Ohio State's Ryan Day points to one key for Rose Bowl that could actually be an advantage for Oregon
The Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes have had very different, yet impressive, seasons. The Buckeyes, after dropping their game in Autzen Stadium back in October, also lost at home to "that team up north." In doing so, they lost their bid to the Big Ten Championship game, which Oregon won over Penn State.Still, Ohio […]
The Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes have had very different, yet impressive, seasons. The Buckeyes, after dropping their game in Autzen Stadium back in October, also lost at home to "that team up north." In doing so, they lost their bid to the Big Ten Championship game, which Oregon won over Penn State.
Still, Ohio State was one of the at-large bids in this year's College Football Playoffs dance, the first of the 12-team format. From the time the bracket was set, it was apparent that Oregon and Ohio State were on a collision course on New Year's Day.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, speaking about the rematch, had an interesting quote on what he thinks could decide the game.
Firstly, in saying that the "players are the same," Day is clearly mistaken. Oregon was missing three starters in their previous meeting, most notably, their top pass rusher in Jordan Burch. But I digress.
Still, that point aside, Day believes that preparation is going to be key to success in the Rose Bowl. If that's the case, I like Oregon's chances.
Ryan Day tends to struggle in game planning against top competition. Day is 1-4 against Michigan, and is 2-4 in the postseason, including his win over Tennessee, which was quite frankly an over matched opponent.
But I am not blind to the fact that Day has at least been there, whereas Dan Lanning, as a head coach, has not. His side lost the Pac-12 championship last season against Washington, but rose to the biggest occasions this season in his head-to-head matchup with Ohio State, and the Big Ten Championship over Penn State.
If this game comes down to preparation, I trust Lanning's coaching and decision making over that of Day, especially with Lanning having having an extra week of time to study and plan for this surging Ohio State side.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on Bluesky @jonhelmkamp.bsky.social, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSports.bsky.social for all the latest news.
