs are two All-American candidates.
Additionally, Day has brought in his former mentor, Chip Kelly, as the offensive coordinator. Some people love to hate on Kelly, but there’s no denying his offensive genius, especially in the run game.
Key players to watch include Emeka Egbuka, stepping up as the No. 1 receiver, and running back TreVeyon Henderson, both preseason All-Big Ten selections.
Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, the top-rated high school prospect in the nation, is touted as a generational talent.
“This has been a big-time summer for us, a hard offseason,” said fourth-year cornerback Denzel Burke, a preseason All-Big Ten selection. “Just a good momentum we’re heading into fall camp with. It’s our job to take care of the little things and have fun.”
Thursday marked the first of 25 practices, with the Buckeyes set to open their season at home on August 31 against Akron.
Day clearly recognizes the importance of this season. Having said that, will the extreme pressure and expectations prove to be an issue for the Buckeyes?
Is Day actually on the hot seat? … If Ohio State loses to Michigan again, and fails to at least appear in the national title game, will Day be fired???