If you watched Urban Meyer interview Ryan Day prior to Ohio State’s 45-21 win over FAU, it’s OK to notice and address the awkwardness. It felt like a nudge towards the elephant in the room, a very blatant reminder of a coaching change that flew under the radar.
That awkward moment where protege-turned-head coach shot the breeze with his former mentor-turned-analyst reminded us that Day was tasked with upholding and directing the Buckeye culture. And, while the win itself wasn’t all that important, there was a sense of continuity from the Meyer era.
The offense was still an NFL-caliber skills show. The defense was still a fast-footed bunch with potent skill and athleticism. The only nuances accompanied new skill sets.
Changes materialized mostly with a quarterback change, one that stylistically was expected to have a profound effect. From Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields, from pocket-passer to dual-threat, the Buckeyes dragged their passing game from short crosses to 30-yard bombs (Fields finished with 234 yards today). They effectively utilized Fields as a playmaker more so than relying on the raw talent of their receivers (as was the case with Haskins).
Fields managed to allocate touches to his receivers, similar to how Haskins juiced his receivers numbers with a steady load. Chris Olave amassed 68 yards and 5 catches despite a few dropped balls. Jeremy Ruckert, their tight end, looked like a dependable outlet in their passing game, grabbing four passes for two touchdowns. His rushing attack — today, though, more of the threat of it than the actual execution — piled on to Ohio State’s versatility while putting the defense in a tangle trying to game plan for their Rolodex of weapons.
As the Buckeyes noticeably eased off the gas pedal today (understandably, with a 27-0 lead eight minutes in), they deferred to Dobbins in the ground game rather than continuing with their passing attack. He rushed for 91 yards on 21 carries, struggling to break away from a FAU line that did its best in containing his electricity.
Their defensive unit, lampooned last year for hemorrhaging hefty point totals, looked akin to swarming bees. Hounds of Ohio State defenders dogged the ball-carrier on every tackle, and somehow FAU managed to muster up 21 points. Lane Kiffin’s FAU offense was thwarted from significant statistical headway, going 5/17 on third downs while being held to 22 yards and 206 passing yards.
So, in Day’s first start as head coach, he did what every head coach should do when handed the keys to perennial contender. He adapted to his recruit’s playstyles but eschewed from ground-shaking moves. In essence keeping continuity amongst turnover. Day played his cards, stayed within his capabilities, and in turn, continued in stride towards the College Football Playoff.
