What we learned from Ohio State football press availability before Maryland game

Ohio State has one more game before the highly anticipated showdown against Michigan on Nov. 26.

The Wolverines may be in the back of everyone’s minds, but it’s Buckeye coach Ryan Day’s job not to allow it to be in the front of his players’. Before Michigan travels to Columbus, the No. 2 Buckeyes (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) have their final road game this week when they play at Maryland.

The Terrapins (6-4, 3-4) have lost two straight, including a 30-0 loss to Penn State on Saturday. Maryland has never beaten Ohio State in seven matchups. The only close game was a 52-51 overtime contest in 2018.

What's next for Ohio State football? An early glance at the Maryland Terrapins

Want to keep up with Ohio State? Don't miss a single Buckeyes story. Get a great deal by subscribing to the Dispatch today at www.dispatch.com/subscribenow/.

The Terps have a talented dual-threat quarterback in Taulia Tagovailoa, but he has taken a beating this season and has slumped lately. Ohio State won 66-17 last year and is a four-touchdown favorite on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles spoke at the team’s weekly press conference. Here are the highlights:

Ryan Day gives Ohio State injury updates

Day was optimistic about getting several key players back from injury, especially in the depleted running back unit. Freshman Dallan Hayden was the only scholarship running back still available by the end of Saturday’s 56-14 victory over Indiana.

TreVeyon Henderson and Chip Trayanum didn’t dress, and Miyan Williams injured his foot or ankle in the second quarter and didn’t return.

OSU reporters roundtable: What to make of Ohio State football's running back situation

“We feel like we have a really good chance to get all those guys back for next week,” Day said. “Maybe one of them won't, but I'd be shocked if all three – Chip, Miyan and Tre − would not be available. I think we'll get hopefully at least two of them back (but) I just don't know right now.”

Right tackle Dawand Jones and cornerback Denzel Burke also didn’t play against Indiana. After the game, Day said he expected all or most of the injured players to be back for this week.

“I feel the same way,” Day said. “We’ll see as we get through the week, I think some guys will be on a pitch count. Some guys we’ll have to see how practice goes today. But a lot of the stuff that we heard this morning (from medical personnel) was promising.”

Day said he had no update on the status of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who hasn’t played since the Iowa game on Oct. 22.

Ryan Day says Buckeyes can't look ahead to Michigan game

Ohio State’s focus on staying in the moment has served it well this year as it has avoided letdowns against inferior opponents. With the Michigan game a week away, that will be tested.

“We know we have to play our best,” Day said. “We have an opportunity to go 11-0 this weekend and still not have reached one of our goals yet. It's just sobering, but it's the facts. We know that, and it's part of that building process week in and week out. We (must) play our best football in November. And that's what we focus on.”

Maryland lost 34-27 at Michigan, which is the Wolverines’ smallest margin of victory this year.

“You look at the teams that they played and the scores,” Day said. “Taulia is a very talented quarterback. They have some (receiving) weapons on the outside, and they've played good on defense. I think they're stout over there.”

Maryland ranks 72^nd nationally in total defense (381.0 yards per game), but its yards-per-play-allowed is tied for 31^st.

Ty Hamilton's increasing role

Ty Hamilton has started the past two games ahead of Michael Hall Jr. Part of the reason is that Hall has been limited by injury after starting the season strongly.

But Hamilton’s play has earned him more time. The Pickerington Central product got 27 snaps against Maryland, according to Pro Football Focus. Hall had 16.

“I think he's playing his best football by far,” Day said. “He’s graded out as a champion. He’s powerful against the run, but he’s also transitioning into the pass rush and pushing the pocket.”

Knowles described Hamilton as a “cold-blooded gentleman.”

“He’s quiet, (has a) good smile, but he's just really tough inside," Knowles said. "And he's athletic. I've seen him use his hands and get off blocks and make plays. He’s earned more playing time.”

Only once in the past five games has Hall played more than 25 snaps.

“Mike has really battled injury,” Knowles said. “It's not so much a question of saving him. It's just kind of week to week how Mike is feeling and what he can do.

“He’ll give us everything he has, but he's really fought through some things.”

Remembering victims in Virginia

Day opened his press conference by expressing his condolences for the tragedy at the University of Virginia. Three football players were shot to death by a former Virginia player.

“On behalf of the Ohio State football program, we want to express our sadness and our prayers to the entire University of Virginia and its football program over the senseless killings that took place over this past weekend,” Day said. “Our prayers to the families and friends certainly who have lost loved ones. It's tragic (and) senseless, and it pains me to understand why something like this would happen. And so our thoughts are with everyone in Charlottesville.”

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football coach Ryan Day gave an update on OSU injuries