Buckeye Bits: Ryan Day, Kerry Coombs, Kevin Wilson discuss Penn State performance

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It’s just your normal, typical fall afternoon. Pretty slow news day as I'm sure nothing important is going on across the country as we speak.

All kidding aside, we hope you got the chance to execute your civic duty and vote in this important election. Regardless of which side comes out on top, hopefully we can begin to mend the massive divide in our society that has grown exponentially in 2020, and start to move forward unified in our goals to make the United States the best place it can be for all people.

With a bunch of seriousness going on in our nation, it’s a good idea to take some time away from social media and the news channels and just focus on yourself and your loved ones for a bit. Or, you could take a break from it all by catching up on some of the latest Ohio State news, which we will turn our attention to now!

From round Land-Grant Holy Land...

Ohio State’s social media team is the best there is
(Matt Tamanini, LGHL)

With the Penn State game being played on Halloween night, there were bound to be some freaky things that happened. There were a few plays in that game that were eerily similar to highlight plays made in other recent matchups between the two teams, and the OSU social media team wasted no time finding a cool way to put those clips together.

Buckeyes interested in four-star SG Ja’Kobe Walter
(Dan Hessler, LGHL)

Ohio State basketball recruiting has been heating up these past few weeks. After making the top five for a five-star point guard over the weekend, the Buckeyes are seemingly keying in on a four-star shooting guard in the 2023 class.

Podcast: Matt Brown on OSU vs. PSU, Nebraska leaving B1G, more
(Matt Tamanini, LGHL)

Today, current LGHL Matt sat down with former LGHL Matt, now the creator of the Extra Points college football newsletter, to talk about the Buckeyes, how the Big Ten is handling its COVID protocols, Nebraska’s standing as a member of the B1G, and more!

Buckeye Clips: NFL Week 8 highlights
(Tia Johnston, LGHL)

As usual, former Ohio State players had their fair share of standout performances in the NFL this past weekend, with J.K. Dobbins continuing to make an overwhelmingly convincing case to be the Ravens’ No. 1 RB and Curtis Samuel scoring a pair of TDs for the Panthers.

From around the gridiron...

Beginning with probably the biggest Ohio State news of the week in case you missed it, cornerback Cam Brown suffered a torn achilles in the Penn State game, and will miss the remainder of the 2020 season. The speedy DB was expected to be a part of the Buckeyes’ three-man rotation at corner this year. We wish him a speedy recovery!

We got to hear from a few key members of the Ohio State coaching staff on Tuesday, including Ryan Day, Kerry Coombs, and Kevin Wilson. Day was on the mic first, and he briefly addressed the injury to Brown and how it will change things moving forward.

He called the injury “significant,” and said he feels really bad for Brown and his family.

Day was impressed with his team’s ability to win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and that it was likely the difference in the game. He did, however, point out a few things that need to be cleaned up, including penalties and the kicking game.

Apparently the clock on the scoreboard is a lie — at least according to the Big Ten.

In terms of the injury to kicker Blake Haubeil, Day called it “day-to-day,” and left the door open for freshman kicker Jake Seibert to see some action in his absence.

Day had good things to say about Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, who was Ohio State’s defensive coordinator not too long ago. He expects him to continue to build up the Scarlet Knights.

Like many of you on Twitter Saturday night, Day was not a fan of the artificial crowd noise.

Coombs was up next, and he was immediately asked about Shaun Wade’s performance on Saturday. He admitted that Jahan Dotson made some big plays, but that its important for corners to have short-term memory and move on to the next snap. He isn’t worried about Wade this season, and you shouldn't be either.

Coombs mentioned Josh Proctor as a guy whose role will become even more important now moving forward without Brown. He says that all of Ohio State’s DBs must have a “next man up” mentality and be able to play multiple roles in the secondary.

He finished up his time by lauding the work of freshman DB Lathan Ransom.

Last up to the podium was Wilson. The offensive coordinator said that Ohio State doesn’t change up its play calling based on which running back is on the field, but that there are certain situations where they would want one in over the other.

Wilson had high praise for the entire offensive line, but specifically mentioned Nicholas Petit-Frere’s incredible start and the early growth of Harry Miller.

Wilson also gave us an update on the injury of tight end Luke Farrell. He says the senior had a “gash,” on his leg Saturday, but came back into the game late and played the last two series. He doesn’t expect him to miss any time, as he is already back practicing.

Justin Fields has quickly gained on the rest of the pack in the Heisman race.

Outside of Ohio State football, there was significant Big Ten news elsewhere in the conference, as Wisconsin has cancelled its game against Purdue this weekend. Assuming the rest of the B1G plays all of their scheduled games, the Badgers cannot afford another cancellation or they will be deemed ineligible to compete in the conference title game.

From around the hardwood...

On Tuesday, we learned of the passing of former Ohio State women’s basketball head coach Nancy Darsch. With experience coaching at all levels, including as an assistant on two Olympic gold medal teams, Darsch took over for the Buckeyes in 1985. She finished her career in Columbus with a 234-125 record, making it to the 1993 NCAA Championship game and winning four Big Ten titles.

From everywhere else...

Things are not looking so hot in the great state of Ohio. Please continue to socially distance and wear your masks. We cannot afford to get complacent as the weather gets colder.

The Ohio State Marching Band still isn’t performing live in the Horseshoe this year, but at least we will have some pre-recorded shows to remind us of the good ole days.

A much-needed reminder on a day like today. Stay safe everyone!