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Ryan Day discusses challenges of facing Purdue DE George Karlaftis
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
No. 4 Ohio State will face a huge test when the Buckeyes host No. 19 Purdue in Week 11. Part of the challenge will be trying to corral Purdue star defensive end George Karlaftis.
The 6-foot-4, 276-pound DE is garnering national buzz by CBS Sports as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Karlaftis has amassed 15 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles this season. For his college career, Karlaftis has totaled 48 solo tackles, 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day is effusive in his praise for Karlaftis and elevates him to the top of the pack in terms of defensive linemen in the nation:
On Purdue DE George Karlaftis, Day says “this is by far the strongest guy we’ve played.” Day says “any competitor looks at that like a challenge … Saturday we’ll find out where we’re at.”
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) November 11, 2021
Day on the challenge of offensive tackles Nickolas Petit-Frere and Dawand Jones blocking Purdue DE George Karlaftis. “For Nick and Dawand, this is by far the strongest guy we’ve played.”
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) November 11, 2021
The Buckeyes defeated Nebraska 26-17 last week. Ohio State 8-1 overall and first place in the B1G East.
Purdue is 6-3 overall and tied for first place in the B1G West. Ohio State leads the all-time series 39-15-2 vs. Purdue. The Boilermakers won the last meeting 49-20 in 2018.
Purdue-Ohio State is slated for a 3:30 p.m. (EST) kickoff and will be televised on ABC.
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.