Throwback to When Lou Holtz Threw Shade at the Ohio State Football Team in 2023: A Controversial Moment in College Football
The world of college football is known for its fierce rivalries, passionate fanbases, and colorful personalities. Among those personalities, one name stands out for his tenure as head coach, his championship pedigree, and his unapologetic style of commentary: Lou Holtz. Holtz, who led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to national prominence during his tenure as head coach from 1986 to 1996, is a beloved figure in college football. Known for his humor, sharp wit, and no-nonsense attitude, Holtz has often been in the spotlight, both for his coaching achievements and his outspoken opinions.
In 2023, however, Holtz made headlines once again—but this time, it wasn’t for his coaching or commentary about Notre Dame. Instead, it was for a controversial remark he made about the Ohio State Buckeyes football team that sparked national attention and set off a firestorm of debates in the college football world. In what can only be described as a moment of unfiltered candidness, Holtz threw shade at Ohio State, offering a critical and scathing assessment of the program. The comment not only resonated across the college football landscape but also served as a reminder of Holtz’s penchant for bold takes that challenge the status quo.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Lou Holtz’s 2023 remarks about Ohio State, examining the context, the fallout, and the impact these comments had on the college football community. We’ll explore the history between Holtz and Ohio State, the underlying message of his comments, and the broader implications of the situation. This throwback will provide a fascinating look at how one remark from a respected figure can reverberate throughout the sport and ignite debates that persist for weeks.
The Context: Holtz’s History with Ohio State
Before we dive into the specific comments Holtz made about Ohio State in 2023, it’s essential to understand the historical context surrounding Holtz and the Buckeyes. Holtz, who spent over 30 years coaching at the collegiate level, developed a reputation as a fiery competitor and a coach who was never afraid to speak his mind. During his time as head coach of Notre Dame, Holtz’s teams frequently faced off against Ohio State in big games, including bowl games and regular-season matchups.
While Holtz’s tenure at Notre Dame was marked by success—including a national championship win in 1988—his relationship with Ohio State, and its fans, was often characterized by a mixture of rivalry and respect. Holtz has often spoken highly of the Ohio State program in interviews, acknowledging the Buckeyes’ tradition and success in the college football world. However, there has always been a palpable tension between the two programs, fueled by their high-stakes matchups and competitive nature.
In 2023, Holtz’s comments regarding Ohio State came after a particularly intense season. The Buckeyes had once again found themselves at the forefront of the national conversation, finishing the regular season with an impressive record and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. At the same time, Notre Dame’s season had been marked by ups and downs, with the Irish finishing just outside of the playoff picture but still making a solid run in a competitive season.
With the backdrop of both teams being in the national spotlight, Holtz’s remarks about Ohio State were bound to draw attention. The fact that Holtz had been a vocal supporter of Notre Dame—and a critic of Ohio State’s style of play—added fuel to the fire, especially when his comments were seen as disparaging and loaded with underlying tension.
The Moment: Holtz’s Remarks About Ohio State in 2023
In a series of comments made during a segment on ESPN in late 2023, Lou Holtz took aim at Ohio State’s football program, delivering a scathing critique that quickly became a hot topic of discussion among fans, analysts, and players alike. The remarks came in response to Ohio State’s performance throughout the season and its potential to win the national championship.
Holtz, who was analyzing Ohio State’s performance in the College Football Playoff, began by acknowledging the Buckeyes’ impressive roster and overall talent. However, it didn’t take long for Holtz to pivot to a more critical tone, claiming that Ohio State’s success was built more on “flash” than substance. He criticized the Buckeyes for what he described as “style over substance” and argued that the team’s high-powered offense—while impressive—lacked the toughness and grit that teams like Notre Dame and other championship contenders possessed.
The most controversial part of Holtz’s comments, however, was his assertion that Ohio State was a “soft” team that relied too heavily on talent rather than physicality and mental toughness. Holtz claimed that, while Ohio State’s offense was exciting to watch, it wasn’t the type of football that would win championships in the long run. He argued that teams with a strong defensive foundation and a more balanced attack—like Notre Dame, in his view—were better positioned for success in the postseason.
Holtz also made pointed remarks about Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, questioning whether Day could lead the team to a national title. Holtz, who is known for his frank assessments, openly doubted Day’s ability to build a program that could compete with the very best, citing past playoff performances and struggles in key moments. His comments about Day were interpreted by many as an attack on the coach’s leadership and ability to manage in high-pressure situations.
The remark that truly captured the attention of the college football world, however, was when Holtz stated, “Ohio State may have the talent, but they don’t have the toughness to win it all. You need more than flashy plays to be champions. You need heart, grit, and the will to push through adversity. Ohio State doesn’t have that.”
The Fallout: National Reaction to Holtz’s Comments
Naturally, Holtz’s comments did not go unnoticed. In fact, they set off a firestorm of reaction across the college football world. Fans of Ohio State were quick to take offense, with many taking to social media and sports forums to defend their team and their coach. The Buckeyes’ fanbase, which is one of the most passionate and vocal in the country, wasted no time in expressing their frustration with Holtz’s words. Some Ohio State supporters called Holtz’s comments disrespectful, accusing him of bias due to his long history with Notre Dame.
Several former and current players from Ohio State also weighed in on the controversy. Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes’ star wide receiver, took to Twitter to dismiss Holtz’s critique, claiming that the Buckeyes had proven their toughness on the field and were ready to prove their doubters wrong. Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg echoed those sentiments in an interview, saying that the team was motivated by the “disrespect” they felt from outsiders and critics like Holtz.
Even Ryan Day, the Ohio State head coach, addressed the comments during a press conference, stating that while he respected Holtz’s legacy in college football, he disagreed with the assessment of his team. Day emphasized that Ohio State had shown resilience and toughness throughout the season and that their focus was on winning the national championship, not on responding to outside criticism.
The situation also prompted discussions among college football analysts, who debated Holtz’s comments on national television. Some pundits sided with Holtz, agreeing that Ohio State’s reliance on flashy plays could potentially be their undoing in big-game situations. Others, however, defended the Buckeyes, noting their strong track record under Day and their ability to perform in high-pressure games.
The Underlying Message: Holtz’s Critique of Style vs. Substance
While the fallout from Holtz’s comments was immediate and intense, it’s important to analyze the underlying message of his critique. Holtz’s words were not merely an attack on Ohio State’s talent or coach; rather, they were a broader commentary on the nature of modern college football and the balance between style and substance.
Holtz has always been a proponent of tough, physical football. His tenure at Notre Dame was built on an ethos of discipline, hard work, and a balanced approach to the game. His comments about Ohio State’s “flashiness” were a reflection of his belief that teams need to have more than just a high-powered offense to win championships. For Holtz, success in college football is often determined by a team’s ability to dominate in the trenches, play physical defense, and maintain poise under pressure.
In that sense, Holtz’s remarks can be seen as a call for teams to return to a more traditional, blue-collar approach to the game. He was advocating for teams like Notre Dame, which prioritize a strong defense and a balanced offensive attack, to be the models for success in the modern era. While Ohio State’s offense had been impressive, Holtz felt that the Buckeyes were not built for sustained championship runs unless they developed more mental and physical toughness.
Conclusion: Holtz’s Legacy of Bold Commentary
In the end, Lou Holtz’s 2023 remarks about Ohio State were a classic example of the unfiltered and bold commentary that has characterized his long career. While his comments sparked controversy and debate, they also highlighted Holtz’s enduring legacy as a figure who is never afraid to speak his mind—no matter how unpopular or controversial his opinions may be.
For Ohio State, the comments may have served as additional fuel to their fire as they continued their pursuit of a national championship. For Holtz, they were simply another example of his passion for the game and his belief in the values that have shaped his coaching philosophy. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, there’s no denying that Lou Holtz’s words in 2023 added a memorable chapter to the ongoing story of college football rivalries, coaching legends, and the ever-evolving conversation about the future of the sport.
