Ryan Day delivered a blunt message before Ohio State begins Big Ten play against Illinois: The Buckeyes' running backs need to "run angry and run physical."

Joe breaks down Day's challenge to Bo Jackson, Ja'Kobi Jackson and Isaiah West; Ohio State's continuing short-yardage problems; and the competition along the right side of the offensive line. Could Gabe VanSickle remain at right guard with Austin Siereveld at right tackle—even if Phillip Daniels returns?

We also examine Julian Sayin's next developmental step, Brandon Inniss's growing role, the young defenders Ohio State wants to build around and Matt Patricia's search for a dependable pass rush.

From the Illinois side, Bret Bielema's team enters Columbus with one of the country's most productive passing combinations. Quarterback Katin Houser and receiver Collin Dixon will test an Ohio State defense still trying to establish its identity after the collapse at Texas.

Topics include:

• Ryan Day's public challenge to the running backs
• Bo Jackson versus Ja'Kobi Jackson
• Ohio State's third-down and short-yardage failures
• Gabe VanSickle, Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels
• Julian Sayin's timing and Brandon Inniss's emergence
• Riley Pettijohn, Jay Timmons and Ohio State's young defense
• Katin Houser and Collin Dixon
• Illinois's unstable offensive line
• The Buckeyes' special-teams concerns

Thursday, September 24, 2026

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