Ryan Day provides update on defensive tackles Haskell Garrett, Tyleik Williams

Ryan Day met with the media earlier this week, and while he was brief, provided optimistic news surrounding defensive tackles Haskell Garrett and Tyleik Williams.

“We are expecting to have them,” the Ohio State coach said. “They have both had different things the last couple of weeks that have held them back a little bit, but we are expecting for them to play this week.”

That is welcomed news for the Ohio State faithful.

Garrett played 232 defensive snaps through the first six games of the season, but hasn’t played a prominent role since getting helped off the field with an apparent leg injury vs. Maryland on Oct. 9.

Williams was expected to get more snaps and potentially emerge as a starter as the season progressed, but instead, his snaps have decreased as of late.

Ryan Day says Ohio State can’t overlook Purdue

Ohio State is well-positioned for the postseason, currently ranked No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings. On Saturday, the Buckeyes will face a Purdue squad riding high off the upset over Michigan State.

Day says his team has to be fully prepared, no matter which opponent is up next.

“I think what it is is just bringing it every week and the ability to consistently bring it week-in and week-out after having emotional games, big games, big wins and all the things that happen,” the Ohio State coach said.

The Boilermakers own a (4-2) record in the Big Ten and a (6-2) record overall. Ryan Day noted that in a strong conference, there is no room for teams to make mistakes.

“These are nine conference games where you can’t lay an egg,” Day added.

“You can’t have a bad day. And when you’re playing against this conference right now which is very strong, that’s the challenge: Can you bring in week-in and week-out?

So, this is another good team and we’ve got to bring it. And it can’t be about our opponents. That has been brought up to them and we talked about it a lot during the bye week because we knew what this stretch was going to be like, and here we are. We have to find ways to win. I do think we’re more rested this week and we’ve had a good focus, but now, again, we’ve got to bring it.”

Ohio State and Purdue are slated for a 3:30PM ET kickoff on Saturday afternoon.