Ryan Day: 'Big stretch' ahead for LB Palaie Gaoteote

Palaie Gaoteote hasn’t made much of an impact for Ohio State so far this year. But Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said the senior linebacker is entering a “big couple weeks” and could get more involved.

Gaoteote initially wasn’t supposed to play this year, but the NCAA gave him a waiver after he transferred from USC. That meant he had to switch gears and get ready to play now rather than a year from now.

Day said coupling that with the injury meant adjustments had to be made. With two games under his belt since getting hurt, Day said Gaoteote has the ability to fit in well on the Ohio State defense. He also discussed what the former USC standout brings to the table.

“He certainly had the preseason and then kind of got thrown into it when we heard that he was going to be eligible, which was great,” Day told reporters Nov. 4. “That kind of got real for him and he started getting more and more experience, and then he had the injury that held him out for a little while. Now he’s kind of back into that, so this is a big stretch for him in terms of practice and hopefully getting into games.

But I think he gives us some physical presence out there. He’s strong, he’s powerful, he can run to the ball. I think he has all the physical skills to be a really good linebacker. So now, it’s just a matter of getting out on the field and fitting into the scheme that we have on defense.”

How Palaie Gaoteote could help the Buckeyes’ defense

Ohio State’s defense has had some highs and lows this season. The Buckeyes had a rough performance against Oregon in Week 2’s 35-28 loss, but bounced back to average 13 points per game in the six games since.

If Gaoteote gets going, it could be a welcome sight for Kerry Coombs’ defense. Ohio State ranks eighth in the Big Ten with 354 yards allowed per game, but leads the league with 58 tackles for loss.

At USC, Gaoteote had 7.5 tackles for loss from 2018-19 before a concussion kept him out for most of 2020. He also had 96 total tackles in those two years, including 49 solo tackles. Getting back to that form would be a huge boost for the Buckeyes.

The Big Ten East race is starting to heat up. Ohio State and Michigan State are both undefeated in league play, which could make for a high-profile showdown when they face off on Nov. 20.

For now, though, Ohio State’s focused on facing Nebraska this week on the road.