ESPN's Paul Finebaum describes what losing streak to Michigan means for Ohio State HC Ryan Day after National Championship win
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day caught extreme heat for losing a fourth-straight game to the Michigan Wolverines in late November, but that moment proved to be a turning point for the program en route to winning a National Championship. The Buckeyes caught fire after that game, beating a historic run of opponents in dominant […]
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day caught extreme heat for losing a fourth-straight game to the Michigan Wolverines in late November, but that moment proved to be a turning point for the program en route to winning a National Championship. The Buckeyes caught fire after that game, beating a historic run of opponents in dominant fashion. Few thought it was possible only two months ago, but the Buckeyes prevailed as champions.
The loss to Michigan was a turning point, as Day and others on the team have pointed out. It refocused the team and brought to light shortcomings. The loss still stings to this day, but it stings a whole lot less, with the team winning its first title in a decade and Day's first title as a head coach.
ESPN's Paul Finebaum weighed in on the matter of what the losing streak to Michigan means in comparison to winning a title.
Finebaum on Ohio State head coach Ryan Day: "He has been fully vindicated. Yes, Michigan is important, losing four in a row. But winning the national championship trumps everything in the poker game of college football. And today, he stands on the top of it."
Now, Day has re-written his legacy as the Buckeyes head coach. With a 70-10 record and ripping off wins against four of the other top-five teams in the nation, the only blemish on his resume is his losing streak to Michigan. That still has to be fixed, but he's also a missed field goal away against Georgia from having two national titles under his belt.
Winning The Game will always be a priority. But it's not more important than winning the Natty, and every fan should be willing to make that trade every chance given. That said, not winning either for elongated periods of time is unacceptable.
Thankfully, Buckeye fans don't have to worry about Day being another Jon Cooper. This magical Playoff run has redefined his career and image. Now, the Day and the Buckeyes can play without the monkey on their back, and focus on getting the next iteration of playmakers to have more success against Michigan.
