Ryan Day watched as the Ohio State offense found its footing in Week 2, posting 63 points in a breakout performance against Western Kentucky. Now, the challenge turns to Notre Dame and keeping that going on the road.

After his Thursday radio show, Day was asked about the importance of keeping the offense “on schedule” and ahead of the chains on early downs. The head coach admitted that aspect of the offense is just as important as anything else for Kyle McCord as a young quarterback.

“It’s important. It’s very important for any quarterback but for a young QB just in terms of experience it’s important. We always want to be on schedule,” said Day. “The minute we get off schedule, that’s difficult for any QB. We want to make sure that we’re not doing that.”

Day did touch on some penalties he wants to see the offense clean up from Week 3, but overall, the group showed what it can achieve if the offense wins on first down consistently.

“We did have a couple of penalties on Saturday we want to get rid of those so we don’t get behind the 8-ball. If we’re efficient — we want to win first down. First down is 4 yards. If we can win first down then that gives us an opportunity to be in third and manageable and be explosive,” Day explained. “That’s just as important a part of this thing as anything.”

While Week 3 was impressive, Notre Dame will provide another challenge this weekend. We’ll find out if the Buckeyes are up to the task on the road.