ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was not shy about expressing his dissatisfaction with the College Football Playoff’s first round over the weekend. As a prominent host on “First Take,” Smith made it clear that he believes the postseason format requires a significant overhaul. The current system features 12 teams, with four conference champions receiving a first-round bye and an at-large Group of Five team included in the mix. This year, teams like Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Texas had the opportunity to host first-round playoff games, but Smith feels the excitement is lacking.
Ohio State’s Performance and Future Challenges
Ohio State’s impressive 42-17 victory against Tennessee was a statement win for head coach Ryan Day. It showcased his ability to lead the team in crucial moments. However, Smith’s frustration lies in the fact that Ohio State is set to face Oregon in the quarterfinals, a rematch of their earlier season clash. In that October showdown, Oregon narrowly defeated Ohio State 32-31 in a thrilling finish. Fans were eagerly anticipating a potential rematch in the national championship, but instead, it will take place in the Rose Bowl.
“What we have now is, Ohio State beats down Tennessee, and now they gotta go up against Oregon, who’s the No. 1 team in the nation, in the quarterfinals,” Smith lamented. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on as Ohio State aims to avenge their earlier loss.
Expectations for Ryan Day
Despite Ohio State’s recent success, Smith has not held back in his criticism of Ryan Day. With an impressive record of 67-10 as head coach, Day has undeniably proven his coaching prowess. However, Smith points out that the legacy of past coaches like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer casts a long shadow. “When Ryan Day got the job, they hadn’t won a national championship since 2014. They hadn’t won the Big Ten since 2020, and you got four straight losses to Michigan,” Smith noted.
The expectations for Day are clear: beat Michigan and compete for national championships. With a $20 million NIL roster and 11 NFL-caliber players on the team, the pressure to deliver is immense. Smith expressed his bewilderment over Day’s 13-10 loss to Michigan, questioning, “What possible excuse do you have?”
The Stakes of the Rose Bowl
As Ohio State prepares for the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET, and the Buckeyes are looking to make a statement against Oregon. This game represents not just a chance for revenge, but an opportunity for Day to regain the trust of the college football community and national pundits like Smith.
For Day, this matchup is more than just a game; it’s a chance to silence critics and prove that he can lead Ohio State back to glory. The Rose Bowl is steeped in tradition, and the excitement surrounding this year’s game is palpable. Fans are eager to see if Ohio State can rise to the occasion and secure a victory that could change the narrative surrounding the program.
The Future of the College Football Playoff
Smith’s criticisms extend beyond just Ohio State and Ryan Day. He believes the entire College Football Playoff system needs to be reevaluated. The current format, while providing opportunities for more teams, has also led to some mismatches and a lack of excitement in the postseason. With the playoffs expanding to 12 teams, there are questions about whether this format truly serves the best interests of college football fans.
The anticipation for the playoffs is high, but the excitement can sometimes feel diluted. Fans want to see the best teams face off in the most significant games, and Smith’s concerns highlight a growing sentiment among college football enthusiasts. Is it time for a change? Should the playoff structure be revisited to ensure that the most compelling matchups occur when the stakes are highest?
Looking Ahead
As the Rose Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Ohio State and Oregon. Can Ryan Day’s team overcome the challenges and deliver a performance that meets the lofty expectations set by past coaches? Will they be able to avenge their earlier loss and make a statement in the national landscape?
For now, the focus is on the game itself. The excitement is building, and fans are ready for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the narrative surrounding Ohio State and Ryan Day hangs in the balance. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the critics continue to voice their concerns? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football never fails to deliver drama and intrigue.
