Four Yards and a Cloud of Dust? – Buckeyes Head Coach Ryan Day Emphasizes the Importance of Gaining at Least Four Yards on First Down

Photo via Ohio State

The sport of football can be quite complicated in terms of the numerous schemes that offensive and defensive coordinators utilize during a football game. There are, however, certain benchmarks that coaches talk about that we as fans can analyze to determine if our favorite teams are seemingly performing efficiently.  

In Tuesday’s press conference, Buckeyes Head Coach Ryan Day specifically discussed a stated goal that the Buckeyes have on each and every offensive possession.

According to Day, the Buckeyes offense is trying to gain at least four yards on every first down play.

Day emphasized this point when he stated, “The goal is to get four yards on first down.”

Day added, “It’s huge, we got to get at least four yards. If you get more than that, certainly things open up more and you’re setting things up better.”

Day was asked about what happens when you don’t get four yards on first down.

“It sets you back because you’re playing left handed for sure,” said Day.

“Negative plays or zero yarded plays, really when you look at (are) drive killers. Whether it’s a penalty, a sack, a tfl (tackle for loss) or an incomplete pass, that can really set you back so we try to do everything we can (to have success on first down).

So, you might ask what the Buckeyes can do to continue to improve first down success and efficiency.

In the press conference, Day  emphasized some of the various things that the Buckeyes can improve on as they move forward throughout the season. 

In particular, Day mentioned continuing to improve the play of the offensive line.

“I think we can do a better job of getting movement up front,” Day said. “I think we can do a better job of getting to the second level and getting the running backs there.”

So Buckeyes fans, as you watch Ohio State this Saturday against Purdue, look to see how the Bucks offense is performing on first down.  

It just may be that if the Bucks are getting more than four yards on first down, a successful outcome will probably occur.