Why are we snubbing Dan Lanning? Not only do the Ducks have the No.1 seed in the 2024 playoffs, but these guys have been massive the entire regular season. Undefeated and a B1G title win. Now, what if we told you that Dan Lanning is not the favorite on the ‘Top Coaches’ list? See, we do agree that Oregon had some problems mid-season. Their offense started feeling a bit leaky, and they had a hard time against Boise State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Regardless of that, they will go on a rampage. Even QB Dillion Gabriel got nominated as a Heisman finalist. Is all of that not enough to put Dan Lanning on the Top 3 spot for top coaches this season?

Yeah, Tom Fornelli doesn’t think so. But he does have an argument as to why. “This is Dan Lanning’s first college football playoff appearance. It’s his first conference title,” Tom pointed out on CBS Sports. On the Top 4 list, Tom had slotted Lanning under Ryan Day. The simple explanation from Tom was that this was Lanning’s first playoff appearance, and Ryan Day and OSU, on the other hand, have done this rodeo a lot more times. Weird explanation. If we are to go off of games alone, doesn’t Lanning make for a better HC? Check the Michigan vs OSU game and that is all you’ll need to understand why Ryan Day should be on the 4th spot and Lanning on the 3rd.

See, this was OSU’s 4th consecutive loss to the Wolverines under Day. What makes things worse is that this year, there was no Jim Harbaugh or JJ McCarthy. This is a Michigan team that is still recovering from losing their long-term HC and their star QB.

Sherrone Moore‘s QB depth is in shambles, and Day lost to a team that is being led by a walk-on quarterback. Tom does point out that back in 2022, Ryan Day came very close to making it into the natty game against TCU. They had almost beat Georgia and if it wasn’t for Adonai Mitchell‘s 10-yard touchdown, then Buckeyes would’ve taken it home.

Regardless, if we are judging a coach’s ability to change the destiny of their team, then shouldn’t it be done based on recent events instead of past games? Ryan Day is a good coach. There is no doubt about it. Buckeyes season was strong, and their only losses were to the No.1 team, Ducks, and then a 5-loss Michigan team. But fans would agree that Lanning has done much more. Maybe Day does get his No.3 spot if he gets past his playoff hurdle.

Not a good spot for the Buckeyes

Out of all the teams in the 12-team bracket, the only one with the worst playoff fate is OSU. In their first round, these guys will have to go up against a strong Vols team, and this is going to be a massive test for Ryan Day.

See, you can argue that the Vols don’t have any impact players, but at the same time, you also have to admit that their defense has been one of the best this season. They have managed to hold back almost all of their competition to around 15 points on average.

Yes, the offense hasn’t been that productive, but when you get that rare 100% from QB Nico Iamaleava, then the Vols could easily end up becoming a massive threat. In the last 5 games, Nico has been on point with his throws.

If he keeps up the same energy, then it could spell trouble for Ryan Day. Losing to UM on the home turf already has taken a massive blow to Day’s reputation. Now, if he chokes against this Vols, then we all know what every Buckeye fan is going to say.