The return of Ohio State football season means the return of Ryan Day's weekly Monday spot on 97.1 the Fan, typically the first time Buckeye fans get to hear from the team's head coach during game weeks.
Day expressed a lot of excitement for game week while saying it will be important to keep the team hydrated and rested through the summer heat while preparing for Akron. With Archie Griffin set to be honored this weekend, Day also gave some of his thoughts on the legacy of the two-time Heisman Trophy winner.
- On the balance of getting work in practice and dealing with the heat wave in Columbus: "This week it's hot. ... The good news is we're coming off of preseason camp where we've got a lot of reps going into the first week, we're not stressed in terms of the number of reps. ... You can get dehydrated during the week going into the game."
- On the excitement entering Week 1: "You have their attention in the first week because they haven't played a game in quite some time. ... Our guys will be ready to play on Saturday."
- On the practice schedule this week: "We'll take Sunday to game plan and get everything in order. ... We've decided to use (Monday) as more of a Sunday format, but we're out there in pads."
- Former Ohio State head coach and 97.1 the Fan broadcaster John Cooper said he doesn't think he's ever seen a better-looking college football team. "A lot of people have come together to get where we are right now," Day responded.
- On the transfer portal: "When there's holes you've gotta fill them. We're not gonna bring in a dozen or more players ... you've just gotta sustain over a period of time ... I think we've done that. I think we've done that with not only talented guys but guys who understand what it means to be Ohio State Buckeyes."
- On punter Nick McLarty, who was named Ohio State's starter for the Akron game: "Big leg. ... He's had to transition from Australian rules football to punting. ... He can boom them. He's done a nice job so far."
- On new recruiting director Morgan Phillips: "Morgan is very, very talented. Did a great job at the previous stops. ... She came very highly recommended and we're very excited about her."
- The first OSU game of the season brings the first opportunity for recruits to check out gameday in the Shoe, particularly with it being a 3:30 p.m. game. "Some folks will be able to fly in the morning of. ... I know we're gonna have a great crowd, looks like great weather."
- The new Archie Griffin statue being unveiled in the Ohio Stadium rotunda speaks further to the tradition of Ohio State's program, Day said. "We'll kiss the cleats," he joked.
- Even more than his on-field impact, Day feels Griffin exemplifies the character football players should possess off of it. "That's one of the things we talk a lot about in recruiting is the traditions, and Archie's such an unbelievable icon in Ohio State football ... It's amazing to me being here now going on eight years, the stories you hear about the impact he's made on people off the field."
