Ryan Day praises defense at halftime, expecting more on offense in second half against Rutgers

Ohio State and Ryan Day came to Piscataway on Saturday as the No. 1 team in the nation, but that hasn’t scared Rutgers in the slightest.

The Buckeyes are currently trailing by two points, with the score 9-7 at the moment. Speaking with the CBS crew at halftime, Day had plenty of praise for his defense, but explained that he’s expecting more from the Ohio State offense in the second half.

“Well I can tell you the defense is playing their tails off right now,” Day responded. “They’ve been put in some bad situations. We’ve got to do a better job of finishing off drives. We’ve got to stay on schedule, and convert on third down.”

Additionally, Day was asked about the Rutgers’ running attack, which has accumulated 128 yards on 21 carries, an average of 6.1 yards per rush in the first half. Even though those numbers aren’t ideal, Day believes his defense is doing all they can.

“More on what they’re doing,” Day answered. “They’re doing a great job. Just got to do a better job on offense.”

Rutgers has been stout and smart in the first half, but the Buckeyes are supposed to be the best of the best. We’ll see if they can assert their status in the second half of Saturday’s clash.

Rece Davis: Ohio State deserves No. 1 ranking, but they’re not the best team in the country

ESPN’s Rece Davis pulled no punches when speaking on Ohio State’s status at No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

On Friday, Davis elaborated on his feelings, believing the committee got it right due to the Buckeyes’ schedule in 2023. However, he wouldn’t pick Ohio State over numerous other College Football Playoff contenders, all things even.

“I think it means a lot, if you’re asking me my judgement,” Davis said, regarding the importance of a team’s strength-of-schedule, via The Pat McAfee Show. “I don’t think Ohio State’s the best team right now. I think they’re the most deserving team. I think they’ve got the best resume. The two best wins. But if you ask me right now, ‘Do I think they would beat Georgia?’ The answer’s no. ‘Do I think they would beat Michigan?’ I don’t. 

“I’m not saying they couldn’t do it. They might. I’m just saying, putting subjective judgement on it right now, I don’t think they’re the best team.”

It’s a pretty level-headed take from Davis. He doesn’t believe it’s out of the realm of possibility that Ohio State could surpass other tremendous teams, but he’s not putting the Buckeyes above them just yet.