Ohio State football: Day expecting veteran WRs to return for Toledo game

“We only have 12 regular season games, and in football the rest of the stuff that goes on doesn’t mean anything,” Day said. “What matters is when you play in that game. And that’s where the competitive stamina focus has been in the offseason and continues to be moving forward. So we did some good things last week, but we still got a long way to go.”

Here are five things to know from Day’s press conference:

1. He expects the return of two of the team’s veteran receivers.

Day said Jaxon Smith-Njigba is feeling stronger and more flexible than he was at this point a week ago, and is likely to return from a hamstring injury suffered early against Notre Dame in the seasonopener.

“Like I said (last week), we’re going to only put him in the game if we feel 100 percent sure that he’s he’s ready to roll, but we’re expecting him to play,” Day said.

Fellow junior receiver Julian Fleming is in the same situation and could make his season debut.

2. The young receivers showed progress in their absence last week.

Sophomore Marvin Harrison Jr. was named Big Ten Offensive Co-Player of the Week after catching seven passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas State, and classmate Emeka Egbuka added 118 yards and a touchdown on four catches.

“We’re a different team when Jaxon’s in there, there’s no question, but I think that we’ve had to have some other guys step up and figure a few things out,” Day said. “And I think that has been good for the longevity of the offense and the depth of the offense. So we can’t wait to get Jaxon back, but it has allowed an opportunity to get some guys out there and then kind of build some packages.”

3. He did not need to see Notre Dame and Texas A&M get knocked off last week to know anything can happen any given Saturday in college football.

Day did notice, though, and he can use those games and others like them to reinforce the same message to his players.

“Well, when you have a noon game, there’s nothing better than being home at about 4:30 or 5 o’clock, and then just sitting there watching the games and watching some of the other coaches and teams have to go through what we go through.

“There were some great games and, and it’s a tribute to all those teams who played really well and did a great job in the offseason and, and I thought it was wonderful, but it does go to the point that whether it’s this year or any year, anybody can beat anybody. And you have to have that approach when you come into the games.”

4. Toledo won’t be intimidated coming into Ohio Stadium

The Rockets have never beaten Ohio State, but they are working on a streak of 13 consecutive non-losing seasons, and they are not strangers to a big stage after nearly winning at Notre Dame last season.

“They’ve upgraded a couple areas with the transfer portal, and they are a team that will come in here and play really hard. You know, they’re not going to come into Ohio Stadium and be intimidated at all. So I think you combine all those things, you get a really good opponent.”

5. He is happy with his top two running backs splitting carries.

TreVeyon Henderson has carried five times for 178 yards through two games while Miyan Williams has 22 carries for 130 yards.

“I think it’s gone about the way that we expected,” Day said. “If you’re starting to lean on one guy too much, then that can hurt you late in the season. So we want to kind of split those carries the best we can and keep them fresh week in and week out. But they’re running hard. They run violent, and we need to continue that. We have to continue to take care of the football number one. And protection has been solid for the most part.”

Throughout the offseason, most viewed Henderson as the clear No. 1 back with Williams set to be a strong No. 2.

“He’s ahead of where I where I thought he would be if you said what do you think Miyan will be six months ago,” Day said. “I thought he had a really good spring. I thought he had a really good preseason. And because of that he’s playing well.”