As the College Football Playoff championship game approaches, one question looms large: “Where is Lou Holtz?” This inquiry will echo throughout the week leading up to the highly anticipated clash between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 8 Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday. The spotlight on Holtz has intensified, especially after Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s fiery post-game remarks following the Buckeyes’ narrow victory over the Irish on September 23, 2023.
The Origins of the Feud
It all began when Ohio State edged out Notre Dame with a nail-biting 17-14 win, thanks to a last-second 1-yard touchdown run by Chip Trayanum. In the heat of the moment, Day unleashed a passionate tirade during his post-game interview, targeting none other than Lou Holtz.
“I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now,” Day exclaimed in an interview with NBC. “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 against the world, and it will continue to be Ohio against the world. But I’ll tell you what: I love these kids. We’ve got a tough team.”
Day’s Continued Rant
Day’s frustration didn’t end there. In the post-game press conference, he continued to express his discontent with Holtz’s comments. “I’m really upset and disrespected by what Lou Holtz said publicly about our team and Ohio State, Buckeye Nation,” he stated. “We’re not going to stand for that. That’s not even close to true. We had one bad half a couple of years ago in Ann Arbor. We did — that second half. Every game we play, we’re physical. I don’t know where that narrative comes from. That ends tonight.”
These remarks quickly became fodder for social media, igniting discussions about the ongoing tension between Day and Holtz. But what exactly did Holtz say to provoke such a strong reaction from Day?
What Did Lou Holtz Say?
Holtz, a legendary figure in college football, made headlines the day before the Ohio State-Notre Dame showdown when he appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Predictably, he picked Notre Dame to win but added a layer of critique regarding Day’s coaching record.
“You look at coach (Ryan) Day — and I coached at Ohio State under Woody Hayes,” Holtz remarked. “We won the national championship when I was there. I’m proud of that. However, he has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Michigan twice. And everybody (that) beats him does so because they are more physical than Ohio State. I think Notre Dame will take that same approach.”
Holtz’s comments struck a nerve, especially considering Day was coming off a second consecutive loss to Michigan, a situation that had many questioning his position as head coach.
Will Holtz Attend the Championship Game?
Despite the ongoing feud, Holtz is expected to be present at the CFP championship game and has already made his prediction known. He believes Notre Dame has the heart and culture to overcome Ohio State’s talent. “Ohio State has the talent, but Notre Dame has the heart, the culture, and the defense to win this game,” Holtz tweeted. “Stay patient, run the football, and trust the process. Notre Dame wins a close one—by 3.”
At 88 years old, Holtz remains a passionate advocate for Notre Dame, the program he led to its last national championship in 1988. His insights and predictions continue to resonate with fans and analysts alike.
Day’s Response to Holtz
In a recent teleconference, Day was asked if he had spoken with Holtz since their public spat. His response was telling: “No, no.” This suggests that the tension between the two is far from resolved, leaving fans to wonder if this rivalry will spill over into the championship showdown.
While Holtz has expressed admiration for Ohio State’s talent and Day’s coaching abilities, he has not shied away from criticizing the Buckeyes when he feels it’s warranted. “When you look at it, Ohio State is the best team,” Holtz acknowledged. “They have an explosive offense, and their defensive coordinator has done a tremendous job. However, in a one-game, winner-take-all, anything can happen. I like Notre Dame’s culture. They’re very physical, but they have to keep it close by forcing Ohio State’s offense off the field.”
The Stakes of the Championship Game
As we approach the championship game, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are vying for a national title, and the backdrop of this feud adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will Holtz’s predictions hold true? Can Ohio State silence the critics and prove their physicality on the field?
With both teams boasting impressive rosters and passionate fanbases, this matchup promises to be one for the ages. The question remains: will Lou Holtz’s presence be felt in the stadium, and will it influence the outcome of the game? As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on the field — and on Lou Holtz.
