Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day talks ‘damage control,’ expectations after 2022 in ESPN interview
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Ryan Day talks ‘damage control,’ expectations after last season in ESPN interview
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, now in his second year at Ohio State, made something very clear.
“You can’t lose a game,” he told ESPN’s Heather Dinich.
Knowles repeated that statement.
Fifth-year Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day added: “When you lose, there’s damage control.”
Especially when you lose to Michigan. For the second year in a row. This time at home.
That’s why Ohio State has reloaded, not only with nine transfers — an uncharacteristically high number for the program — but also with the hiring of longtime coaches Mike Dawson and Joe Philbin as defensive and offensive analysts, respectively. Plus, Day and Knowles even brought back Ohio State legend James Laurinaitis, who was 4-0 against Michigan in his playing career, to be the Buckeyes’ assistant linebackers coach.
Dinich’s latest for ESPN includes several introspective quotes from Day, Knowles and a few Ohio State players about last season and, in turn, expectations for 2023.
But, as Day explains, the expectations — while bullish — aren’t different from any other year.
“We don’t have a choice,” Day told Dinich, in reference to the program’s underlying goal, which is always centered around winning a national title. “The expectation is that you do.”
Day continued, via ESPN: “The rivalry game is obviously very important, and when you look at those games, and you see the single plays that really cost us the game, when you’re talking about on defense giving up explosive plays, that’s very important, that’s how games can go sideways. We have to identify that and get that fixed. That hurt us in the Georgia game as well.”
Those explosive plays haunted Knowles and spoiled what had been a much-improved season for his unit during his first year in Columbus after transitioning from Oklahoma State, where he helped rebuild the Cowboys into a defensive juggernaut and College Football Playoff contender.
What Knowles has learned, however, is that he doesn’t have to, and probably shouldn’t, follow the same blueprint at Ohio State. He’s self aware enough to make that adjustment, too.
“You have to be willing to change if necessary,” Knowles told Dinich. “That’s part of growth. You have to be restless, uncomfortable. Nothing is nonnegotiable with me. I’ve worked my way to get here. I’m not going to fall on the sword and say, ‘This is the way we do it.’ No, look at everything. Break it down. It doesn’t matter if I’ve done it for 20 years. If something doesn’t work in those crucial situations, then I really need to look at myself.”
Day has embraced the same approach, adopting a CEO mindset this offseason and taking a step back from play-calling duties at times during the spring season.
As he said, it’s “damage control” — because the Buckeyes can’t afford to make the same mistakes again.
Takeaways from final Ohio State recruiting camp
Ohio State held its fifth and final recruiting camp of June Tuesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
One of the three 2025 quarterbacks with an offer from the Buckeyes was back on campus. But he wasn’t the only talented Ohio State target on hand.
The No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, showed out while working with Buckeyes secondary coach Tim Walton. And then there was a four-star 2025 interior offensive lineman from Franklin, Michigan, who impressed as well.
To find out more about those prospects, head on over here.
Taking closer look at state of Buckeyes offensive line room
As “Offensive Line Week” continues at Lettermen Row, the crew of Spencer Holbrook, Tim May and Andy Backstrom sat down to chat about everything Buckeyes O-Line.
Who will be the starting five up front? When will Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye have that lineup set? Where do the Buckeyes’ transfer O-Line additions fit in?
We address all of those questions and more in another can’t-miss Lettermen Row position preview video, presented by Byers Auto. You can watch the full thing below.
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Ohio State hoops announces complete 2023-24 non-conference schedule
Ohio State men’s basketball announced its complete 2023-24 non-conference schedule Tuesday, an 11-game slate that could feature as many as five Power Five opponents.
Last year, the Buckeyes didn’t host a single non-conference Power Five opponent. This time around, they will do so four days into the season when they welcome expected top-15 team Texas A&M.
Ohio State will be participating in a pair of early-season events, which make for some marquee matchups as well: the Emerald Coast Classic and the CBS Sports Classic.
For a full breakdown of the Buckeyes’ non-conference schedule, go here.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 74 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 158 days
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