COLUMBUS — Three things we learned from Ryan Day on Tuesday as Ohio State prepares to enter Big Ten play with Saturday’s game against Illinois.
1. Day was a hard grader coming out of Ohio State’s 59-3 win against Kent State last week because, even in that comfortable win, there were issues that could be long-term problems for the Buckeyes if they’re not corrected now.
Chief on Day’s mind were shortcomings on third down and in short-yardage.
“Right now, we’re 12-for-17 in the red zone, but the Texas game is where we struggled most, and that’s where it matters the most,” Day said. Gotta do a better job there. As you know, third down is not where it needs to be right now. We’re 12-of-33, and I think last year we were second in the country on third down. Those things have gotta get better.”
Day’s offense currently ranks 102nd in the country in third-down conversion rate.