Ryan Day’s redemption tour? Oh, it’s got front-row seats, y’all! Ever since that heartbreaking 13-10 loss to Michigan in week 14, the Buckeyes are on some demonic run. First, Ohio State rag-dolled Josh Heupel’s Tennessee 42-17 on national television. And now, the Buckeyes stormed into Pasadena like a squad with something to prove. And boy, did they deliver. Ohio State was cruising against undefeated Oregon, leading 34-8 at halftime in the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit—still riding the waves of his “lunatic fringe” rant about Buckeye Nation—was eating crow on live TV. But the real twist? Legendary OSU star Alum clapping back with a subtle jab that had the timeline buzzing.

Kirk Herbstreit literally munching his own words after Ohio State’s Rose Bowl half-time domination. The Buckeyes came out swinging, leading No. 1 Oregon 34-8 at halftime, and Ryan Day’s redemption arc is looking diabolical. Remember that “Lunatic Fringe” jab from Herbstreit after that Tennessee victory in 1st round? Well, OSU alum and ex-NFL CB Chimdi Chekwa wasn’t letting that slide. During the 3rd quarter, with OSU flexing hard, Chekwa tweeted, “Lunatic Fringe Buckeye fans, it’s time to huddle up….Wounds have healed from TTUN. Head Coach Ryan Day as taken another step forward in growth. All in favor, say ‘I.’” Translation? Buckeye Nation, it’s time to rally. Chekwa’s words weren’t just support—they were a cryptic middle finger to Herbstreit’s fiery critique after the ‘Lunatic Fringe’ comment. While Kirk kept doubling down with his national TV rants, Ohio State’s offense was doubling up Oregon in yardage. Coincidence? I think not.

And let’s not sleep on the halftime narratives. Herbstreit’s critique, “The lunatic fringe at Ohio State is as powerful as anywhere in the country”. “I’m sure they’ll be happy tonight, fired up about what the team did, but God forbid they lose to Oregon. They’ll want to fire [Day] again” — calling Buckeye fans “lunatics” who’d want him fired for any misstep—aged literally like that one milk you forgot in the back of the fridge. First Take even speculated replacements for Day. Ain’t gonna lie, there ain’t replacement for Ryan Day in the coaching market. But here he was, coaching circles around Dan Lanning and the Ducks, proving all the doubters wrong. The halftime scoreboard wasn’t just a flex—it was war crimes. Ryan Day took the punches, kept standing, and delivered a haymaker to the No. 1 team in the nation.

Ohio State Lunatic Fringe and Ryan Day walking all over Oregon in the first half

Oregon’s first half? Straight-up disaster mode. By halftime, it was 34-8, and the Ducks looked like they forgot they were supposed to show up for a College Football Playoff game. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was out there slinging dimes like it was practice—269 yards and three touchdowns in 30 minutes. TreVeyon Henderson? Man only needed two carries to torch Oregon’s defense for 70 yards, including a 66-yard house call.

Defensively, the Buckeyes weren’t just good—they were bullies. Oregon’s rushing attack got stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, with no running back managing more than 15 yards. Jordan James? 7 carries for 14 yards. Ohio State’s defensive line was living rent-free in Oregon’s backfield. Even when the Ducks finally scored late in the second quarter, it felt more like a formality than a comeback. The Ducks were outclassed, outplayed, and out of answers.

And let’s talk about the efficiency. See, 4 first-half touchdown drives, all under 65 seconds? That’s not just dominance; that’s Retro Bowl numbers. Ohio State made it look so easy that even the “lunatic fringe” had to be nodding in approval. By the time the 2nd half rolled around, you could almost hear the Buckeye faithful chanting, “Who’s crazy now, huhh?”