Ryan Day shares expectations for Kyle McCord coming off bye week

Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord made some big-time throws down the stretch against Notre Dame to help the Buckeyes to a come-from-behind win.

Ryan Day is hopeful that his quarterback can build on that coming off of the bye week. Day said on Big Noon Kickoff Saturday morning that he wants to see McCord take his game to another level, beginning on Saturday when the Buckeyes host Maryland.

“He’s gotta take the next step. Two weeks ago was two weeks ago. That was like five years ago in our mind,” Day said. “We’ve gotta go play against Maryland today here at Noon. He’s got to take the next step as a player. Play well on first and second down. Play well on third down. Finish off drives in the red-zone — a big emphasis for us here.”

Kyle McCord has passed for 1,055 yards and six touchdowns so far this season. The junior has been solid but not exceptional as Ohio State is off to a 4-0 start.

In the win at Notre Dame, McCord passed for 240 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but he also didn’t throw a pick. Day hopes that performance will give him confidence moving forward.

“We’ve just got to continue to grow and build,” Day said. “But we’re counting on confidence coming off the last game to build and for our whole offense to become as dominant as we expect it to be.”

Ryan Day addresses Marvin Harrison Jr.’s health

Kyle McCord has a loaded group of receivers that he will be throwing to against Maryland, led by arguably the top receiver in the country in Marvin Harrison Jr.

Day shared on Big Noon Kickoff that Harrison is good to go from a health standpoint after being banged up with an ankle injury against Notre Dame.

“Ready to go,” Day said.

Earlier in the week, Day elaborated on how Harrison is feeling.

“Looks good,” Day said. “Had a really good week of practice and looks ready to roll.”

Harrison injured his ankle on a play in which he helped set up a key block for running back TreVeyon Henderson. The block sprang Henderson for a 61-yard touchdown run.

The veteran wideout would return to the game after getting some brief treatment, even securing a critical catch on the final drive at the end of the game.

Harrison described himself as available to play this weekend against the Terrapins.

“I’m good enough,” Harrison said. “It’s worse than the one last year, but I’m good enough to play.”

While Harrison is good to go, Ohio State has announced that Henderson will miss the game.