Ohio

Is the Oregon Ducks Game a Must-Win for Ohio State Coach Ryan Day?

Published

2 hours ago

August 23, 2024

Is the Oregon Ducks Game a Must-Win for Ohio State Coach Ryan Day?

The Ohio State Buckeyes have yet to play a down in the 2024 season and yet speculation has started regarding the status of head coach Ryan Day.

Much of the discontent with Day is his record against Michigan, better known in Columbus as “that team up north.” In four meetings, Day is 1-3 while previous coaches, Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, were a combined 16-1 against the Wolverines.

In order to reach their goals of beating Michigan, winning a Big Ten title and a national championship, the Buckeyes must also deal with an explosive Oregon Ducks’ offense and one of the best defenses in the country.

Aug 22, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State University head football coach Ryan Day speaks during the Ohio State football team media availability on August 21, 2024 at the Woody Hays Athletic Facility. / Doral Chenoweth / USA TODAY NETWORK

The margin for error is quite small although Day has taken significant steps to improve his team. The first bit of good news for him was the announcement from 11 players who decided to return to Columbus for their senior season. The first to opt in was Ohio State defensive end, Jack Sawyer, who did not hesitate to spell out what all 11 were thinking.

“We came back with one purpose and one goal, and that’s to beat the Team Up North and win a national championship,” Sawyer said.

One other move made by Day that stands out is the hiring of former Oregon and UCLA coach, Chip Kelly, as the offensive coordinator. Losing to Michigan last season and a desire to return to the top of the Big Ten were said to be the reasons Day gave up his play-calling duties.

Aug 2, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day talks with Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly during Fall Camp practice Aug. 2, 2024 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. / Doral Chenoweth / USA TODAY NETWORK

Make no mistake, Day understands that high expectations are part of the job description at Ohio State.

“Now, our guys, they know what the expectation is,” Day said recently. “You’ve heard some of them say what their goals are. We’re not going to shy away from that. We want to win the rivalry game, be right in this stadium right here and win this Big Ten championship, win a national championship. We know that.”

Given his situation, a win against Oregon may not lock in a playoff spot or a Big Ten championship, but a loss could be devastating. Some of the more vocal fans and members of the media believe a failure to achieve the stated goals may mean a head coaching change. To that point, former Michigan receiver and Super Bowl XXXI MVP, Desmond Howard, offered his thoughts on a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up.”

“It’s like this. I think the people at Ohio State just pushed all of their chips to the center of the table,” Howard said. “They went and spent about $13 million on free agents – well, college football’s version of free agency with the portal and NIL.”

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Desmond Howard on the ESPN College Gameday set at the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“Some fans would say, ‘Well if we got rid of Ryan Day, who will we hire?’ They went out and hired Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator,” Howard explained. “If things go awry, I think they have somebody who’s behind Ryan Day where they can say, ‘Chip Kelly can be the next coach too.”

There is little doubt that Kelly has been an offensive innovator throughout his coaching career including stops in New Hampshire, Oregon Ducks, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and the UCLA Bruins. His decision to take the job at Ohio State was a surprise to many. However, it was likely inevitable that he leave. Bruins’ fans and boosters were not happy with the results, although wins were trending higher, and Kelly was looking for a change.

When pressed for details behind his decision, Kelly told media at Ohio State that he felt at ease in coaching UCLA’s quarterbacks before the LA Bowl and this role allowed him to focus on football. As to a return to the top job, Kelly’s prior actions reveal his dislike for some of the responsibilities typically handled by the head coach.

Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly works with quarterbacks during the first spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Simply said, Kelly would seem to prefer to study the game rather than handling issues like recruiting, meeting with alumni and boosters, communicating to the press, selling the program, etc. It was said in Oregon he declined to travel to Portland to attend booster meetings, alienating some important team donors. The takeaway from this is that Kelly can excel in building an offense but may lack the desire to deal with all that is outside the football field.

Lasty, there is an odd twist relevant to Day losing or not losing his job. Many believe that as long as the Buckeyes beat Michigan, Day’s job is safe even if there is no Big Ten title or national championship. While that may seem extreme, it reflects the depth of the rivalry between these two teams. Now, with a talented Oregon team (ranked second in the Big Ten) on the schedule, there are even more challenges for Day to face.

MORE: Will Five-Star Ohio State Commit Na’eem Offord Flip to the Oregon Ducks?

MORE: Bo Nix Serious Contender For NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

MORE: Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Game Time Released, Prime Time Big Ten Matchup

MORE: Marcus Mariota Sharing ‘Gold’ With Washington Rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels

MORE: Former College Football Coach Regrets Letting Dan Lanning Take New Job

MORE: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Signs Exclusive NIL Deal

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Ohio

Ohio State football fans: Would you rather beat Michigan or win the national championship?

Published

9 hours ago

August 23, 2024

Press Room

Ohio State football fans: Would you rather beat Michigan or win the national championship?

With the Ohio State 2024 season quickly approaching, it’s time for football fans to get their priorities in order.

What would you rather see happen: Ohio State beats Michigan for the first time since 2019 but falls short of a national championship, or Ohio State loses its fourth-straight meeting with the rival Wolverines but ends the season with a College Football Playoff national championship trophy?

Take this scenario: Ohio State wins 11 games, loses to Michigan, but prevails for the championship. That’s what the The Dispatch’s season simulation amounted to through EA Sports College Football 25. Would it make fans happy? Tell us in our poll. (We know you probably want to pick “both,” but that would make things too easy.)

Could Ohio State win national championship with Michigan loss?

The odds for an Ohio State national championship with a loss to rival Michigan have increased dramatically.

In 2024, the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams. The top four seeds — each of which will be conference champions — will receive a first-round bye. The other eight teams will face off in the first round at the higher seed’s home stadium.

According to the final College Football Playoff rankings of the 2023 season, four teams in the top 12 had one loss — Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State — while five teams in the top 12 had two losses: Oregon, Missouri, Penn State, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Using the 2023 rankings, Ohio State would have been a No. 7 seed in the expanded College Football Playoff.

Ohio State football schedule 2024

Aug. 31: Ohio State vs. Akron; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 7: Ohio State vs. Western Michigan; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 21: Ohio State vs. Marshall; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 28: Ohio State at Michigan State; Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
Oct. 5: Ohio State vs. Iowa; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 12: Ohio State at Oregon; Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
Oct. 26: Ohio State vs. Nebraska; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 2: Ohio State at Penn State; Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Nov. 9: Ohio State vs. Purdue; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 16: Ohio State at Northwestern; Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Nov. 23: Ohio State vs. Indiana; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 30: Ohio State vs. Michigan; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts

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Northeast Ohio road construction: Where are the new detours and delays?

Published

16 hours ago

August 22, 2024

Press Room

Northeast Ohio road construction: Where are the new detours and delays?

CLEVELAND, Ohio — There are more new detours and delays for motorists in Northeast Ohio as road construction projects continue.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has released a list of new impacts that drivers can expect over the coming weeks.

I-480 westbound at I-77 will be reduced to one lane at 10 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday for bridge repairs.

I-480 westbound between Ohio 176 and State Road will have a left lane closure between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday for barrier wall construction.

U.S. 422 eastbound at Richmond Road and Warrensville Center Road will have a right lane closure beginning on Monday and continuing through September for bridge repairs.

East 185th Street between Lake Erie and Pawnee Avenue has various lane restrictions beginning Monday and continuing through mid-September for pavement work.

The following ramps will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday for resurfacing. All ramps will not be closed at the same time.

I-71 northbound exit ramp to Denison Avenue. Detour is I-71 north to Fulton Road.

Denison Avenue entrance ramp to I-71 south. Detour is Fulton Road to I-71 south.

The following closures will be in place at 9 p.m. Friday through 11 a.m. Sunday for pavement testing.

Ohio 91 northbound ramp to U.S. 422 westbound. Detour is U.S. 422 eastbound to Ohio 306 to U.S. 422 west.

U.S. 422 westbound to I-271 northbound. Detour is I-480 west to Miles Road to I-480 east.

Bridge repairs in Cuyahoga County:

I-77 bridge over I-480, all lanes of traffic will be shifted beginning Friday and continuing through October.

I-480 eastbound ramp to I-271 north/U.S. 422 east will have various lane restrictions at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.

U.S. 422 eastbound between Cannon Road and Harper Road will have various lane restrictions at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.

I-480 westbound just before the Miles Road exit ramp will have various lane restrictions at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.

U.S. 422 eastbound between Cannon Road and Harper Road will have various lane restrictions at 9 p.m. Sept. through 5 a.m. Sept. 9.

I-480 eastbound ramp to I-271 north/U.S. 422 east will have various lane restrictions at 9 p.m. Sept. 13 through 5 a.m. Sept. 16.

U.S. 6 between Rockefeller Road and Ohio 91 is reduced to westbound traffic only beginning Monday and continuing through October. The detour for eastbound traffic is Ohio 91 (SOM Center Road) to Eddy Road to Rockefeller Road.

I-90 from the Ohio Turnpike Plaza to the west of the Center Road interchange will begin installing work zone signs for the upcoming pavement repair project. Nightly pavement repairs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. will begin Sept. 3. Traffic will be maintained in 11-foot lanes in each direction. Estimated completion is October.

Ohio 57 between Ohio 162 and I-71 will close on Sept. 3 for 30 days for a culvert replacement. The detour route for southbound motorists is Ohio 57 to Ohio 162 west to Ohio 3 south to U.S. 224/I-76 east to Ohio 57, and reverse. Estimated completion is Oct. 3.

Ohio 94 just north of Ohio 303 will close Sept. 3 for 30 days for a culvert replacement. The detour route for northbound motorists is Ohio 94 to Ohio 303 west to Ohio 3 north to Ohio 82 east to Ohio 94, and reverse. Estimated completion is Oct. 3.

Ohio 94 at the south leg of the Ohio 94/Ohio 162 roundabout will have lane closures for resurfacing and drainage work. Crews will begin mobilizing next week but main roadway work will begin after Labor Day. Traffic will be maintained at all times. Estimated completion is October.

I-77 southbound at I-76/Kenmore Leg will be closed at 10 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Saturday for a concrete bridge deck pour. The detour is I-76/Kenmore Leg west to I-277 eastbound to I-77 to I-76 east.

I-77/Ohio 8 south at the Central Interchange will be closed at 10 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Saturday. The detour is I-76 west to I-76/Kenmore Leg to I-277 east to I-77.

The ramp from Ohio 8 south to I-76 west will be closed at 10 p.m. Tuesday through 5 a.m. Wednesday. The detour is I-77 south to Archwood Avenue to I-77 north to I-76 west.

The ramp from I-77 north to I-76 east will be closed at 9 p.m. Tuesday through 5 a.m. Wednesday. The detour is I-76 west to Main Street to I-76 east.

The ramp from Ohio 8 southbound to I-76 eastbound is closed through Wednesday. The detour is I-76 west to I-76/Kenmore Leg to I-277 east to I-77 north to I-76 east.

The ramp from I-77 southbound to Waterloo Road is closed through Aug. 30. The detour is I-77 south to US 224 east to Kelly Avenue to Waterloo Road.

Beginning Monday and continuing through Wednesday morning, the following ramps will be closed nightly between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Main Street to I-76 west/I-77 north. The detour is I-76 east to Kelly Avenue/Arlington Street to I-76 west.

Ramp from I-76 west/ I-77 north to Dart Avenue/SR 59. The detour is to exit at Main Street to Thornton Street to Rhoades Avenue.

Ohio 59 ramps to I-76 west/I-77 north. The detour is V. Odom Boulevard to I-77.

The following closures are in place through early September:

I-277/US 224 westbound between I-77 and I-76/Kenmore Leg is closed for bridge repairs and resurfacing. The detour is I-77 northbound to I-76 westbound to I-76/Kenmore Leg.

The ramp from I-77 northbound to I-277/U.S. 224 westbound is closed. The detour is I-77 northbound to I-76 westbound to I-76/Kenmore Leg.

The ramp from Main Street to I-277 westbound is closed. The detour is Ohio 619 west to State Street to I-76 west.

The Waterloo Road ramp to I-277 westbound is closed. The detour is Ohio 619 west to I-76 westbound ramp at Wooster Road.

I-76/Kenmore Leg eastbound is closed through mid-September for bridge repairs and resurfacing. The detour is I-277 eastbound to I-77 northbound to I-76.

The ramp from Kenmore Boulevard to I-76/Kenmore Leg eastbound is closed through mid-September. The detour is Kenmore Boulevard to Manchester Road to I-277 eastbound to I-77 northbound to I-76.

The ramp from I-77 northbound to Ohio 21 southbound will be closed nightly between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. beginning Sunday and continuing through Tuesday. The detour is I-77 northbound to Ohio 18 to I-77 southbound to Ohio 21 southbound.

Ohio 21 northbound under I-77 will be closed nightly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. beginning Sunday and continuing through the morning of Aug. 31. The detour is I-77 southbound to Ridgewood Road to I-77 northbound.

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Ohio

Ohio’s COVID summer surge ramps up thanks largely to KP variant

Published

23 hours ago

August 22, 2024

Press Room

Ohio’s COVID summer surge ramps up thanks largely to KP variant

Summer is winding down, but Ohio’s COVID-19 cases aren’t.

The state’s weekly average jumped from around 5,000 at the beginning of August to over 7,000 this past week, driven primarily by the KP.3.1.1 variant, the current dominant variant in the United States.

Other culprits for the continuing surge in cases include the LB.1 variant, one of the members of the Omicron family strain, though there’s no evidence that these variants are causing more severe levels of disease, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

More: Gov. Mike DeWine tests positive for COVID again as Ohio sees uptick in cases

What are Ohio’s current COVID-19 numbers?

The state health department reported 8,352 cases during the week of Aug. 15 through Aug. 21, a 13% increase from the 7,347 cases reported the week before.

May’s case count totaled a little over 3,800, but cases nearly doubled in June, with 6,472 reported. Cases then nearly tripled in July at well over 18,000.

August’s total amounts to over 21,000 cases thus far.

COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths also increased slightly, though case totals sit at small fractions of the peak pandemic numbers. By comparison, there were over 109,000 cases reported in August 2021.

However, the state health department said that COVID remains “a very real health threat,” and “any increase in cases reaffirms the importance of staying up to date with vaccination, which remains the best way to prevent severe illness from COVID.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months or older receive the most recent COVID-19 shot, which the Food and Drug Administration just approved on Aug. 22. Vaccinations with said shot could start as early as September.

Samantha Hendrickson is The Dispatch’s medical business and health care reporter. She can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com.

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