Ryan Day might be one of the HCs who faced the most pressure this past season. He faced attacks left, right, and center from fans and analysts, especially after losing his fourth consecutive game against their arch-rival Michigan. ‘Fire him’, they said. They called him a fraud for boasting a $20 million roster and still falling in The Game against the underdog Wolverines. But see where he is today, en route to the CFP National Championship game!

How does this happen? Hear it from Lady Day. 

Ahead of the ultimate CFP showdown between Ohio State and Notre Dame, Ryan Day’s wife Nina Day appeared on a YouTube video on WBNS 10TV on January 17. When asked about her husband’s fight amidst negativity and criticism, she thinks it’s more of a blessing than a curse because for her, “the greatest thing for our family is that our children saw him fail.”

She added, “They saw a lot of people come at their dad. They saw a lot of people attack him and attack our family. And I think for them to see him fight the way that he has, not back down and continue believing in his players and his coaches and staying steady, I think it was really wonderful to see my kids see him win these last three games.”

And this is her takeaway message — “You can overcome it.”

Call it resilience, but Ryan Day didn’t falter despite the media going against him after The Game catastrophe. Instead, under his leadership, Ohio State clinched a spot in the new 12-team playoff and dominated each of the three CFP games to reach the national championship game for the first time since 2020. The Buckeyes cleared the first round of the playoff by beating Tennessee in a 42-17 victory before ending Oregon’s undefeated streak by knocking them out 41-21 of the playoff picture in the Rose Bowl. 

The CFP semifinal game against Texas in the Cotton Bowl put Ohio State’s improvement on the highest display. It was a game that highlighted the Buckeyes’ defensive resilience, particularly with that crucial 83-yard running score from Jack Sawyer, rendering the Longhorns a heartbreaking double-touchdown defeat as OSU won 28-14.

Can they have the same kind of luck against Notre Dame?

Ohio State vs Notre Dame – The final battle

Ryan Day and Ohio State are an 8.5-point favorite to win the National Championship as far as general predictions go. The Buckeyes boast a formidable offense and an equally resilient defense. They lead the nation in total defense, allowing an average of 251.4 yards per game, and are also first nationally in scoring defense with an average of 12.2 points per game. Offensively, OSU ranks 25th in the nation, gaining 428.4 yards per game, and 8th in scoring offense with an average of 35.8 points per game to enter the final showdown with a 13-2 record. 

But Notre Dame isn’t to be underestimated. They’re enjoying consistent success with just one loss on their record. The Irish trail behind the Buckeyes in defense ranking 3rd and 9th in scoring defense and total defense, respectively. They surpassed the Buckeyes in their offensive stats with 555 total points, with an average of 37.0 points per game. So the talent is close. 

Last time, the two teams met in 2023 and OSU leads 6-2. Can Ryan Day maintain the Buckeyes’ playoff dominance and earn the ultimate honor?