Ryan Day staved off his critics on Saturday afternoon. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions in a Top 5 matchup in State College. Ohio State ended a recent rut against AP Top 5 teams, while Penn State heads back to the drawing board yet again.
Ohio State will be feeling good about this one for at least a little while. Optimism was teetering in Columbus following the Buckeyes’ loss to Oregon earlier this season. While the Ducks are ranked as the nation’s best, that’s where the Buckeyes want to be too. The fans have been frustrated, which has led to sharpened criticism against Day.
While some Ohio State fans were steadfast with not giving Day too much credit, Day did receive praise from some other pockets out there.
WHAT A MOMENT, Chip and Ryan Day as happy as I’ve ever seen them.
Ryan went around and hugged everyone on staff: pic.twitter.com/lvAZEELH0H
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) November 2, 2024
That praise wasn’t exclusive to just fans or reporters.
Brandon Innis speaks about his head coach Ryan Day.
“I wouldn’t have any other coach as my head coach.” pic.twitter.com/EJh9nt6Tif
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) November 2, 2024
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer declared this as “One of the most impressive wins in the Ryan Day era.”
Urban Meyer on Ohio State’s win over Penn State: “This is one of the most impressive wins in the Ryan Day era.”pic.twitter.com/ahJ6wtAJpw
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) November 2, 2024
Ryan Day deserves his flowers for this win.
This is the most physical OSU team we seen in a min.
— Zeke (@anotherbucksfan) November 2, 2024
Honest to God, felt Ryan Day coached one of his best situational games ever. Without two costly Howard mistakes we win this 27-6.
— Cory T (@ScarletGreatCT) November 2, 2024
I have to give Ryan Day MASSIVE credit for what he did today. Seeing that last week wasn’t good enough, he made the necessary chess moves on the offensive line, took his team to the loudest stadium in America, against a top 3 team, and pulled off one HELL of a gritty win 🙌🏼
— Gabe Hoyer (@GabeHoyer) November 2, 2024
Ohio State has two remaining games before their two biggest games of the season. The Buckeyes will host currently-undefeated Indiana before they welcome rival Michigan to Columbus. All eyes will be on them as they finish the year. And they’ll especially be on Day, whose critics will only grow louder if they can’t reach their goals again. But for now, Ohio State rides high.
