Ohio State silenced critics with a resounding victory over Tennessee, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for Ryan Day, the head coach. Just three weeks prior, on November 30, Day stood amidst chaos after a disappointing loss to Michigan, where players sought medical help and frustrated fans vented their anger. The atmosphere was tense, filled with disappointment as the Buckeyes faced their fourth consecutive defeat against their rivals. Day felt the weight of the moment, rooted at the 24-yard line, grappling with disbelief as turmoil unfolded around him.
Fast forward to Saturday night, and the scene was dramatically different. Following a College Football Playoff game against Tennessee, Day and his coaching staff executed a masterful game plan, leading to a 42-17 victory. This win not only extended Ohio State’s season but also rekindled hopes of a national championship. The Buckeyes, having faced scrutiny and doubt, emerged as betting favorites against the top-seeded Oregon Ducks in the upcoming quarterfinals, reminiscent of their thrilling match earlier in the season.
To secure this rematch and advance to the semifinals, Ohio State needed to address several key areas. The offensive line required reinforcement due to injuries, while the passing game needed to regain its spark, particularly for standout receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. Additionally, the defense aimed to boost its pass rush, as veteran players Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau had not met expectations. Day recognized the urgency to restore confidence among fans who had questioned his leadership after the loss to Michigan.
“It had been a long lead-up for us,” Day shared in his postgame remarks. “To say it doesn’t weigh on you — it does. We have a lot of pride in who we are. These guys have a lot of pride.”
Day’s determination was evident even before the game. He positioned himself near the goal line during warmups, closely observing quarterback Will Howard as he executed passes to the talented receiving corps. For those following the program, the irony was palpable: Day, who had faced criticism for a conservative game plan against Michigan, was now witnessing the high-octane offense that fans had longed for.
“To win it all, you’ve got to win the first one,” offensive coordinator Chip Kelly emphasized. “Ryan did a great job keeping everybody focused. There really wasn’t any talk about what are we going to do on Jan. 20 because that didn’t mean anything if we didn’t take care of Dec. 21. Our guys were laser-focused on playing this game.”
Tennessee’s fans, eager to support their team, traveled from Knoxville, just 360 miles away. Many described the trip as a bucket list experience, filling hotels and the stadium with their enthusiasm. “I think they thought they were going to take over this place,” Howard remarked, highlighting the intensity of the fan rivalry.
As the game began, the atmosphere was charged, and Ohio State’s fans were anxious about the potential for disappointment. However, the Buckeyes quickly took control, leading by 21 points at the end of the first quarter and outgaining Tennessee by 217 total yards. The defense pressured quarterback Nico Iamaleava, limiting him to a mere 45.2% completion rate, the lowest of his season.
“I told them in the locker room that in life you’re going to be defined by the way you handle adversity,” Day reflected. “You could tell from the jump that they had a look in their eye that they were going to win this game. I thought they played that way.”
The joy in Day’s eyes was evident as the band played “Carmen Ohio,” celebrating a significant victory and the continuation of Ohio State’s season. He embraced his family just yards away from where the chaos had erupted weeks earlier. On this night, Day had not only silenced his critics but had also reaffirmed his commitment to the Buckeyes’ legacy.
