COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State football coach Ryan Day’s calm, measured demeanor cracked a bit Thursday in his final meeting with reporters before Saturday’s game against Maryland.

Asked about the punt block the Buckeyes allowed against Wisconsin — after the Badgers nearly blocked two other attempts — Day could not contain his disgust. Never mind that the play occurred in a game Ohio State won 38-7. Day said the staff and team were “embarrassed.”

“Completely unacceptable,” said Day, who said the protection was addressed both during the off week and this week. "The whole thing was ridiculous. We’re getting it fixed.

“It was a block-spot issue. Several people were at fault. We’re not going to let it happen again.”

Wisconsin cornerback Alexander Smith got a hand on the Drue Chrisman punt, deflecting it out of bounds for a 13-yard net to the Ohio State 30. The Badgers scored three plays later to cut the Ohio State lead to 10-7. Prior to the block, Wisconsin had struggled to gain any traction against the Buckeyes’ defense.

Ohio State responded with an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and led 24-7 at the end of the quarter.

The blocked punt was the first allowed by Ohio State all season. Cincinnati blocked a Buckeye field goal attempt during a 42-0 OSU victory on Sept. 7.

Day looked past the minor effect that play had on the win over Wisconsin to imagine the impact it could have on the tough games still remaining on the Buckeyes’ schedule.

“It can absolutely get us beat,” Day said. “It could have got us beat (that) Saturday.”

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