Head coach Ryan Day calls for the No. 2 Buckeyes to join a huddle prior to their game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field Saturday. The Buckeyes beat the Wildcats 31-7. Credit: Carly Damon | Asst. Photo Editor
No. 2 Ohio State is set for its third contest against a top-five team.
But this time, it’ll be in the ‘Shoe.
In a marquee matchup, the Buckeyes will face the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers Saturday at noon with Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff hopes on the line.
These are the three biggest UpDAYtes from head coach Ryan Day’s Tuesday press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Beating Indiana gets the Buckeyes one step closer
The Hoosiers head into Columbus with an undefeated 10-0 record and a high-flying offense led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke.
Indiana is tied for the Football Bowl Subdivision, or FBS, lead in offensive touchdowns scored (57), also ranking No. 15 in the nation in yards per game with 453.2, according to the NCAA’s website.
Day said he is aware of the challenges the Hoosier offense will pose, noting that its wideouts, in particular, will be an interesting matchup for his team.
“They have a very good team,” Day said. “They have good talent at the receiver position, and I think our guys are excited for the challenge.”
The Hoosiers and Buckeyes currently sit at No. 2 and No. 3 in the Big Ten, respectively, and with just one regular season game left for each team, Saturday’s game will pose major implications.
Day said his players are focused on the task at hand, knowing in the back of their minds that a win could punch their ticket to the Big Ten Championship game.
“We got a top-five matchup right here at home, and we got everything on the line — [an] opportunity to go to Indy, reach our goals,” Day said. “We’ll talk about that in the team meeting today, but I know our guys are focused.”
Will Kacmarek projected to return, tight end group still rotating
After suffering an injury in the Buckeyes’ 32-31 loss against Oregon Oct. 12, tight end Will Kacmarek is finally nearing his return.
Day said Kacmarek hopes to play this weekend versus Indiana, but he’ll be evaluated throughout this week’s practices.
“He’s gonna get out there and practice this week,” Day said. “We’ll see how he does, and we’re hoping to have him available for Saturday.”
Day also said his tight end group will still feature a rotating cast of players.
“The tight end room is growing, and we’re getting more and more guys out there, which is good for our team,” Day said.
Safeties control the Buckeye defense
Day had high praise for both of his starting safeties — Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ransom ranks No. 2 among Division I safeties with a 90.2 PFF grade, while Downs follows close behind ranking No. 20 with a grade of 83.4.
Day said the energy and leadership Ransom brings to the team is a game changer, as it helps fuel the defense.
“The first thing I’ll say about Lathan [Ransom], they both run a lot of energy to the table and they’re leaders,” Day said. “You know, again, energy is contagious. Execution fuels emotion, and they’re executing well too.”
Day also said Downs often asks him for maximum amounts of playing time, giving props to the star safety’s passion for football.
“He always wants to be involved in the games. I mean, it doesn’t matter what the score is, he’s bugging me about getting back in the game,” Day said. “‘Give me a shot, give me one more series.’”
