Assessing anonymous coach quotes about Ohio State from Athlon Sports

COLUMBUS — Athlon Sports asked Big Ten coaches to anonymously talk about their opponents ahead of the 2024 season, and the outlet published those comments about a month ago.

Lettermen Row is going back to break down the quotes about Ohio State.

Anonymous Quote No. 1

“It’s not national title or bust, but it’s certainly beat Michigan or bust, and the expectation is always to win the league.”

Lettermen Row says…
This is fair. Besides, really, it’s always national title or bust at Ohio State: The Buckeyes are perennial contenders, and the goal every year is to win the whole thing. But this is the first time Ohio State has lost to Michigan three straight seasons since 1995-97. At the very least, Ryan Day’s Ohio State legacy is on the line this year. He doesn’t have to win a national championship to protect it, however, he does have to beat the Wolverines, especially at home, where he and his team got embarrassed in The Game two years ago. Michigan had a school-record 13 players drafted this year, Ohio State brought back 11 starter-level and draft-eligible players. The pressure is on for Day to turn the tide of the rivalry, and win the Big Ten.

Anonymous Quote No. 2

“This is maybe the most talented roster [Ryan] Day has had since he took over.”

Lettermen Row says…
Probably. It’s certainly the most talented roster Day’s had since 2019, his first year as head coach. And this group might have that year’s team beat. A Buckeyes defense that ranked second nationally with 11.2 points per game allowed last season is almost entirely back, not to mention the addition of arguably the best safety in college football, Caleb Downs. On the other side of the ball, Ohio State returned a senior wideout in Emeka Egbuka who could leave as the program’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, plus a star running back in TreVeyon Henderson who is now teaming up with two-time All-SEC honoree and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins. Although experienced now, the offensive line remains a question, and so does the quarterback position, but both position groups have high ceilings.

Anonymous Quote No. 3

“[QB Will] Howard doesn’t have to be special; he just has to be smart. That signing didn’t turn heads the way some of the other flashier portal quarterbacks might have, but all he has to do is manage and distribute. They’re absolutely stacked at other positions.”

Lettermen Row says…
This narrative is similar to the one that was peddled about Kyle McCord last offseason. But, really, part of what makes a dual-threat quarterback like Howard effective is his off-script playmaking ability, which, sometimes, results in turnovers. On one hand, he totaled 33 touchdowns last season at Kansas State. On the other hand, he threw 10 interceptions and recorded 14 turnover-worthy plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Yes, Howard will be throwing to better receivers who will create more separation — potentially leading to fewer forced throws and, in turn, fewer picks — but Ohio State isn’t necessarily asking him to be a point guard. Whoever wins the QB1 job will be running the football, too. If Howard’s the guy, he doesn’t have to be a Heisman Trophy candidate, but he does need to be himself.

Anonymous Quote No. 4

“Day is a great collaborator; the Chip [Kelly] thing won’t be a nuisance or a problem at all. If you believe what Chip’s said, that he just wants to focus on ball and not worry with the administrative stuff, this is a fantastic hire for them.”

Lettermen Row says…
This is spot on. It’s really amazing that Ohio State hired an offensive coordinator with both NFL and college head coaching experience…and then did it again once Bill O’Brien left for the Boston College head coaching job. The Buckeyes ended up with Chip Kelly, who is arguably an even better hire considering his history with Day. Well before Day served as Kelly’s quarterbacks coach with the San Francisco 49ers and with the Philadelphia Eagles, he both played for and coached with Kelly at UNH, where Kelly got his first OC opportunity. Kelly and Day have a partnership more than they have a mentee-mentor relationship. Day couldn’t have handed off play-calling duties to a better person.

Anonymous Quote No. 5

“Nothing really matters until they can get Michigan off their backs in November. The standards here are higher than anywhere else this season.”

Lettermen Row says…
This goes back to the first quote, and the message is on point. While Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff isn’t as dependent on a rivalry win as it used to be, The Game still means everything. Most of Ohio State’s top players from last season held off on the NFL Draft to accomplish three things: (1) beat Michigan, (2) win a Big Ten championship and (3) win a national title. The Buckeyes have started each of the last two seasons 11-0, only to then lose to the Wolverines in a top-three showdown. A year removed from Michigan’s national championship run, Ohio State has to make its move Thanksgiving Weekend. It sounds extreme, but it’s reality in Columbus, and it seems like other Big Ten coaches see that.

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