Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is maintaining a positive outlook as the Buckeyes prepare for their playoff game against Tennessee this Saturday, despite finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record and missing out on the Big Ten Championship. In an interview with Ohio CBS affiliate WBNS, Day acknowledged the disappointment of losing to Michigan in a crucial Week 14 home game but focused on the advantages of the expanded playoff system this year.
“Being here [in the playoff] is a big deal,” Day said, highlighting that the Buckeyes had 10 wins and two top-five victories (against Indiana and Penn State). He noted the challenges his team faced throughout the season, including three top-five games, two of which were on the road, as well as key injuries, such as the loss of center Seth McLaughlin to a torn Achilles.
Day emphasized that every team in the playoff will face its own set of challenges, and the key to success will be how teams adjust and respond. He expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to handle whatever obstacles arise, citing the team’s preparation and resilience.
With the expanded 12-team playoff, the stakes are higher, and Day recognizes the unique opportunity for Ohio State to host a home game in this new format. The goal, he said, has always been to make a deep run in the postseason, and with a home-field advantage, they are eager to take on Tennessee in this exciting matchup.
The game against Tennessee will be a crucial test for the Buckeyes, who kick off at 8 p.m. ET, following the first-round games of Penn State vs. SMU at noon and Texas vs. Clemson at 4 p.m. ET. Day and his team are ready for the challenge and excited about the opportunity to prove themselves in the expanded playoff field.