Ohio State was approaching the biggest game of the season, and arguably the career for Ryan Day. That was evident with his message to the team and fan base all week. The word Day used to describe this week? Urgency.
After a 14-0 lead out of the gates against Oregon on Saturday, it appeared that urgency was there. Then the same cracks that have popped up throughout the season and over the last few weeks, were on full display.
Oregon scored 38 unanswered points and turned a once electric crowd and confident team into a shell of themselves.
So now Ohio State sits at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play and the season that once had sky-high expectations is all but shattered, and the phrasing of 'on life support' almost too optimistic. Nothing is in Ohio State's
control anymore and two-straight losses following its bye week is on the minds of everyone.
"It's our job to figure out how we can put our guys in a situation to be successful. Creativity is one of them," Day said after the 41-28 loss. "I can't sit here coming out of these last two games and say we've done a good enough job in those areas."
with Luke Fahey under center against USC and Oregon, the Buckeyes scored just 23 points in the first three quarters combined, and zero passing touchdowns. Ohio State's fourth-quarter touchdowns came with 3:25 remaining, 2:12 remaining and 44 seconds left. None of the three were impact plays or touchdowns.
Part of the lack of game plan and execution revolved around the rushing attack once again. Ohio State has struggled to have a consistent rushing game all season and that was no different against Oregon. After 42 yards in the first quarter, the Buckeyes went for six yards, four yards and nine yards the remaining three quarters. And once again, a one-dimensional offense was on full display.
“If we're not going to run the ball consistently and give him easier throws and again, put him (Fahey) in better situations," Day said. "Then things like this can come up."
Ryan Day said everything is on the table -- coaching changes, play calling duties, personnel adjustments. Either way, it's too little too late for Day and the Buckeyes.“I think there's two games in a row where there's just really been no rhythm on offense,” Day said. “Positive runs, completions ... we haven't been able to sustain anything. There's just been too many mistakes."
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: What Ohio State coach Ryan Day takes responsibility for after losses
