Quinshon Judkins

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State coach Ryan Day emphasized advancement across the board following a hard-fought season-opening win‌ against Texas, as the no. 1 Buckeyes prepare to face Grambling State at‍ 3:30 p.m. Saturday in their first-ever meeting. Despite the 20-12 victory, Day highlighted areas needing immediate attention‍ before the matchup ​with the Tigers, who are coming off a 55-7 win over Langston.

Day stated, “After you come down from the emotion of the game,​ you get back on the film, you ‌get to work, you⁣ just realize that ⁤there’s so many things that we have to improve⁤ on. That’s‌ what the focus is going to be, irrespective of the ⁤opponent.”

During a press conference Tuesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Day‌ provided an update on defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., who sustained an injury in the third quarter against Texas. While ⁤Day⁢ did not disclose ‌the specific nature of the injury, he indicated it is not expected ​to be long-term, noting, “I don’t think I can come out and say what exactly it was, ​but they took his helmet away, and we’ll evaluate how that is moving forward. But I don’t see it‌ being a long-term injury.” Jackson⁤ walked off the field under his own‍ power after⁤ the injury, which occurred during his first career start.Offensively, Day acknowledged the team’s struggles, with the Buckeyes totaling ​just 203 yards of⁤ offense – ⁣their ‍lowest output in a game last season. “We need to be more explosive,” ⁤Day said. “We need to get to the second level and make guys miss. ‌We need to space out the passing game.”​ He also explained that the offense appeared less aggressive due to the quality of the Texas​ defense and the⁣ game situation, adding, ​”When you’re in those moments, you ⁣have to be very, very careful with the football.Possessions were​ limited.”

Day also ⁣expressed⁣ concern about the team’s start to the second half against Texas, where they ‍gained only ⁣six yards on their opening⁢ drive. “I didn’t like the way we played in the first four minutes of the third quarter,” Day ​stated. “There’s a lot of things ​that we can execute better, and if we do, the game ​could change real fast.” He ultimately viewed the game as a valuable learning experience, saying, “Great ⁣lesson to learn coming out ⁣of a win against an opponent like that.But‍ nonetheless, the issues ⁣are still there.”