Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, holding his players accountable to the highest standards. This dedication is evident in his recent actions and statements, particularly concerning the team’s performance in the Cotton Bowl and their upcoming National Championship Game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Cotton Bowl Performance and Emphasis on Discipline
In the Cotton Bowl, the Buckeyes secured a victory over the Texas Longhorns, advancing to the National Championship Game. However, the win was marred by nine penalties totaling 75 yards, some of which were avoidable infractions that kept Texas in the game. Coach Day expressed his dissatisfaction with these mistakes, emphasizing the need for improved discipline and efficiency. He stated, “The issues are there… Efficiency is going to be something that we’ve got to do a much better job of if we’re going to win it.” citeturn0search0
Day highlighted a specific incident involving running back TreVeyon Henderson, who incurred a 15-yard unsportmanlike conduct penalty for retaliating against a Texas player. This penalty disrupted a potential scoring drive and underscored the importance of maintaining composure. Day remarked, “But to me, the story of this past game was the self-inflicted wounds that set us back and allowed us to be in the game in the fourth quarter, when we could have done a better job executing and made it a little bit of a bigger spread down the stretch.” citeturn0search0
Focus on Efficiency and Execution
Looking ahead to the National Championship Game against Notre Dame, Coach Day stressed the necessity for enhanced efficiency and execution. He emphasized that the team must eliminate self-inflicted errors to secure victory. Day stated, “We’ve got to play our best game against Notre Dame.” citeturn0search0
Accountability and Player Development
Coach Day’s approach to player development is rooted in accountability. Earlier in the season, he addressed the performance of offensive linemen Austin Siereveld and Tegra Tshabola, who were making their first career starts. Despite a 52-6 victory over Akron, Day expressed his expectations for the players, stating, “We expect to go out there and score every time we touch the ball and run the ball well… We’re not in the excuse-making business, so those guys have got to go out and play really, really well.” citeturn0search2
This candid feedback underscores Day’s commitment to excellence and his refusal to accept mediocrity, regardless of the opponent.
Preparation for Key Matchups
As the Buckeyes prepared for a critical game against Michigan State, Coach Day emphasized the importance of not underestimating any opponent. He noted that Michigan State had recently secured a road victory against Maryland, highlighting their potential threat. Day remarked, “It’s a conference game… They certainly have our attention.” citeturn0search3
This statement reflects Day’s strategic mindset, ensuring that his team remains focused and prepared for every challenge.
Response to External Criticism
Coach Day has also addressed external criticism regarding his tenure at Ohio State, particularly concerning the team’s performance against Michigan. He acknowledged the sting of consecutive losses to their archrival, stating, “Those are bad weeks in Columbus when you don’t win that game.” citeturn0search1
Despite the setbacks, Day remains resolute in his commitment to the program and its goals.
