Presser Bullets: Ryan Day says Ohio State was 'at a crossroads' ahead of Penn State game and thinks top-five win 'will be a stepping stone for us going forward'

“It just shows the courage and toughness of this team. I have a smile on my face here and I’m really proud of this team and the physicality.” @JennyTaft is catching up @OhioStateFBis Ryan Day after a huge win over Penn State pic.twitter.com/dto7zA1tJs

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 2, 2024

In the press conference, Day discussed how important Ohio State's victory over Penn State was to the program. He also said the win could be a “stepping stone” for the Buckeyes as they face Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana and Michigan to close out the regular season.

Here's a recap of Day's press conference, as well as some comments from quarterback Will Howard:

Ryan Day

• On whether this was an “angry version” of Ohio State: “I think so. … We talked about the fact that we have to win the game. …To finish (last) the way we did it, it's a physicality and a strength that will carry us into the rest of the season…I'm really happy for the seniors as a stepping stone for our path forward.

• On the significance of the win: “It was a crossroads for us. … This was a big game for us for a lot of reasons. … We had to find a way to get a stop and get that extra first down.” That's what's important moving forward… People came back to this team for a reason, to win the rivalry game, win the Big Ten Championship and win a national championship. “Without overcoming adversity, there are no great achievements.”…I can tell you coming out of that locker room…probably the busiest locker room I've seen in a long time.

• Day said the defense's stand at the goal line showed the toughness of the unit. “Give Jim and the staff credit for their preparation before this game.”

• On Carson Hinzman at left guard: “We relied on experience, that was the decision we made in this environment. … He wasn’t noticed much and that’s a good sign for a defensive back.”

• Whether the victory is a statement for him. “There’s a lot to unpack and I won’t go into it now. … But your parents read it, your coaches read it. …It feels good. There's still a lot of football ahead of us, but it feels good at the moment.

• On Will Howard: “What he gives us is a toughness at quarterback. …The ball squirts out at the 1-yard line and it's a punch in the gut. He didn't want to lose this game…He just refused to lose.

• On first-half momentum swings, Davison Igbinosun's interception: “We were kind of prepared for a crazy game. It just happened here against Penn State. … It was another one of those crazy games.”

Will Howard

• On the win: “There’s no feeling like it, man. It wasn't nice, I played my worst game of the season. … I think if you take away the pick and the turnover in the end zone, it's probably 28-3 going into the half. … I can't give enough credit to my teammates and saving me.

• Howard said it was the running game and defense that earned the win for Ohio State. “We put the ball on (Quinshon Judkins) and (TreVeyon Henderson) and the offensive line, and they won the game.”

• Asked what he told the team before Ohio State's final drive – which started at the 1-yard line – Howard replied: “Let's win this game.” We did that.” Ryan Day joined the conversation and said, “That was the G version of that.”