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Ryan Day says Ohio State run defense will face ‘biggest challenge of year’ against Jonathan Taylor
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Tuesday the Buckeyes will face their biggest challenge this week against Wisconsin. Day got more specific, also saying the Ohio State run defense would have its “biggest challenge of the year” going up against Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.
“They’re going to try to move us off the ball, and Jonathan (Taylor) is one of the best running backs in the country.
Day on OSU's run defense, which has been very good so far: "I know this is going to be the biggest challenge of the year. They're big strong and physical. They're going to try to move us off the ball and Jonathan is one of the best running backs in the country."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) October 22, 2019
When asked what Taylor does well, Day basically answered with everything.
Asked what makes Jonathan Taylor good, Ryan Day replied, "Why isn't he good?" Day listed off a number of positive traits that the Wisconsin running back has. "He's kind of an all-purpose back."
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) October 22, 2019
Taylor is averaging 6.1 yards per carry with 957 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He also has 16 receptions for 138 yards and four more scores.
Of course, the same can be said about Taylor facing his biggest challenge of the year. Ohio State only gives up about 93 rushing yards per game, which is ranked fourth in the B1G but ninth-best in the country.
Taylor will face two difficult matchups in the next couple of games. After a bye following the Ohio State matchup, Wisconsin will host Iowa on Nov. 9. Iowa’s run defense is ranked eighth-best in the nation.