Ohio State head coach Ryan Day emphasizes 'no tolerance' policy entering Week 2 matchup

Coming off a 52-6 victory in Week 1 isn't enough for Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes started slow, leading only 17-3 at halftime against a team they were favored to win by 48.5 points. Part of that was making mental and physical mistakes.

The Buckeyes had a few drops and missed blocks, which are physical mistakes. The bigger issue for Ohio State was the seven correctable procedural penalties that cost the team 45 yards. Those, says Day, will face a "zero tolerance" policy in Week 2 against Western Michigan.

“I want zero mistakes,” Day said at his weekly press conference. “We want to be really, really clean.”

The pre-snap and procedural penalties weren't shocking for a team breaking in a new offensive coordinator, quarterback, running back, receiving corps, and center. However, those infractions can't continue as the Buckeyes get into tougher competition.

Here are Ohio State's penalty rankings each year since Day has taken over as head coach:

• 2019-20: 55th
• 2020-21: 73rd
• 2021-22: 80th
• 2022-23: 50th
• 2023-24: 55th

We've seen positive growth for the Buckeyes after getting sloppy in Day's second and third seasons. This points toward Day and his staff improving their messaging and coaching throughout the year, and players staying disciplined and avoiding mistakes.

Will we see that same growth in 2024-25? The Buckeyes need it to if they're going to fulfill their dreams of winning the College Football Playoff.