Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day didn’t hold back when discussing the aftermath of his team’s loss to Michigan. He acknowledged the severe impact it had on his program, but also emphasized how his players had used that defeat as fuel for an incredible comeback. Since that tough loss, the Buckeyes have answered with resilience, tearing through three consecutive College Football Playoff title contenders. Their next challenge comes in the form of Notre Dame in the National Championship game, where they will aim to cap off this remarkable journey.
The transformation from the team that lost to Michigan on November 30 to the powerhouse that has dominated in the postseason is nothing short of remarkable. Day, in an interview with College Football Insider Brett McMurphy of Action Network, explained how his squad was able to bounce back from that crushing defeat. Day’s response was straightforward and revealing: “That’s the sobering reality of this game, that nobody cares about what you go through, and you’ve got to win that final one to finish the mission. That’s it for our guys, and as much as some of these wins have been great wins for us, to me, it’s about winning this final game. Our guys will have learned a lot about life over the last month. It’s been a tight group. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.” This honest reflection highlights the challenges of college football, where past accomplishments can be quickly overshadowed by one last, crucial game.
For this Ohio State team, the outcome of Monday’s National Championship will ultimately determine their legacy. The loss to Michigan was a crushing blow, not just emotionally but also in terms of the team’s standing. With that defeat, Ohio State lost its place in the Big Ten Championship and, more importantly, its chance at a higher seed in the College Football Playoff. As the No. 8 seed, they faced an uphill battle to reach the championship, but their play since then has shown they are capable of reclaiming their status as one of the nation’s top teams.
After an impressive blowout victory over Tennessee, the Buckeyes bounced back in dramatic fashion with a statement win over top-ranked Oregon. The Cotton Bowl against No. 3 Texas proved to be a tougher challenge, but Ohio State emerged victorious, with senior defensive end Jack Sawyer sealing the win with an unforgettable 83-yard scoop-and-score. This stretch of games, especially the win over Texas, demonstrated the resilience and talent Ohio State possesses, a far cry from the team that faltered against Michigan.
Interestingly, that loss to Michigan might have ultimately been a blessing in disguise for Ohio State’s title hopes. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s strategy against Michigan was puzzling, with an overreliance on the ground game that went against the team’s strengths. Ohio State’s elite wide receivers, like Jeremiah Smith, were underutilized, and the offense never clicked as it should have. However, since then, the Buckeyes’ offense has undergone a dramatic shift, and they now look much more in sync heading into the National Championship. Their ability to adapt and evolve has been critical to their success in the postseason, and they will need to continue this trend against Notre Dame’s tough, balanced defense.
Quarterback Will Howard and the rest of the Ohio State offense will need to execute early and often against Notre Dame’s defense to break down their resistance. The Fighting Irish are known for their defensive prowess, but Howard’s arm and the skill positions around him give the Buckeyes a clear advantage if they can execute their game plan effectively.
Throughout this stretch of games, Ryan Day’s team has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. The Buckeyes have played with a chip on their shoulder, using the pain of the Michigan loss as motivation to prove their worth. As they head into the National Championship game in New Orleans, they are undoubtedly the favorites, but the sting of their rivalry defeat and the absence of a Big Ten Championship title means that much of their legacy will be defined by the outcome of Monday night’s contest.
A victory would not only crown Ohio State as national champions but could also be the sweetest and most satisfying championship in the program’s storied history. In the end, it will be the culmination of their remarkable turnaround and the perfect way to silence any doubts about their ability to rebound from adversity.
