Ohio State Football: 5 Burning Questions On Kickoff Eve

What about Ryan Day?

Finally, we get back to the big story surrounding OSU football this offseason. How will this team perform without Urban Meyer, and is Ryan Day ready for the big stage?

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A program like Ohio State can run itself to a certain degree. With OSU’s recruiting over the last few years, and its bevy of experienced assistants, the absence of one man on the sidelines shouldn’t change much of the on-the-field outcome. Meyer’s fingerprints are all over every aspect of this team, and he doesn’t need to be on the field for his presence to be felt.

But there will be things to watch for in Day’s first foray as a head coach.

Does the team look ready to play from the first snap? Do they have energy? Are there too many mistakes? Penalties? What will Day do in critical situations — fourth down and short, third and short, red zone opportunities? How will he manage the clock?

So far, Day has looked every inch the part of a big time head coach. He’s handled a difficult situation with poise and grace, exuding leadership and a steady hand.

But he’s never been a head coach on the sidelines of a big time college football game.

He’ll have three chances to prove himself, and Oregon State will not be the toughest. But it will give us our first glimpse of what Head Coach Ryan Day might look like — and a preview of what we’ll likely see next season on the sidelines of another school.