Ohio State Presses for Fixes as No. 5 Buckeyes Host Struggling Maryland
Ryan Day is demanding fixes to the run game, run defense, penalty discipline ahead of a brutal stretch of Indiana, USC, Oregon
Overview
- Ohio State enters its Week 6 home game as a heavy favorite with the spread around 34.5 points and a 9-0 all-time edge over Maryland.
- Jeremiah Smith remains the national leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and is the clear Heisman front-runner heading into the matchup.
- Day has emphasized urgency this week as a chance to correct flaws before a run of difficult opponents, saying the team must improve fundamentals and execution.
- The Buckeyes have shown an inconsistent run defense—giving up 199 rushing yards to Illinois then holding Iowa under 40—and their own rushing attack has produced only three runs of 20+ yards this season.
- Maryland arrives 2-3 with back-to-back blowouts, turnover-prone QB Malik Washington has thrown multiple recent interceptions, and coach Mike Locksley faces rising scrutiny.