Ryan Day: Consequences, stakes are higher for Ohio State vs. Penn State
In terms of coach speak, all games are the same and all matchups are created equally. However, in a Top-10 matchup like the one Ohio State will be playing in this weekend, Ryan Day knows that there really is more at stake.
Day spoke about what’s on the line in No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 7 Penn State during a press conference this week. In the end, when you’re playing against a top opponent like the Nittany Lions are, he knows one play can make the difference in collecting everything that’s up for grabs.
“It’s just, when you’re in games like this, we know it can come down to one play. So everything is amped up,” Day said. “The consequences are higher, the stakes are higher. That’s the way you want it.”
Ohio State already knows this better than most teams. As Day pointed out, the Buckeye’s last-second win over Notre Dame in another Top-10 contest is all the proof they should need in how far a game like this can swing off one moment or mistake.
“We’ve already been in one of these games this year. It’s just a reminder when you get in these types of games,” said Day.
As we reach and pass the halfway point of the season, ranked games like this start to come into the discussion regarding the College Football Playoff. This is also the first true game in the Big Ten and its East Division. It’s the first meeting between any of the league’s Top-10 teams – Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan – this fall.
With conference crowns and potential playoff seeding on the table, Day is getting down to the details ahead of Saturday. He doesn’t want what happened for them in South Bend to happen to them inside The ‘Shoe, especially if one snap is all the difference.
James Franklin shares what he respects about Ryan Day
Penn State and Ohio State will square off in what is likely to be the game of the weekend on Saturday. Within that game, there will be an excellent coaching battle between James Franklin and Ryan Day.
Ahead of that game, Franklin praised Day for being an excellent coach and one that he respects.
“Obviously, number one, the success that they’ve had,” Franklin said. “It’s interesting because he took over a program in a very different position than I did. But still very challenging for very different reasons, if that makes sense.”
“I always got a ton of respect for him at Big Ten Meetings. Just kind of how he goes about his business. He’s passionate about the Big Ten Conference and what we have to do to position the conference in the best chance to be successful competing nationally. They’ve done a nice job offensively, which is what his background is.”