Ryan Day stresses the importance of getting reps for backups

Ohio State was able to empty its benches during the Buckeyes’ Week 2 56-0 drubbing of Western Michigan on Saturday, meaning fans were treated to a small glimpse of the future talent their football team has to offer.

Joining Andy & Ari with On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman, the Buckeyes headman explained the importance of getting someone like blue-chip freshman quarterback Julian Sayin and other young guys reps early in their careers.

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“When you look at NFL rosters who play as many games as they play — now close to as many as we’re going to play,” Day told Staples and Wasserman. “It isn’t always the top-end guys you’re talking about. I mean, they turn over their roster constantly, like in the bottom 10 to 15%. Well, when somebody gets hurt, [in college] you can’t just sign somebody off of waivers.

“Everybody’s involved. It’s the fourth-string, running back, it’s the third-string left guard. … All of these guys getting reps is going to be important because you can’t just sign somebody off a waiver. That’s also important for practice, it’s important for morale. I’m glad we got that done the first couple games right and you guys bring.”

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Day pointed to a specific situation where Denzel Burke was ejected from Saturday’s game for targeting and Day was forced to play second-year cornerback Jermaine Matthews Jr. in his place. But what happens if Matthews goes down?

The Ohio State coach said that he expects every player no matter their position or spot on the depth chart to be ready to play at a high level when their number is called.

While Ohio State remains idle this week with a bye, fact will remain true when the Buckeyes host Marshall in Week 4 on Sept. 21. Looking ahead, OSU will kick off Big Ten Conference play against Michigan State the following week and will also see Oregon, Nebraska, Penn State, and of course, Michigan for a full slate of ranked matchups before the end of the regular season.