Ryan Day’s Feelings: Ohio State’s Focus on Tennessee and the College Football Playoffs

As the calendar transitions to December, the Ohio State Buckeyes, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, have shifted their focus to an upcoming clash with the Tennessee Volunteers, while also keeping a keen eye on the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. With the intensity of the college football season heating up, Day’s feelings about the program’s current state are a mix of optimism, determination, and pride. After a regular season filled with both triumphs and challenges, Ohio State finds itself in a position where every game matters, and Day’s leadership will be key in guiding the team through this pivotal time.

The 2024 Season: A Journey of Growth

The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Ohio State. Starting off strong, the Buckeyes demonstrated their dominance in key matchups, but the road to the playoffs has not been free of obstacles. Ryan Day’s squad faced significant tests, including a hard-fought victory over Penn State and a thrilling comeback win against Notre Dame. As the season continued, the Buckeyes struggled in certain aspects, particularly in their rivalry games, but their resilience and ability to stay focused have brought them back into the playoff conversation.

Day, who took over the program in 2018 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, has proven to be an excellent head coach, but the expectations have always been sky-high. Ohio State is one of the most storied programs in college football, with a long history of success, including national championships, Heisman winners, and NFL stars. For Ryan Day, there is always pressure to meet the lofty goals set by the school and its passionate fan base. However, despite this pressure, Day remains calm and confident, understanding that his team’s development over the course of the season is what truly matters.

The Tennessee Game: A New Challenge

With a regular season record that positioned Ohio State well in the playoff hunt, the Buckeyes now face a critical non-conference game against the Tennessee Volunteers. While Ohio State is undoubtedly focused on the bigger prize—the College Football Playoff—this matchup with Tennessee has become a significant point of focus for Ryan Day and his players.

Tennessee, led by head coach Josh Heupel, is a team that has steadily improved over the past few seasons. After a strong 2023 campaign, where the Volunteers made their own push for the playoff, Tennessee has proven to be a dangerous and explosive offensive team. Their high-powered passing game, led by quarterback Joe Milton, and a defense that has shown flashes of brilliance will pose a serious challenge to Ohio State.

For Ryan Day, preparing for a team like Tennessee requires both tactical acumen and a psychological approach. The Volunteers are known for their quick-strike offense, so Ohio State’s defense will need to be prepared to face a fast-paced and dynamic attack. Tennessee’s offensive line, which has seen considerable improvement, will be tasked with handling the Buckeyes’ ferocious front seven, and Day’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, will need to find a way to stifle Tennessee’s aerial assault.

On the other hand, Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, will need to capitalize on Tennessee’s defense. The Volunteers have shown vulnerabilities in their secondary, so Ohio State’s wide receivers, particularly Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, will need to make big plays downfield. Day’s play-calling will be crucial in exploiting these weaknesses, ensuring that his offense is able to put points on the board while controlling the tempo of the game.

Despite Tennessee’s threats, Ryan Day remains focused on his team’s ability to play their style of football. For Day, it’s not just about the opponent; it’s about the execution of Ohio State’s game plan. His confidence in the Buckeyes’ talent is unwavering, and he believes that if his team plays up to their potential, they can dominate in any matchup, including Tennessee.

The College Football Playoffs: A Road to Glory

As the regular season draws to a close, the focus for Ohio State and Ryan Day naturally shifts toward the College Football Playoff. This is a familiar territory for the Buckeyes, who have been in the playoff discussion multiple times since its inception in 2014. However, each year brings new challenges and obstacles, and this season is no different.

The CFP is an incredibly competitive landscape, with elite teams from across the country vying for a spot in the final four. Ryan Day has been in the playoff hunt before, having led Ohio State to the CFP in 2020, where they ultimately fell to Alabama in the national championship game. While the experience of being in the playoffs is invaluable, Day understands that each year is a new opportunity, and the path to the title is never easy.

For Day, the focus right now is on ensuring that Ohio State continues to play its best football at the most critical time of the season. While there are still several weeks of football to be played, the Buckeyes’ fate will largely depend on their performance in the remaining games, including the matchup with Tennessee. A win against the Volunteers would bolster their resume, adding another significant victory that could help secure a spot in the playoff.

But Ryan Day’s approach to the playoff is more than just a matter of winning individual games. It’s about managing his team’s overall mentality and ensuring that his players are ready for the intense pressure that comes with competing for a national championship. He knows that the spotlight of the CFP can either elevate or overwhelm a team, and he will be working tirelessly to ensure that his players remain grounded, focused, and motivated.

Ohio State’s roster is filled with talent, and Day has emphasized the importance of executing in all phases of the game. On offense, McCord has grown throughout the season, and with his playmakers like Harrison Jr., Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield, the Buckeyes are capable of explosive performances. Defensively, Ohio State has the talent to match up with any team in the nation. Players like defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and cornerback Denzel Burke have the ability to disrupt opposing offenses, and Day will look to these leaders to guide the defense through the playoff gauntlet.

Ryan Day’s Leadership and Team Mentality

Ryan Day’s feelings as Ohio State focuses on both the Tennessee game and the College Football Playoffs reflect his deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football. Day is not one to shy away from pressure; instead, he embraces it, knowing that his leadership will be the foundation upon which his players can build their success.

His approach is methodical, focused on preparation, and always centered on the growth of his players. Ryan Day is not just a strategist; he is a leader who invests in his team’s mental and emotional well-being. He understands that the mental aspect of football is just as important as the physical one, especially in high-stakes games like the upcoming Tennessee matchup and the eventual College Football Playoff.

In the days leading up to the Tennessee game, Day has likely been instilling a sense of urgency in his players. He knows that this game is a chance to prove that Ohio State is ready for the playoffs. Every rep in practice, every film session, and every moment in the locker room is about preparing for the unique challenge that Tennessee presents. It is also a chance for Day to emphasize the importance of staying focused and playing with a sense of purpose, knowing that this game could be the difference between a top seed in the CFP and a more difficult road to the championship.

The Bigger Picture: Ohio State’s Legacy

For Ryan Day, this season is not just about individual games or even the playoff itself. It is about continuing the legacy of Ohio State football. The Buckeyes are one of the most successful programs in college football history, and Day has the opportunity to add to that legacy by guiding Ohio State to another national title. But beyond the hardware and the accolades, Day is focused on developing young men who can thrive both on and off the field.

The future of Ohio State football looks bright with Day at the helm. With recruiting, player development, and a commitment to excellence, the program is well-positioned to remain a powerhouse in college football for years to come. While the immediate goal is the College Football Playoff, Day’s long-term vision for Ohio State includes sustained success and a culture of winning that extends beyond any one season.

As the Buckeyes head into the final stretch of the season, Day’s feelings are clear: the focus is on Tennessee, the preparation for the College Football Playoffs is intensifying, and Ohio State is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.