Week 11 was a rather easy affair for HC Ryan Day’s Ohio State. The Buckeyes breezed past the Boilermakers in a 34-10 fashion at Ross-Ade on Saturday. QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith had their usual outstanding performances, but it was two other players who caught Day’s attention.

The Buckeyes came into the matchup as heavy and obvious favorites with a massive 29.5-point spread. And those odds translated into the game. Spencer Porath’s early field goal advantage wasn’t enough for Purdue to deal damage, as the Buckeyes’ offense ran the route for the rest of the game. Sayin posted 1 TD and an 81.8 completion rate for 303 yards, while Smith had 10 receptions for 137 yards. The victory ensured Ohio State’s 9-0 B1G record. However, Ryan Day was more impressed with the way WR Bryson Rodgers and OL Ian Moore played against the Boilermakers.

With WR Carnell Tate sidelined by a training injury, Ryan Day needed more depth on offense, and Bryson Rodgers stepped up. He caught two passes for 30 yards, marking a career high in receiving yardage, and played 35 snaps, his second-highest total of the season. His performance gave Day offensive confidence, something he needs since Tate is out. This also gives some breathing space for Jeremiah Smith, lifting the weight off him as the sole wide receiver contributor.

Ryan Day was also happy with the way Ian Moore played against Purdue. Being an offensive lineman, the week 11 game was Moore’s first career start as a right tackle. The position transition occurred because OT Phillip Daniels was out due to an injury. Day had the option to start Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa, but went with Moore, who was solid against the Boilermakers. Day even said that Moore had “a heck of a start” in his first game as a right tackle.

The performances of Bryson Rodgers and Ian Moore highlight the impressive depth Ryan Day has at his disposal. Even with starters Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Phillips sidelined, the Ohio State Buckeyes still have more than enough talent to make a strong push for the playoffs and even the national championship.

Can Ryan Day and Ohio State win CFP back-to-back?

The Buckeyes have unsurprisingly enjoyed an outstanding season so far. Having played one less game, Ohio State sits second in the Big Ten, just behind Indiana. With only three games remaining, Ryan Day’s side is poised to secure another playoff spot. This means back-to-back appearances, giving fans the chance to see the defending champions back on college football’s biggest stage.

The playoff spot means more than just qualification for Ryan Day. It also means the chance to win the College Football Playoff National Championship two years in a row. The last team to do that was the Georgia Bulldogs, who won the trophy in 2021 and 2022. So, it will be a chance for Day to make history with the Buckeyes.

Ryan Day has already started building his roster for the 2026 season, indicating he is trying to create a dynasty in college football. But before he can do that, Day has to lead the Buckeyes to a win against UCLA, Rutgers, and the Michigan Wolverines in the regular season.