Ohio State Buckeyes Rally Behind Ryan Day in Dominant CFP Win, Set Sights on Rose Bowl Showdown
The atmosphere inside Ohio Stadium reached a fever pitch on Saturday, as the Ohio State Buckeyes delivered an emphatic 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the College Football Playoff’s first round. The blowout win not only reaffirmed Ohio State’s place among the elite in college football but also marked a dramatic rebound for head coach Ryan Day, who, just two weeks earlier, had been subjected to some of the harshest criticism of his career following another defeat to Michigan.
As the clock wound down and Ohio State’s players celebrated, senior leader Jack Sawyer walked up to Coach Ryan Day with a triumphant grin, pulling him close for a few words that symbolized the Buckeyes’ resilience. “All ‘Day’ long,” Sawyer said, a phrase that encapsulated the team’s performance and its coach’s redemption after facing intense scrutiny. The line wasn’t Sawyer’s own, but it would soon become a rallying cry, something the Buckeyes would carry into their next challenge.
Sawyer credits Ohio State’s media relations manager, Jerry Emig, for first using the phrase, but once it was out there, it resonated deeply with the team. The victory against Tennessee wasn’t just a statement win for the Buckeyes—it was a reaffirmation of their faith in their coach and in each other. “I’d go to war with him any day,” Sawyer continued, his words dripping with respect and loyalty. “I’d commit to him a hundred times over, if I could. This is a huge win for him.”
The Comeback After the Michigan Loss
The road to this point had been anything but easy. For Ryan Day, the loss to Michigan in the regular season finale had been gut-wrenching, both personally and professionally. The defeat marked the third consecutive year the Wolverines had beaten the Buckeyes, and this one seemed especially brutal as it cost Ohio State the Big Ten Championship and all but eliminated them from contention for a top spot in the Playoff.
The loss to Michigan had placed Day’s future under intense scrutiny. Critics, including some within the Buckeye fan base, had begun to question whether the coach was the right fit for a program that expected nothing less than a national championship. Social media was rife with calls for Day’s job, and the media was quick to pile on. With a $37 million buyout looming, the questions about Day’s future became louder and more persistent.
Yet, Ohio State’s administration and its players stood firm behind their coach. Despite the external noise, Day’s winning percentage—an impressive .870 as of Saturday’s win—spoke volumes about his effectiveness. But in the world of college football, success is often measured by championships, and Day had yet to win a national title. The loss to Michigan only intensified the pressure.
But after the win against Tennessee, any doubts about Ryan Day’s future seemed to fade. The victory was a reminder that, while Day hadn’t yet reached the pinnacle of the sport, his leadership, talent, and ability to guide Ohio State through adversity were undeniable. “We’re a family here,” said Day after the game. “The way this team responded, the way they came together, is a testament to the culture we’ve built. We’ve got a lot more football left to play, but this win was huge for us and for this program.”
A Stadium Full of Orange: The Vols and Their Fans
The road to redemption for Day and Ohio State wasn’t without its challenges. Despite being the home team, the Buckeyes found themselves facing an unexpected sea of orange in their own stadium. Tennessee fans, excited about their team’s unexpected playoff run, had purchased large numbers of tickets to flood Ohio Stadium, creating a surreal atmosphere. It was as if the Vols were playing at home, and early in the game, their presence was palpable.
Tennessee fans’ noise had an impact from the start, influencing a false start penalty on Ohio State during their first drive. The Buckeyes had to quickly find a way to shake off the distraction and focus on their game. As the Vols fans chanted and made their presence felt, it seemed like a test of Ohio State’s resolve. The Buckeyes passed that test with flying colors.
Two plays after the penalty, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard connected with star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a beautiful touchdown pass, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Ohio State scored on each of their first three drives, quickly putting the Vols on the back foot. By the time the second quarter rolled around, Tennessee fans were already heading for the exits, defeated by the overwhelming strength of the Buckeyes.
In the final moments of the game, Ohio State fans, who had been critical of their team just weeks earlier, turned the tables and began chanting, “S-E-C! S-E-C!” in a mocking tone aimed at the Tennessee faithful. It was a fitting end to a game where Ohio State had firmly reasserted their dominance on both sides of the ball.
A Day of Redemption for Ryan Day
After the game, Ryan Day stood at the center of the chaos, surrounded by his players and the sounds of celebration. For a man who had been vilified by some in the fan base just weeks earlier, the contrast was striking. Ohio State’s players lavished praise on Day, acknowledging how much they appreciated his leadership.
“I love that coach to death. That’s my coach,” said senior defensive end JT Tuimoloau. “Best coach in the nation.” While Tuimoloau’s words may have sounded like hyperbole, they were a reflection of the team’s respect for Day, who had led them to a dominant performance after all the challenges they had faced.
As the CFP executive director Rich Clark presented Day with a commemorative game ball, the Ohio State coach stood next to Clark with a stoic expression, clearly focused on what lay ahead. His players, on the other hand, were all smiles, thrilled with the victory and eager for the challenges that awaited them.
“I’m proud of this team, proud of how they responded after everything we’ve been through,” Day said. “But we’re not done yet. We’ve got a big test ahead of us in the Rose Bowl.”
Looking Ahead: The Rose Bowl and Beyond
Next up for Ohio State is a formidable challenge in the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, a team that has had a fantastic season under head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks have one of the most potent offenses in the country, led by quarterback Bo Nix, and their defense has been stingy all year. The game promises to be a tough test for the Buckeyes, but after the way they handled Tennessee, there’s a sense of belief in the locker room that they can go all the way.
“Everyone’s counting us out after the Michigan loss,” said quarterback Will Howard. “But this team has the heart to keep pushing forward. We’ll be ready for Oregon.”
While Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, remains the team to beat in the playoff, Ohio State has reminded everyone that they’re still a national title contender. Ryan Day’s coaching ability, along with his team’s resilience, is putting the Buckeyes in position to make a serious run at the championship.
For Ohio State, the journey is far from over. With confidence, momentum, and the full support of their coach, the Buckeyes are ready to tackle their next challenge head-on, with the Rose Bowl and a potential national championship in their sights. The road ahead may be tough, but after their dominant win over Tennessee, no one is underestimating them anymore.
