Ohio State’s Ryan Day completed a long, painful climb to the pinnacle of college football with a triumphant victory over Notre Dame. As the final notes of “Carmen Ohio” resonated throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Buckeyes’ players and coaches celebrated by forming the iconic letters of their home state. This cherished tradition, embraced after every game regardless of the outcome, reached a euphoric peak on Monday night when Ohio State secured its ninth national championship with a 34-23 win. The atmosphere was electric as fans proudly chanted, “Dear Alma Mater … O-H-I-O!”
On the celebratory platform, Ryan Day took a moment to reflect on his journey. Instead of joining his team in the traditional arm movements that conclude the song, he raised the gleaming 50-pound trophy made of gold, bronze, and stainless steel. This moment symbolized not just a victory, but the culmination of years spent navigating the pressures of coaching at a high level.
“In today’s world, so much is tied to wins and losses, especially with social media buzzing,” Day remarked shortly after midnight. “When you take on this role, you must be resilient enough to weather the storms. Coming through this, it feels like a richer story.” His words echoed the challenges faced not just by him, but by many in the competitive landscape of college football.
The narrative of Ohio State’s victory is defined by an explosive offense that achieved touchdowns on its first four drives, converting nine out of twelve third-down attempts. They surged ahead with a commanding 31-7 lead by the middle of the third quarter. Equally significant was the defense, which, after a shaky start, tightened its grip, allowing only 11 yards in the next four series. Jayden Fielding, the kicker, played a crucial role, successfully executing field goals from 46 and 33 yards to keep Notre Dame at bay. A pivotal third-down conversion involving freshman standout Jeremiah Smith sealed the game with a remarkable 56-yard completion.
Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame, expressed his admiration for Day’s leadership. “I’m not surprised by his success,” Freeman stated. “He was made for this. He led the team through adversity, and the players recognize his strength. It often felt like it was us against the world.” This sentiment highlights the camaraderie and resilience within the Ohio State program.
Fans gathered near SkyView Atlanta, the towering Ferris wheel, showcasing their spirit. Some donned whimsical shamrock hats, while the Notre Dame equipment truck boldly proclaimed its history with “11 CONSENSUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS,” reminding everyone of the storied legacy of the Fighting Irish.
For a fleeting moment, the prospect of a Notre Dame victory felt tangible. Their opening drive, an 18-play, 75-yard march led by quarterback Riley Leonard, momentarily ignited hopes among fans. Leonard’s touchdown run gave the Fighting Irish an early lead, prompting a deafening cheer from their supporters. Day, visibly taken aback, used the media timeout to analyze plays on his tablet, adjusting his strategy.
Linebacker Cody Simon acknowledged the team’s initial struggle. “That first drive was not like us. We expected to dominate,” he said. However, dominance soon followed, with Day’s emotional investment evident as he celebrated each score. He cheered as tailback Quinshon Judkins powered into the end zone, and he expressed relief when a Notre Dame penalty was called, showcasing his passion for the game.
In the final moments, as Gatorade drenched him, Day’s joy was palpable. He leaped into the arms of offensive tackle Josh Fryar, celebrating a hard-earned victory. Just 20 minutes after the trophy ceremony, Day walked off the field under the cheers of thousands of Ohio State fans. This was a stark contrast to just seven weeks prior, when he faced criticism after a loss to Michigan. This time, he raised his hand in acknowledgment of the support he received, a testament to the resilience of both the coach and the team.
