The 35-16 victory over Rutgers last Saturday was attributed by coach Ryan Day to a faulty fake punt attempt caused by a gray area in communication.
Day responded to questions about special teams mistakes during the pre-Michigan State press conference on Tuesday, continuing a frequent pattern. He did, however, state that he had not given special teams coordinator Parker Fleming any thought.
Day stated that everyone is constantly being assessed in the workplace. Not simply the coordinator is involved. Special teams are obviously under the control of everyone. There are several coaches in the mix. We’re all capable of doing better.
In the second quarter at Rutgers, punter Jesse Mirco took the snap on a fourth-and-five at the OSU 30, tucked it, and dashed for the sticks.
The defense made another red zone stand that limited Rutgers to three points as opposed to seven.
Rugby-style punter Mirco sprinted to the left while Rutgers overloaded to the right.
Day stated that the ball ought to have been punted. That was never the right situation to run it in. It all comes down to me since I am the head coach in the end. In the end, improved communication is required.
The communication has to be clear. When you make it too gray, you make it hard on the player.
The special team problems started in the previous campaign. Throughout the season, placekicker Noah Ruggles remained dependable, but his 50-yard field goal try to defeat Georgia in the Peach Bowl playoff semifinal was doomed from the moment it left his toe.
Two punts were blocked by Lathan Ransom. However, OSU fake punted in both the Michigan game and the Peach Bowl, and both failed because of miscommunications either before the play or after the snap.
Fleming’s position as coordinator of special teams has also long caused an imbalance on the coaching staff, depriving them of a defensive coordinator. Fleming used to be an offensive coach, but he still goes to defensive back meetings.
Day had an opportunity to reorganize the team throughout the summer. Rather, he awarded Fleming a fresh two-year deal that included an annual raise of $200,000.
As stated, I watch Parker every day and see how he coaches. He’s an excellent coach and teacher, in my opinion. He puts in just as much effort at work as everybody else does.
