Eric Boggs
As the College Football Playoff looms, the Ohio State Buckeyes are making their final preparations for a high-stakes showdown against the Tennessee Volunteers. Head coach Ryan Day addressed the media Wednesday, shedding light on the team’s mindset, adjustments, and strategies to counter Tennessee’s unique style of play. With both teams vying for a chance to advance to the second round of the College Football Playoff, the stage is set for a thrilling matchup.
Tennessee’s Defensive Challenges
Day opened by praising Tennessee’s defense, emphasizing its disciplined coaching and elite personnel. “Schematically, they’re very well-coached,” Day said. “They mix up their coverages and fronts, and they know how to get to their adjustments. It really comes down to personnel, and they have very, very good personnel. Their defensive line is strong, their linebackers are active, and their secondary is full of all-conference-caliber players.”
Facing such a formidable defense, Ohio State’s offense will need to be sharp. Day stressed the importance of execution, particularly for the offensive line. “We need these guys to play really, really well,” he said. “We’re focusing on being aggressive and moving the line of scrimmage. Not everything has to be perfect, but we’re not going to swing and miss by being passive.”
Offensive Line Adjustments
A key storyline heading into the game is the evolution of Ohio State’s offensive line. Freshman Luke Montgomery has garnered attention, though Day has yet to name him the starting left guard. “We really haven’t decided who’s going to take the first snap yet,” Day said. “But Luke has shown consistent improvement over time. Now he’s got to put it on the field.”
Day expressed confidence in the offensive line’s readiness, citing strong practices leading up to the game. “The guys have been competing, and there’s been a positive vibe up front,” he noted. “The offensive line will play a huge role in this game, especially in setting the tone against Tennessee’s defense.”
Running Game and Playmakers
The Buckeyes’ running game will be another critical factor, with Travion Henderson and Quenshawn Judkins expected to shoulder much of the load. “They’ve had good seasons, but now it’s time for their best game,” Day said. “We need to turn three-yard runs into five-yard runs, and the first four yards are crucial.”
Day highlighted the collective effort required to establish the ground game, noting contributions from tight ends, receivers, and the offensive line. “Our backs look fresh and fast in practice, and they’re ready to seek contact, which is what we need this time of year,” he said.
Defending Tennessee’s Tempo
On the defensive side, Ohio State is preparing for Tennessee’s high-tempo offense, led by dynamic quarterback Nico Imaliaga. “He’s got a strong arm, gets the ball out quickly, and makes good decisions,” Day said. “If the first couple reads aren’t there, he can scramble and make plays. We’ve got to make sure we have a good plan for his mobility.”
Tennessee’s offense aims to spread the field, challenge defenses with perimeter screens, and exploit gaps in coverage. Day emphasized the importance of disciplined tackling and strong performances from Ohio State’s defensive front. “Our front has to win the gaps, knock back the line of scrimmage, get off blocks, and tackle well,” he said. “Their running back is an excellent player, and we’ve got to make sure we’re all running to the football.”
Veteran safeties Caleb Burton and Lincoln Kelleher will be pivotal in containing Tennessee’s explosive passing game, while the Buckeyes’ defensive depth will be tested against the Volunteers’ relentless pace.
Special Teams and Confidence
After a shaky performance in the kicking game against Michigan, Day acknowledged the importance of execution on special teams. “Jaden knows he has to do his job, and Austin is right there competing too,” Day said. “We’ll evaluate practice and make the best decision for the game.”
Building Trust and Accountability
Reflecting on the team’s journey this season, Day highlighted the importance of trust and accountability. “If we’re going to move forward, there has to be accountability between the players and the coaches,” he said. “That’s about trust. There’s been open dialogue, and we’ve had very productive meetings. It allows you to move on quicker and get everyone rolling in the same direction.”
Focused and Ready
With the game set for a night kickoff, Ohio State has adjusted its preparation schedule to align with the later start time. Practices have been held later in the day to ensure players are acclimated. “We’ve let them sleep in, brought them in later, and practiced later to get their rhythm right,” Day said. “On the day of the game, we try to keep it as routine as possible. Breakfast, walkthroughs, treatment, and then we roll.”
Day’s focus remains on playing a complete game. “We’ve shown our capability in stretches this year, but it’s about putting it all together for 60 minutes,” he said. “There’s an edginess to the team. You can feel it. The guys want to get back out and play. We’ve got a big month ahead of us, and we’re ready to get this thing rolling.”
As Ohio State takes the field against Tennessee, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Buckeyes’ preparation, resilience, and execution will determine whether they advance in their pursuit of a national championship.
