After two games that featured defensive errors and little change, Ohio State coach Ryan Day gave playcalling duties to Matt Barnes, secondary coach for Saturday's game against visiting Tulsa.
Kerry Coombs, Buckeyes' defensive coordinator had been calling plays from the sideline for the start of the season. But Day informed reporters that they made the change earlier this week to give defense the best chance at success.
Day stated, "We took a hard look at the situation and had many hard conversations to try to find out what gives us best chances to move forward." "This is the kind of rhythm and structure that we feel is most suitable for defense. Coombs is a professional. He is an Ohio man from Ohio. He has a lot pride and wants to win. So he is still a major part of Ohio State's defense.
Coombs was present on the field during the first two games. However, he was not there Saturday as Barnes was on the field.
In the first game against Minnesota, the Buckeyes allowed 408 yards and Oregon gave up 505 yards. Since last season, the secondary has been a concern. Ohio State allowed more than 200 yards in passing each of its first two games.
Day was asked if he thought this would be permanent. He said that he wanted to review the film and find out how it went, but that he believes this is the way the roles will continue.
Day stated that he thought they had changed the structure of game day. Day added that we will analyze the film to see how it went. "But for the most part they played with great energy, prepared well throughout the week, and everyone was on the same page. Some in-game adjustments were made much more efficiently than the previous week.
After the game, Ronnie Hickman (defensive player) and Cam Brown (defensive player) spoke with reporters and stated that there was no difference in the game between Barnes calling the plays and Coombs. They also felt that the transition went smoothly.
Day stated that he felt the change was needed, but the defense struggled against Tulsa. They gave up 501 yards total, 428 through the air, and Day claimed he believed the change was necessary. It was close to the end of the fourth quarter when Ohio State won.
Day admitted that there are still many things to improve on, but he was happy to see some young defenders making progress. True freshman corner Denzel Burke, a true freshman, is now in the starting position. True freshman defensive tackle Tyleik William had a sack on Saturday. Redshirt freshman Cameron Martinez returned an interception for a touchdown.
Day stated that it's a kind of give and take and there will be growing pains, but if you invest in these men, you'll get back here in future. That's what's exciting about this. I think we have an exciting young team. You look at the defense guys, TreVeyon [Henderson], and you can see some of our O-line players. Our quarterback is young. We're talented, but we're still young. If we can continue building and getting stronger, then the future will be really, really bright.
