Eric Boggs
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed the media this week with a mix of excitement, focus, and determination as his Buckeyes prepare for a historic showdown against Tennessee. With the College Football Playoff making its first-ever stop in Columbus, Day emphasized the significance of the moment for the program, the fans, and the players eager to write their next chapter.
“I’m excited for our players, but I’m excited for our fans to get back together this Saturday in the Shoe,” Day said. “This is the first time it’s ever happened, and for everyone to experience that together is special. Our players feel that energy, and it’s going to be an exciting night.”
The Buckeyes enter the playoff matchup after a season marked by growth, resilience, and a measured offensive identity. While a tough 30-24 loss to Michigan still lingers, Day made it clear the program has turned the page, addressing issues and refocusing on the challenges ahead. “Like the fans, the university, the coaches, and players, we’re all invested in this in a big, big way,” Day said. “When you win, it’s thrilling. When you lose, it can be heartbreaking. But ultimately, you learn from it and move on. That’s it. The focus is on Tennessee.”
Managing Adversity and Lessons Learned
Day spoke candidly about managing emotions and using lessons from the Michigan loss to strengthen the team’s preparation. He pointed to specific shortcomings, including struggles in red-zone efficiency and situational football, as areas of focus.
“In the Michigan game, only 30% of our snaps were what we call ‘situation normal’ — first and second down in the middle of the field,” Day explained. “We had five red-zone opportunities and only came away with ten points. That’s not good enough. We’ve got to play better situational football.”
Despite those struggles, Day emphasized the team’s growth and adaptability. “We’re a different offense now than we were three weeks ago, five weeks ago, or at the start of the season. That recognition is critical as we prepare for a team like Tennessee.”
A Deliberate Offensive Identity
A hallmark of this year’s Buckeyes offense has been its more deliberate approach, a notable shift from the up-tempo style fans have come to expect. Day explained that huddling more often has been a key adjustment that improves communication and cohesion.
“Getting in the huddle brings everyone together,” Day said. “The offensive line can talk, the quarterback can communicate about the situation, and the receivers can stay on the same page. It’s something that’s been really beneficial for us this year.”
However, Day also acknowledged the importance of mixing tempos, particularly against a Tennessee team that thrives on speed. “We’ve found a good rhythm. There are times when we need to slow things down and other times when we speed up to stress the defense. Tennessee is going to play fast, so we need to match that when the moment calls for it.”
Adjustments on the Offensive Line
Heading into the playoff, the offensive line remains a focal point. Day hinted at changes, praising freshman Luke Montgomery for his progress. Montgomery is expected to rotate alongside Austin Siereveld and Tegra Tshabola at guard.
“Luke’s been coming on strong,” Day said. “After assessing the last game, we feel like he deserves an opportunity. It’s about finding the right combination and giving ourselves the best chance to win.”
Preparing for Tennessee’s Unique Challenge
The Buckeyes face a unique challenge in Tennessee’s breakneck offensive tempo, which is designed to keep defenses out of position and force mistakes. As a former quarterback under Chip Kelly—a pioneer of fast-paced offenses—Day understands the stress this tempo can create.
“They want to stretch you horizontally, vertically, and get you out of position,” Day said. “It’s like playing against an option team—you don’t truly understand the stress until you’re in it. But we’ve had good preparation. Jim Knowles has a great plan, and our scout team has done a good job replicating that tempo.”
With three weeks between the Michigan game and the playoff, Day noted the importance of preparation, experience, and maturity. Drawing on past playoff performances, including last year’s tight loss to Georgia, Day believes his team is ready for the moment. “Preparation is critical in a game like this,” Day said. “You’re playing a team from another conference, so it’s not always apples to apples. You have to do a great job identifying your strengths, anticipating what you’ll see, and creating opportunities for your guys.”
A Fresh Start and a New Opportunity
For Ohio State, Saturday night in the Horseshoe represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to redeem themselves on college football’s biggest stage. Day highlighted the resilience and leadership of the program’s 29 seniors, who have set the tone for the team’s mindset heading into the playoffs.
“Several of our seniors talked about the ebbs and flows of life,” Day said. “When things are really good, you enjoy them. When they aren’t, you hang on, keep fighting, and eventually get back on track.”
Day also acknowledged the realities of managing distractions, such as the transfer portal and NIL, amid postseason play. Still, he made it clear that the team’s focus remains squarely on Tennessee. “The number one focus is Tennessee right now. It’s tough for players who are thinking about their future while still wanting to be there for their team. But we’ve got a group that understands what’s ahead of us and wants to finish strong.”
Eyes on the Prize
With temperatures expected to drop into the 20s, the Buckeyes’ recent outdoor practices in cold weather have prepared them for the conditions. “Practicing outside makes a big difference,” Day said. “This is what December football is all about—playing in cold weather, just like the pros do in places like Lambeau or Kansas City.”
As Ohio State prepares for this historic moment, Day’s message is clear: the Buckeyes are ready. The stakes are high, the challenges are great, but the opportunity to write a new chapter is theirs for the taking.
“This team is resilient, tough, and mature,” Day said. “They care a lot about Ohio State, this university, and this brotherhood. We’re going to play our tails off on Saturday night.”
For Ohio State fans, the Horseshoe awaits—a cold December night, a historic playoff game, and the promise of a championship journey still to be written.
