The first question Ryan Day received from a reporter in his January press conference, the first time he spoke to the local media since Ohio State lost the Fiesta Bowl, didn’t pertain to Clemson. It didn’t center on the mental state of the team or wondering how the Buckeyes would move forward from the defeat.
It was about the defensive plans under Kerry Coombs.
The last time Coombs coached in Columbus, Ohio State utilized two deep safeties in a press man coverage-heavy defense. In 2019, however, Jeff Hafley and Greg Mattison typically lined up one deep safety, Jordan Fuller, with three cornerbacks – Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette and Shaun Wade – on the field at all times.