Ryan Day has said for weeks he is looking for a hot start from Ohio State. Despite beginning the year 5-0, the Buckeyes have produced some lackluster performances early in games.

On the road vs. Purdue, Day and the Buckeyes found their hot start against the Boilermakers. Marvin Harrison Jr. helped get things rolling with a dominant performance on Ohio State’s opening drive.

On the other side of the ball, Ohio State has locked down defensively and shut out Purdue entering halftime. Asked about that performance heading to the locker room, Day noted it has been a balanced start for the Buckeyes.

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“We gotta a good mix of run and pass there, I think we ran for over 100 yards in the first half there. Obviously I think there are things we can do better, fumbled on the 1-yard line there. I think we’re playing hard, playing physical,” said Day. “Great job for the defense to get the stand there, all the way on the 1 or 2-yard line. To hold them all the way back and then they miss the field goal. We’ve got to play 4 quarters here, but started off much better than we have in the past.”

As for the status of Chip Trayanum, Day said he will get an evaluation of the running back at halftime. Trayanum was helped off the field and did not return after taking a massive hit.

“We’re gonna evaluate him right here at halftime, I knew he was out until at least halftime, so I’ll get some information when I get in there,” Day explained.

Any absence for Trayanum leaves Ohio State dangerously thin with Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson already out for the game. Dallan Hayden has filled in well with 43 rushing yards, and backup QB Devin Brown has been worked into the ground game.

Xavier Johnson — Ohio State’s do-it-all player — also has 39 rushing yards in the first half, but the injuries are piling up for the Buckeyes. Johnson was expected to fill Emeka Egbuka’s spot in the wide receiver rotation with Egbuka out, but Johnson could be utilized more in the backfield if Trayanum is indeed out for the rest of the game.