COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s offense moved the ball against Ohio last week, putting up 573 yards and 37 points in a win.
However, those numbers could’ve been higher.
Ohio State failed to score touchdowns on four of its six red zone trips. While the offensive attack was explosive, scoring two touchdowns of more than 45 yards, it wasn’t crisp near the end zone.
For coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, there wasn’t one glaring issue. Instead, it was a, “combination of everything” that provides a chance for improvement during an off week.
“Everyone had their own little growth opportunity — myself too putting those guys in the right spots to make sure that we can execute at a high level,” Hartline said Tuesday.
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Here’s everything Hartline, and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, said when speaking with reporters Tuesday.
What Brian Hartline said during bye week
Hartline echoed Ryan Day’s thoughts about the tight ends giving OSU versatility on offense.
Hartline: “Anytime you can be multiple in personnel, you’ll ask or demand different reactions by the defense.”
Hartline said receiver Brandon Inniss’ role will evolve with the offense.
Hartline: “Brandon has done a great job. He’s a guy that whatever his job description is, it’s done at a high level.”
Hartline praised quarterback Julian Sayin and said he’s learned more each week.
Hartline: “I think he’s grown and done a really good job.”
Hartline noted the importance of the running backs with Sayin being a first-time starter.
Patricia: “His best friend should be a good run game.”
Hartline said he prefers to leave a game thinking he can put more on Sayin’s plate as opposed to the opposite, which is how OSU handled the Texas game. The offense has evolved since then.
Hartline: “He is continuing to do a good job with accepting more and more each week.”
Hartline spoke highly of his chemistry with Day.
Hartline: “He lets me kind of do my thing. If there’s something he wants to get done, he echoes it.”
Hartline played at Washington while he was a receiver for Ohio State.
Hartline: “I remember catching a fish in the market the Friday before the game… It’s known to be loud. If you give them the opportunity to be loud, it will be loud.”
What Matt Patricia said during bye week
Patricia said he’s been pleased with how his defense has handled new things as the season as progressed.
Patricia: “Our guys are doing an incredible job with the installation, the learning, the different pieces and putting that all together.”
Patricia praised Washington coach Jedd Fisch.
Patricia: “He’s a great coach. They’ve got really good players, a huge challenge for us to travel and kind of change the schedule.”
Patricia was asked about the difference of coaching in the NFL compared to college where Ohio State can be a team by 70.
Patricia: “We’ve got to just be consistent with what we’re coaching and what we’re asking the guys to do.”
Patricia noted the impact defensive tackle Kayden McDonald has on games.
Patricia: “You love to be strong in the defense, and he is strong in the middle of the defense… Offensively, you’re trying to figure out how do we get around this.”
Patricia has caught himself wanting to do a lot with the depth at his disposal, though there isn’t always time to practice it all.
Patricia: “It’s been fun having that much depth.”
Patricia enjoys being down on the field where he can also go through film with players via the tablets. However, the TV copy on the tablets led to a surprise earlier this season when his daughter popped up.
Patricia: “That’s been really cool to be able to have the full play and be able to adjust.”
Patricia noted the versatility of linebacker Arvell Reese making life difficult for opposing offenses.
Patricia: “Pass rush, he’s certainly dynamic… Just continuing asking him to do different things. He’s done a great job understanding that.”
Patricia compared Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. to Kyler Murray.
Patricia: “He gets out of the pocket, and he’s got a really strong arm… Getting a look at that last week (vs. Ohio QB Parker Navarro) was good for us.”
Patricia praised Ohio State’s players for how they handled the transition to a new defensive coordinator.