Don't call it an off week for Ohio State.

Coach Ryan Day has dubbed this week as “Improvement Week” for the Buckeyes, who will be idle this weekend before finishing their nonconference schedule with Marshall on Sept. 22.

The trick might be finding something the Buckeyes need to improve. Granted, Mid-American Conference opponents Akron and Western Michigan were overmatched as the Buckeyes outscored them 108-6. Ohio State's red zone defense remains a mystery because neither opponent got inside the Buckeyes' 20-yard line.

But Day is making sure his Buckeyes fight complacency. The team is practicing Tuesday through Thursday before getting the weekend off.

“We're calling it an improvement week because we need to continue to improve,” he said. “Everybody else in the country is playing this week for the most part, so we have to as well. We have to get each other better. Each player is going to be given things they need to improve on from their position coach.

More: Ryan Day happy for former Ohio State football QB Kyle McCord's strong start at Syracuse

“We've got to stay in rhythm. We'll have a good week of practice and think of it like a game week.”

Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles spoke Tuesday. Here are five highlights from what they said.

Ohio State offensive line made progress

After sputtering at times against Akron, Ohio State's offensive line was much sharper against Western Maryland, even with left guard Donovan Jackson remaining out. Jackson is expected to play against Marshall.

The Buckeyes averaged 7.7 yards per carry excluding the two sacks of backup Devin Brown.

More: Ohio State football reporters roundtable: Where the Buckeyes made progress in Week 2

“I think it was cleaner,” Day said of the line's play.

He said he noticed right tackle Josh Fryar running 50 yards downfield to make a block, right guard Tegra Tshabola plowing defenders into the ground on a couple of plays, center Seth McLaughlin also finishing blocks downfield and left tackle Josh Simmons doing the same near the sideline.

“To me, that's what we need to continue to work on and focus on and build on,” Day said. “Things were cleaner, but it's just a start. Bigger challenges are ahead.”

Ryan Day impressed with Will Howard's start

Howard has completed 64.8% of his passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns without an interception so far.

What impresses Day the most about the grad transfer from Kansas State is how comfortable he looks, befitting someone with four years of experience.

“He's got a poise out there,” Day said. “He's got a command out there that you can feel. I can feel it on the sideline.”

He said Howard has been able to translate information from practice or meeting rooms into his performance in games.

“I think I said during the preseason that I didn't feel we'd get an idea of the type of impact that Will would make until he's actually playing a football game because of his (6-4, 235-pound) size, his ability to run and ability to extend plays,” Day said.

Day has been pleased with Howard's accuracy with the exception of a few throws when his footwork was off.

C.J. Hicks playing time decreases

This was supposed to be a breakthrough season for the junior linebacker, a five-star recruit who was stuck behind multi-year starters Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg in Knowles' two-linebacker scheme.

But Hicks got only 16 snaps against Western Michigan after getting 33 against Akron. Sonny Styles has established himself as a clear starter, and captain Cody Simon returned last week after being held out of the opener.

Sophomore Arvell Reese got 20 snaps last week and clearly has gained favor with coaches.

Hicks' forte is blitzing, and Day said coaches have discussed playing him closer to the line of scrimmage. But with Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau and plenty of quality depth behind them at defensive end, there are not many snaps there to be had.

“We need to find a consistency there that we believe that he can do at linebacker,” Day said. “Although we have a few guys already, he needs to be part of that group.”

Against run-heavy offenses, Knowles will likely use three linebackers, and Day wants Hicks to be a part of that mix.

“He has to improve,” Day said. “He's got to continue to grow. We've seen him do it. We know he can do. It's just the consistency part of it.

“We believe in C.J. in a big way. I know (linebackers coach) James (Laurinatis) and everybody in that room is trying to get him there because we want and need him to play linebacker.”

Could Buckeyes get new kickoff returner?

Ohio State received only one kickoff in Saturday's shutout, and it didn't go well. Returner Jayden Ballard signaled for a fair catch even though the ball bounced to him, so the Buckeyes had to start its possession from their 6.

When Day was asked whether Ballard might be replaced in that role, Day didn't shoot down the possibility.

Ballard, a senior, has been surpassed on the depth chart at wide receiver by Brandon Inniss and other younger players.

“We think that Jayden Ballard had a really good offseason,” Day said.

Day noted that Ballard got a “gold” designation for his offseason work, the highest level.

“We've given him the opportunity to return kicks and a couple punts, but the No. 1 thing is taking care of the football,” Day said. “That has to happen. We believe in who Jayden is. But we've got to take care of the football, so we are going to evaluate it during this week and make sure that we're doing the right thing.”

Day, Knowles discuss Denzel Burke's targeting call

Cornerback Denzel Burke was ejecting for targeting when his helmet collided with a Western Michigan player's helmet as both players lowered their heads to brace for contact. That came a split-second after safety Caleb Downs made similar contact with the Broncos' player.

“I didn't really give him much of a coaching point there,” Day said. “I thought he was giving great effort. I gave him a hug and told him there's not much you can do about it right now and then I'll try to make sure I go to bat for you the best I can. And that's what I did.”

Knowles said the lesson is that players must keep their heads up when they make contact.

“It's unfortunate,” he said. “I understand the rules and trying to protect players. You just have to keep your head up. It's a gray area.

“Since football players put on helmets, the natural tendency is to kind of drop your head. You can eliminate a lot of errors and potential injuries (by) seeing what you hit. Keep your head up.”

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football press conference with Ryan Day, Jim Knowles