"You're Lying": First-Round OSU Star Recalls Matt Patricia's Brutal Act That Stunned Ryan Day's Locker Room​

When Jim Knowles left the DC position at Ohio State, many thought their defense would crumble. However, Ryan Day roped in former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia to work with the defense that was already solid.

Former OSU linebacker Caleb Downs appeared on the July 22 Downs 2 Business podcast with Cam Newton and relayed how OSU players didn't believe in Matt Patricia early on. Instead, the whole locker room was wary of his "weird reputation" and even called him a "terrible hire" on occasion. However, it took no time for the former Lions head coach to streamline the locker room and maintain a firm grip, which helped them build a historic defensive unit in the 2025 season. It started with a simple yet daunting exercise.

"First day, he was like, he got in the meeting. Hey guys, we're going to hand out this sheet of paper. I want you to write the best five players on this defense and the worst five players on this defense," Caleb Downs said. "If you say yourself and a coach doesn't say you, you're lying. And then there were a couple of dudes that were sitting there like, dang bro. 'Cause they wrote their names and everybody was like [stunned]."
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Having coached in the NFL for two decades, Patricia brought elite pro-ball standards. Players particularly noted his install meetings, film study push, and pre-snap reads that mirrored his elite Patriots team that won three Super Bowls with him. Even after the season ended, Matt Patricia was giving the required nudge, helping them prepare for the pre-draft process. Most importantly, OSU's defense created history on the field.

The Buckeyes gave up just 219.1 yards and 9.3 points per game in 2025. That's not all, though. OSU also led the country in red-zone defense efficiency and allowed the fewest first downs. No wonder Patricia was a finalist for the reputed Broyles Award. And this year, as he is in his second season, that award might finally dot his trophy cabinet.

BuckBackHome said:

TN is like the fat chick stalking you.

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FIFY

cmstophe said:

Tennessee pushing for DJ now per Wiltfong.

Here we go.

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To be expected. Just like Miami hasn't given up either. We all knew that this would be a battle until the end, and Jacobs is going to get some insane offers. The commitment was just to the top of the first hill on the roller coaster, we're now going full speed ahead and about to hit some massive loopty loops

cmstophe said:

Tennessee pushing for DJ now per Wiltfong.

Here we go.

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TN is like the bitter ex.

Crump's brother said:

Agreed. I also think that all this "football is a chore in Columbus" is just a smokescreen for "I'm not going to admit I went there for the money/perks".

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Yeah, I fully agree there! He knows the optics of coming out in saying that. But let's be honest, we all know, and many of us understand.

Tennessee pushing for DJ now per Wiltfong.

Here we go.

ORD_Buckeye said:

Well, at least it's not Monster.

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Putting an M anywhere on that jersey would/should be a death sentence

There's a duplex a few doors from my house. There are lots of duplexes. But this one in particular I guess is a group home, if that's what it's called. They have a bunch of people who need assistance to live living in there. And workers come and go all the time. I don't know the level of assistance that the residents need. I don't think they're on life support. I get the feeling that they have people who are in their 30's, but have the mental age of 5-10.
Anyway, my point: that house smells of marijuana smoke all the time. The people drive up and park, and the cars smell of marijuana. You're responsible for other people. Wait until you get home. Ugh.

And my niece used to work as a teacher at an elementary school. She said she used to help the parents drop kids off in front of the school. They'd open the door and the smell would knock her over. They're smoking in front of their small kids... in the car.
And the loud gangsta rap music. Ugh.

Well, at least it's not Monster.

Going back to yesteryear, Woody would only recruit tackles. If they didn't have footspeed, long arms, etc. then they were moved to guards or center. Guess the old adage is still in play, 'recruit the kid, and let him find his position later on'. Instead of recruiting bulky guys, UFM started recruiting speed (much like SEC). Now, the Buckeyes have both speed and strength (thanks Coach Mick). Guess the only thing one cannot teach is heighth. The rest can be taught. Seem to recollect that Ted Ginn was recruited to play one position, but he ultimately shone on the other side of the ball. Believe the system behind recruiting is so evolved now, what with testing, testing, doing something different etc (clear I don't know all that this entails), and have the kid find out what he's good at, and what he enjoys. Most of the good college athletes played both ways at their HS. Anyway, just be glad all we really have to do is turn on the tube, pop a cold one, and enjoy the show on tv. Go Bucks

Well, Jack says a kid needs to just rip it early on, and then learn finesse (hitting fairways) as that progresses. Looks like that platitude is still valid.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims artificial intelligence has reached a long-sought threshold in which the technology can improve itself, unleashing rapid progress that may prove difficult to fully control.

The milestone, known as the singularity, promises significant benefits for society, Altman said, appearing to rebuke concern among critics about the societal threat posed by wide adoption of AI.

"We’re now, like, in the singularity," Altman said in an episode of a podcast called "Relentless," which came out on Saturday. “Now we’re actually in the moment that we used to talk about at the lunch table in a very not-serious way."

“I’ve been waiting for this my whole life, and I think it’s going to be incredible, hugely positive, awesome for the world," Altman added.

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pnuts34 said:

Per 11w poster:

No way would expect OSU not only to give him a 7 figure deal that high, but in no way would I want them to also provide PJ access to his family.

Kudos to him for getting it though. Get paid young man

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Agreed. I also think that all this "football is a chore in Columbus" is just a smokescreen for "I'm not going to admit I went there for the money/perks".

Thump said:

I smell behind cats EVERYWHERE!

Morning commute, SERIOUSLY?

I smell it on the interstate.

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If you have to do a wake and bake before work you don't have issues, you have subscriptions.

39 days

Malik Harrison

Bestbuck36 said:

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I'm just saying, that list is fantastic but it's missing that guy who won't be denied short yardage. Maybe it wont work out, maybe it will. Keeping those brothers from a competitor is also a plus.

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It's peak Lunatic Fringe to take a tweet that literally says "Ohio State has zero desperation for a RB" and use it in your argument for signing a LB to play RB

Thump said:

I smell behind cats EVERYWHERE!.

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This explains at least part of your problem. Stop snorting feline anus and maybe you won't be so angry.

Crump's brother said:

I'm as 420 friendly as anyone on the Planet, but don't be under the influence if you are driving or in public. Losers. I don't want to share the road with them, or smell it either.

Do that stuff at home.

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I smell behind cats EVERYWHERE!

Morning commute, SERIOUSLY?

I smell it on the interstate.

Thump said:

People smoking/vaping marijuana at parks, in their cars, outside stores/restaurants.

I am so sick of it. The horrible smell is EVERYWHERE!

GTFOH!

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I'm as 420 friendly as anyone on the Planet, but don't be under the influence if you are driving or in public. Losers. I don't want to share the road with them, or smell it either.

Do that stuff at home.

Bestbuck36 said:

Lunatic Fringe? I approve

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I certainly have my moments.

Thump said:

People smoking/vaping marijuana at parks, in their cars, outside stores/restaurants.

I am so sick of it. The horrible smell is EVERYWHERE!

GTFOH!

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How about the people on your lawn?