Lou Holtz finds a way to fire a shot off at Ohio State despite the Buckeyes defeating Texas and Arch Manning

Ohio State fans aren’t going to like the latest from Holtz.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Former North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Lou Holtz is honored along with his 1973 football team during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes started the year ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll and opened the season with a statement win over the No. 1 Texas Longhorns. As a result, the Buckeyes now sit atop the rankings as the nation’s No. 1 team.

Still, despite holding Texas scoreless until the fourth quarter, Lou Holtz remains unimpressed. The former Notre Dame coach didn’t mince words when asked about Ryan Day’s squad.

Lou Holtz gives strong take on the Ohio State Buckeyes

“I don’t think Ohio State is a great football team,” Holtz said recently. “I know their schedule is very, very good. But when you’re at home and you’re outgained by well over a hundred yards, you just can’t look at it and say, ‘Okay, we’re great, we won the game.’”

Holtz reiterated that he doesn’t view the Buckeyes as elite, while also admitting he’s surprised at how well Matt Patricia’s defense has performed.

“They’re not a great football team. I wouldn’t be overwhelmed about facing Ohio State,” Holtz added. “Although I was surprised that they lost [Jim] Knowles, their defensive coordinator—I thought there’d be a big drop-off on defense. But Ohio State’s defense played outstanding football.”

Holtz’s criticism should come as no surprise, given his history with Ryan Day. A couple of years ago, Holtz questioned the toughness of Day’s program before the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame, and his comments weren’t well received in Columbus then—or now.

While Texas outgained Ohio State 336–206 in total yards, the Buckeyes led 14–0 heading into the fourth quarter and clearly shifted into clock-management mode in the second half. The strategy may not have been flashy, but it was enough to secure the win. After the game, Day admitted the staff didn’t want to overload first-year starter Julian Sayin. Still, he acknowledged the young quarterback could have handled more responsibility. A couple of dropped passes in the first half also kept Ohio State from extending its lead earlier.

Holtz’s latest remarks will almost certainly stir the pot again, but Ohio State won’t have much time to dwell on them. The Buckeyes, now ranked No. 1, return to action Saturday at 3:30 p.m. when they host Grambling State.

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