Ryan Day sends encouraging message to Curt Cignetti before OSU-IU Big Ten title game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ohio State Buckeyes coach Ryan Day has kept a humble spirit about him entering this Saturday's Big Ten title game against the Indiana Hoosiers from Lucas Oil Stadium on Fox.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAlthough the Buckeyes are on a quest to repeat ass national champions, Day told reporters Wednesday he has ample amounts of respect for Indiana's Curt Cignetti.
“There’s a reason they’re ranked No. 2 in the country," Day said. "It’s gonna be a battle on Saturday night."
It's hard to disagree with Day's remarks, especially given the stakes attached.
“Excellent defense," Day said. "They’re fast, they’re quick. … They’re as good as anybody in the country. Really impressed with how they play, how physical they are. … In all three phases, they’re as good as anybody in the country.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLuckily for the Buckeyes, they are going to have their can't-miss receiver duo, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, healthy once again for game time, per Day.
Even so, though, Day expects a big day from his tight end room.
“Now they all have to step up even more. Looking forward to seeing how these guys do the rest of the week," Day said.
Day said it's a much different Hoosiers team from last year, making the commitment to near-perfection even more critical.
“I think all areas are upgraded from last year. As good as they were last year, they’re better this year," Day said.
Come Saturday night, all those questions will be answered on the part of the Buckeyes. For the Hoosiers, it's to prove they are amongst the best in the nation entering a deep 12-team field.
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