Ryan Day says Ohio State's secondary injuries are 'part of the game'

Ohio State is dealing with some injuries in their secondary, hampering the DB room as the Buckeyes hit the stretch run. Not ideal for a team whose weakest point is the defensive side of the football. But, according to head coach Ryan Day, injuries are a fact of the game and a setback that OSU will simply have to deal with.

“Well, you know, I look across college football, and, you know, there are injuries across the country,” Day shared at his press conference this week. “There’s nothing more frustrating than having to deal with injuries as a coach. But it’s unfortunately part of the game.”

The setbacks are disappointing, but Day is confident in the medical team at Ohio State and their ability to get the players back on the field in a timely and healthy manner.

“And, you know, we have the best sports medicine department here, and our trainers and doctors are excellent. Our sports science, what we do to prevent injuries, is excellent. But it’s just, it’s the game. And it’s hard. Is it frustrating? Sure, it’s frustrating. But that’s why we build depth. And I think that a lot of guys have played this year, and guys have had to step up. And hopefully, like you said, that gives us a boost here in November as we work towards full strength.”

Buckeyes trying to get healthy before the most important games at the tail end of the season.

Ryan Day knows Ohio State can’t let up during perceived ‘lighter’ stretch on schedule

Ryan Day knows that the back end of the defense needs to get healthier before the title race heats up. And since the next few weeks provide some easier games, it’s not a bad time to get guys healthy. But that’s no reason to let the foot off the pedal when it comes to staying focused on getting the wins.

Recently, he explained how he prevents Ohio State from having a slip-up.

“Well, I think the first thing is, we’ve always said it’s about us; so why does changed this week? It doesn’t matter,” said Day. “Last week, going into Penn State, it was about us; it was about our preparation. I think that’s the first thing. So if that’s the case, then let’s just focus on us and getting better.

“I think the second thing is, you have to continue to do what you’re doing and get better every week. If you don’t, not only do you show a weakness, but you set yourself up for problems down the road. And I think that when you have a problem, or you lose a game; maybe it’s something you did that week. But maybe it’s something you did the weeks leading up to it. So for us, our goals are still our goals, and if we don’t maximize every single minute of the day this week, then it doesn’t matter.”