Manny Diaz has 'strong' opinions on Ohio State, will 'absolutely going to stay to myself'

Penn State is in the midst of their bye week following an impressive 5-0 start to the season.

When their bye week comes to an end, the Nittany Lions face UMass, which is followed by one of the most highly anticipated games of the season as they hit the road to face No. 4 Ohio State.

Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was asked if he’s looked ahead at all to the Buckeyes and what his early thoughts and impressions are of Ohio State, revealing that he and his staff have given them a look and feel a certain way about what they’ve seen.

“We always work ahead,” Diaz said. “We have a great group of analysts here that are always kind of working on our next couple opponents. So what everyone’s going to do during a bye week is you’re always going to watch not just your next opponent but, you might watch the next two or three opponents, try to get a feel for what’s going on down the league.”

Diaz continued to pull back the curtain on how the Nittany Lions staff tries to stay a step ahead throughout the season, making sure they’re familiar with their future opponents in advance weeks before playing them, including the Buckeyes.

“In addition to scouting ourselves we’re definitely paying attention to the games we have coming up and making sure that when you go see them on the Sunday of whether you mention Ohio State week or whoever else coming down the line,” Diaz explained. “We get off the field Sunday night around six o’clock, you come back up in the film, it’s not the first time you’re watching, getting a feel for who these guys are this year.  So we’re absolutely doing all that.”

Coaching staffs staying ahead of the curve regarding their preparation is commonplace in college football, especially in the midst of a bye week. But in regards to the Buckeyes, something about their offense has definitely grabbed the attention of Diaz.

“My opinions are absolutely very strong and they’re absolutely going to stay to myself,” Diaz added.

It’s clear Diaz is playing his cards close, as Nittany Lions and Buckeyes fans will likely now have their wheels turning wondering if he sees something positive or negative from his perspective.

But regardless, neither fanbase will have to wait long to see how the teams stack up against each other, as Penn State and Ohio State will square off on October 21.