Title: Ohio State Supporters and Ryan Day: A Love-Hate Relationship

Introduction:

Overview of the current state of Ohio State football, focusing on the complex and shifting relationship between the fanbase and head coach Ryan Day.
Mention how Day’s tenure has been defined by a rollercoaster of emotions: love, hate, and love again.
Briefly touch on Ohio State’s proud football history and high expectations.

Section 1: Early Days of Ryan Day’s Tenure

When Ryan Day took over as head coach in 2019, following Urban Meyer’s retirement, expectations were high.
The initial honeymoon period: strong performance, big wins, and Day’s smooth transition.
Key victories and early successes: beating Michigan, dominating the Big Ten, and a successful 2019 season.
The excitement surrounding Day and his potential to continue Ohio State’s dominance.

Section 2: The Rise of Criticism

The 2020 season and the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite winning the Big Ten and making it to the College Football Playoff, Day’s failure to secure a national title left some fans dissatisfied.
The narrow loss to Alabama and how it fueled criticisms of Day’s decision-making, particularly the defense and some high-profile game strategies.
The development of a vocal faction of the fanbase questioning his leadership after the national championship loss.
Ohio State fans are accustomed to winning national titles—anything less than that raises questions about the coach’s abilities.

Section 3: The Hate – A Turning Point

The 2021 season and a tough loss to Oregon early in the year, followed by a dramatic loss to Michigan in the final game of the regular season.
How these losses ignited a wave of criticism, with some fans demanding Day’s firing and questioning his ability to win against top-tier competition.
The growing narrative of Day’s inability to “get over the hump” against Michigan, despite having a superior roster.
Ryan Day’s response: managing expectations, defending his record, and maintaining confidence despite the growing discontent.

Section 4: Rebuilding and Redemption

The 2022 season as a turning point: Ryan Day’s ability to bounce back and refocus the team.
Ohio State’s strong run to the College Football Playoff, including a heartbreaking loss to Georgia in the semifinals, but showcasing significant improvement.
How Day handled the pressure in 2022 and started to regain some of the fanbase’s trust.
The “love” returns with the successful season, but still lingering doubts about the ability to close the deal.

Section 5: The Love-Hate Dynamic – The Rollercoaster

The intricate balance of Ohio State fans’ high expectations and their passionate attachment to the program.
The fluctuating dynamics after each win and loss: after a big win, Day is hailed as a genius; after a loss, his job is questioned.
Comparisons to other top programs where coaches face similar challenges, such as Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia, where the stakes are always high.
How Day manages the pressure of being the head coach of one of the most successful programs in college football history.

Section 6: The Future – Can Ryan Day Ever Truly Win Over the Fanbase?

As Ohio State continues to compete at a high level, the question of Ryan Day’s long-term standing at the school.
The consistent talent in recruiting, strong program development, and Day’s ability to adjust and innovate.
Whether Ryan Day will ever fully escape the cyclical nature of love and hate that is a part of coaching at a program like Ohio State.
The importance of winning national championships in defining a coach’s legacy, and if Day can ultimately overcome the “Michigan curse.”

Conclusion:

A reflection on the tumultuous journey Day has had with Ohio State fans: from love to hate and back to love, and how this mirrors the highs and lows of college football fandom.
Despite the criticism, Ryan Day’s ability to adapt and win has kept him in the conversation for one of the best coaches in the country.
The question remains: how much patience will the Ohio State faithful have, and can Day win them over permanently?

This outline would work for a 2,000-word piece, diving into the intricacies of Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State, exploring his wins and losses, both on the field and with the fanbase. The emotional rollercoaster of public perception reflects the intense scrutiny high-profile college coaches face, particularly at a blue-chip program like Ohio State.