In the lead-up to Ohio State’s critical matchup against Notre Dame, Ryan Day, the Buckeyes’ head coach, has made it clear that his team is far from a finished product. The stakes are high, as the Buckeyes are looking to make a statement on the national stage, but Day’s recent comments reveal that there are glaring issues that must be addressed if Ohio State is to live up to its elite expectations.
The first and most pressing concern for Day is the offense’s consistency. While the Buckeyes boast a potent attack, they have struggled with maintaining rhythm at times, especially in high-pressure moments. In their previous games, flashes of brilliance from quarterback Kyle McCord and playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr. have been evident, but too often, the offense has sputtered at inopportune moments. Against Notre Dame, a team known for its stout defense, Day understands that one-dimensional play or turnovers could quickly derail Ohio State’s national title aspirations.
“We need to execute better,” Day explained in a recent press conference. “We’re a team with a lot of talent, but talent alone won’t win you games at this level. We have to be disciplined, finish drives, and make the most of our opportunities.”
One specific area of concern for Day is the offensive line. Despite having top-tier talent on the roster, the O-line has at times struggled to establish a consistent running game. Against a Notre Dame defense that prides itself on controlling the line of scrimmage, Ohio State cannot afford to be pushed around up front. Day has emphasized that a balanced offense, one that can run the ball effectively while also allowing McCord to make plays through the air, will be key to defeating the Fighting Irish.
Defensively, Ohio State has been much stronger, but there are still kinks to work out. Day has praised the defensive line’s ability to generate pressure, but he also knows that against a team like Notre Dame, which thrives on a balanced offensive attack, his defense must be more disciplined. The Buckeyes’ secondary has been exposed at times, and Day has pointed out the importance of tightening up coverage, particularly in critical third-down situations. Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman is an experienced veteran with the ability to exploit defensive lapses, and Ohio State will need to be sharp to avoid giving up big plays.
“We can’t afford to let them dictate the pace,” Day said. “We have to be aggressive but smart. Our secondary
