OSU backfield remains a time share

COLUMBUS – While CJ Donaldson (17 carries, 67 yards rushing, and a touchdown) was easily the most productive running back for Ohio State in its 14-7 win over Texas last Saturday, James Peoples (10 carries, 20 yards) remains a major player in OSU's ground game, Ryan Day said at his weekly Tuesday press conference. "They're working together and we're going to need both of them like last year. We will continue to do that," Day said. "You could see James get more carries this week and CJ get more the next week. That's just kind of the way it goes. It was the same way with TreVeyon (Henderson) and Quinshon (Judkins) last year. We're going to need all those guys," he said. Judkins averaged 12.1 carries per game last season and Henderson averaged 9.0 carries. If Saturday's game against Grambling plays out as expected, Donaldson, Peoples and two or three more running backs could be getting carries. The Tigers, the first FCS team on Ohio State's schedule since Youngstown State in 2023, have been predicted to finish fifth in the West Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. On the same day OSU beat Texas, Grambling rolled to a 55-7 win over NAIA Langston University. Day said Ohio State is focusing on its own improvement this week. "We've got to grow. We've got a lot of work to do. A ton," he said. "We're holding ourselves to a high standard. "Coming out of the (Texas) game we were able to build some confidence moving forward with some guys who hadn't played a whole lot of football. Coming out of that game I think they realized they can play with anybody in the country. That being said, there are a lot of improvements that have to be made in all three phases." Some other thoughts from Day: … SAYIN DIDN'T FLINCH: Day said Julian Sayin's debut as Ohio State's starting quarterback was "a good start but there's a lot of football to go. We felt like he took care of the ball and made some good throws. I don't think he ever flinched." … JACKSON'S STATUS UNCLEAR: Asked if there was an update on defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, who was injured in the second half against Texas, Day said, "No real update other than he is working toward getting back to play this game." … NO STAGE FRIGHT: Day said OSU's inexperienced players lived up to expectations. "I think the thing I was impressed with on the defense and the offense was that what we saw in practice showed up in the game. That doesn't always happen," he said. … JOHNSON'S KEY QUALITY: Right tackle Phillip Johnson exceeded the expectations of many people outside the walls of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center when he won a starting role in preseason practice. Day said one word explains how Johnson, a transfer from Minnesota, became a starter. "Consistency," he said. "Phil plays with an edge and he has been very, very consistent." With Johnson winning the right tackle spot and Austin Siereveld becoming the starter at left tackle, Ethan Onianwa, once presumed to be the favorite to play left tackle, is now a back-up at right guard and right tackle.