Ryan Day has made yet another erroneous claim in the wake of the horrendous defeat to Missouri, claiming to have highlighted several crucial mistakes made by the team.
Ohio’s COLUMBUS — Parker Fleming, the coordinator of Ohio State’s special teams, has faced criticism the entire season.
And those worries were not much allayed by Friday’s Cotton Bowl matchup with Missouri.
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In a 14-3 loss in Dallas, the Buckeyes committed several penalties and made other mistakes that cost them field position. This was just one more game this season where Ohio State’s special teams have made mistakes.
It began on the opening drive when the punting unit was called for a delay of game, and it went on until the fourth quarter.
Coach Ryan Day remarked, “I thought overall early on, the whole punting operation other than the delay of game, but there was a funky look there.” “Always remember to avoid snapping the ball if you’re unsure.” We managed to pull one off in the end. That one there was alright, but we seemed to be punting with decent hangtime and occasionally covering and flipping the field fairly effectively. It was done really well.
Three special teams penalties—a holding, a block in the back, and a delay of game—as well as a few other mistakes cost Ohio State crucial field position. Particularly, conceding yards at will on a punt return.
It is not a good idea to give a third-string quarterback any breathing room when Jayden Ballard is the one fielding punts at the five and nine yard line.
“Our heels should be on the eight instead of the four when we catch the ball. He felt, I believe, that they were kind of right behind him and that they would pin it inside the four at that precise moment. However, in that case, you still have to follow your rules.
Additionally, Ohio State missed a field goal, ending another game that raised concerns about the Buckeyes’ special teams throughout every phase.
“And that was significant at the time that we missed the field goal,” Day continued. “Some good things were there, but not enough good things.”