Although it has been over two years, the feud between former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz and Ohio State coach Ryan Day is far from over. The rivalry has reignited with a fiery exchange of words, particularly leading up to their much-anticipated matchup in 2023.
Setting the Stage: A Clash of Titans
The tension began when Holtz, who led the Fighting Irish for a decade until the end of the 1996 season, previewed the highly anticipated game between Notre Dame and Ohio State. During a September 2023 interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Holtz made a bold prediction, claiming, “Notre Dame is a better football team than Ohio State.” His confidence was palpable as he praised the Irish’s offensive capabilities, stating, “We have the best offensive line in the country. Sam Hartman won’t even get his jersey dirty all year.”
This assertion was not just a casual remark; it set the stage for a showdown that would see Ohio State narrowly escape with a 17-14 victory in South Bend. Holtz’s prediction, however, only added fuel to the fire, and the aftermath of the game left both coaches with plenty to say.
Holtz’s Bold Claims
Holtz didn’t stop at his initial comments. He continued to defend his stance, emphasizing Notre Dame’s strengths. “We have great running backs. This team is averaging about 10 yards a carry. We have great receivers, so offensively, we’re set,” he declared, painting a picture of a formidable Fighting Irish squad.
But Holtz’s critique didn’t end there. He took a jab at Day’s coaching record, stating, “You look at coach [Ryan] Day, and I coached at Ohio State under Woody Hayes. We won the national championship when I was there [in 1968]. I’m proud of that, but he has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan (twice), and everybody that beats him does so because they’re more physical than Ohio State.” Holtz suggested that Notre Dame would adopt a similar physical approach to topple the Buckeyes.
Day’s Response: A Coach on the Defensive
As expected, Holtz’s comments reached Day, who was not shy about expressing his feelings after the hard-fought victory. “I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now,” Day said, visibly frustrated. “What he said about our team, I cannot believe. This is a tough team right here. We’re proud to be from Ohio. It’s always been ‘Ohio [State] against the world,’ and it’ll continue to be ‘Ohio [State] against the world.’ I love those kids, and we’ve got a tough team.”
Day’s words reflected the pride and determination of his players, emphasizing their resilience and commitment to the program. The back-and-forth between these two coaching legends has not only captivated fans but has also added an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry.
The Ongoing Feud
As the season progressed, it seemed that the feud might simmer down. In a sit-down last year, both coaches appeared to have reached a truce. However, during a media session following Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl victory over Texas, Day made it clear that the rivalry was still alive and well. When asked if he and Holtz had made up, Day’s one-word response was telling: “No.”
This refusal to bury the hatchet suggests that the animosity may linger for a while longer. With both coaches firmly entrenched in their positions, it raises the question: will this rivalry ever truly be resolved?
Looking Ahead: The National Title Game
Regardless of the outcome of the title game set for a week from Monday in Atlanta, Georgia, it seems unlikely that Day’s feelings toward Holtz will change anytime soon. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. Both teams are vying for a national championship, and the history between these two coaches only adds to the drama.
As fans gear up for this epic showdown, one can’t help but wonder how this rivalry will evolve. Will it continue to fuel the fire of competition, or will it eventually cool down? The answers may lie in the performance of both teams on the field.
In the world of college football, rivalries like this one are what make the sport so thrilling. The passion, the intensity, and the sheer emotion that comes with these matchups are what fans live for. Whether you’re rooting for Notre Dame or Ohio State, this is one game you won’t want to miss. The stage is set, and the players are ready. Who will emerge victorious in this ongoing saga? Only time will tell.
