Ryan Day jogged down the field, his excitement palpable as he scissor-kicked in the air. The Ohio State head coach shuffled down the sideline, tossing his headset into the stands in a moment of pure exhilaration. To cap it all off, he was drenched in a Tropical Cooler Gatorade bath from his offensive linemen, Carson Hinzman and Josh Fryar. After all the scrutiny regarding how he should manage his emotions on the sideline, this moment was a well-deserved release.
No. 8 Ohio State triumphed over No. 7 Notre Dame with a score of 34-23 in the College Football Playoff championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking a historic moment as the first champion of the new 12-team playoff era. The decisive moment came with just 2:38 left in the game when quarterback Will Howard connected with freshman Jeremiah Smith for a stunning 56-yard catch that dashed any hopes of a comeback for the Irish (14-2). The Buckeyes (14-3) had completed their mission, and the joy was evident.
Ohio State’s playoff dominance
The Buckeyes’ playoff run was nothing short of spectacular. They faced formidable opponents, including No. 9 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, No. 5 Texas, and, of course, Notre Dame. In a display of sheer dominance, Day’s squad outscored their opponents by a staggering combined margin of 145-75. This level of performance left no room for doubt about their capabilities.
After a disheartening 13-10 loss to Michigan on November 30, the Buckeyes embarked on a 51-day journey that proved every offseason decision made under Day was spot-on. The team made bold moves, including acquiring Howard, who finished the championship game with 17 completions on 21 attempts for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Quinshon Judkins added 100 rushing yards and scored three total touchdowns, while Alabama safety Caleb Downs anchored the nation’s top scoring defense. Day even lured Chip Kelly away from a head-coaching position to serve as his offensive coordinator, showcasing a commitment to excellence.
Ryan Day’s resilience
“He’s been through so much this year,” Smith said of Day. “People were saying he should get fired, but I saw how hard Coach Day was working. He’s in his office stressing, but I’m just happy for him we got the job done. I love Coach Day to death. I’d do anything for him.” This sentiment encapsulates the bond between Day and his players, a bond forged through adversity.
Day’s journey has not been without its challenges. The Buckeyes faced pressure not only from their opponents but also from critics and fans alike. Yet, Day remained steadfast, living up to the mantra he repeated throughout the season: “When things are going good, get all you can get.” This mentality propelled the team forward, and they emerged as champions.
Day and Kelly’s winning partnership
The championship game began with Notre Dame establishing an early lead, thanks to an 18-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly ten minutes of the clock. Quarterback Riley Leonard capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Irish a 7-0 advantage. The pressure was palpable. Would Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker, lead his team to victory over his alma mater?
Instead of succumbing to the pressure, Day allowed Kelly’s offensive genius to shine. The Buckeyes responded with a beautifully designed play, where freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith faked a reverse, catching the Notre Dame defense off guard. Howard connected with Smith for an 8-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7. Day praised his offensive staff for their near-perfect execution, emphasizing that playoff football is about strategy and adaptability.
Ohio State’s first two drives were a masterclass in offensive execution. The Buckeyes ran 21 plays for 151 yards, averaging an impressive 7.2 yards per snap against a Notre Dame defense that had allowed just 4.4 yards per play this season. Howard was a perfect 9-of-9 for 100 yards during those drives.
Will Howard and Quinshon Judkins shine
Judkins, a standout running back who led the SEC in rushing yards as a freshman, scored a 9-yard touchdown, extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 14-0. Howard orchestrated another impressive drive, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to an open Judkins. By halftime, Howard had completed 14 of 15 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his resilience even with blood dripping from his elbow. The Buckeyes led 21-7 at the break, and the atmosphere was electric.
The second half saw Judkins unleash a stunning 70-yard run, setting up his 1-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead to 28-7. Judkins finished the night with 121 total yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his status as a key player in this championship run. Howard, who had previously starred at Kansas State, continued to excel, demonstrating poise and precision throughout the game.
As Notre Dame clawed back to cut the lead to 31-23, the tension in the stadium grew. Facing a critical third-and-8, Howard stepped up in the pocket and delivered a crucial pass downfield to Smith, sealing the game and the championship for the Buckeyes.
The future looks bright for Ohio State
With this national title, Ryan Day has silenced his critics and solidified his place among the elite coaches in college football. His record now stands at 70-10, boasting an impressive .875 winning percentage, the highest among active FBS coaches. He joins the ranks of legendary Ohio State coaches Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, both of whom were in attendance to celebrate the victory.
Day’s success comes amid a month filled with speculation about his job security, with rumors swirling about the NFL and potential coaching changes. Yet, he remained focused, understanding that the pressures of the job come with the territory. “You’ve got to be strong enough to withstand those storms,” Day remarked, reflecting on the challenges he faced throughout the season.
The new 12-team playoff format opens the door for even more national championships in the future. With Day at the helm, Ohio State is poised for continued success, and this championship run will be remembered as one of the most remarkable stories in the program’s history. “These guys are going to be cemented as one of the best stories in Ohio State history and one of the best football teams ever,” Day declared, celebrating the triumph that has redefined the narrative of his coaching career.
