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No. 1 Ohio State Enters Bye at 7-0 as Day Zeroes In on Fixes Around a Dominant Defense

Ryan Day is using the open week to prioritize personnel review with ball security the focal point before Penn State on Nov. 1.

Overview

  • Ohio State remains unbeaten and ranked No. 1, powered by the nation’s top scoring defense at 5.9 points allowed per game with two shutouts under coordinator Matt Patricia.
  • Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin leads FBS in completion rate at 80.0% and has 1,872 yards with 19 touchdowns and three interceptions, with Day stressing continued ball security.
  • Day acknowledged the rushing attack’s inconsistency after 3.5 yards per carry vs. Wisconsin and 2.9 vs. Illinois, calling for better technique and consistency and noting freshman Isaiah West as a bright spot.
  • Personnel evaluations are underway during the bye, including at right guard with Tegra Tshabola, as Day balances rest and additional reps based on individual needs.
  • The next game is Nov. 1 vs. Penn State in Columbus, where interim coach Terry Smith is set to lead the Nittany Lions and redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer is slated for his second career start.