One of college football’s greatest questions may finally get an answer on Monday night if the Ohio State Buckeyes take down the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Would Buckeyes fans really rather beat the Michigan Wolverines than win a national title? It’s the ultimate thought experiment put to the test. Given the discourse surrounding Ohio State head coach Ryan Day (and his four straight losses to “that team up North”), it’s not crazy to suggest that a segment of Buckeyes fans may still be dissatisfied with their head coach, even if they lift the trophy on Monday.
Prior to kickoff, seven-time national championship-winning head coach Nick Saban took direct aim at Day’s critics. “I think it is absolutely ridiculous that Ryan Day has been criticized the way he has,” Saban stated. “Having been a coach, having coached Ohio State and having lived in the state for 12 or 14 years, I’m telling you, when the fans are negative and the media gets negative, it affects so many things.”
Nick Saban: “I think it is absolutely ridiculous that Ryan Day has been criticized the way he has…” 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/EILHFTRtxo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 20, 2025
Saban continued, “You got to give the guy credit; he built the roster. He’s built the roster for three years, and it’s gotten better. His coaches have made the players better, and they’ve made a lot of improvement, especially in the Michigan game. We should be giving the guy credit and being positive because every time you’re negative, it affects recruiting and everything you do. He’s been able to overcome the naysayers and still get to the national championship game. Win or lose, that guy deserves respect.”
While common sense may align with Saban, Ohio State and its “lunatic fringe” of fans might disagree. There is nuance in the Day debate; he hasn’t won a Big Ten title since 2020 and is yet to secure a national title. However, most would agree that a coach reaching the national championship game, regardless of the outcome, should not face the level of criticism that Day experiences. This reflects the intense rivalry between the Buckeyes and Wolverines. Yet, calling for Day’s job seems rather entitled, considering he has led Ohio State to the College Football Playoff in four of his six seasons at the helm.
The true nature of Ohio State’s “lunatic fringe” fans will be revealed if they win on Monday. Will there still be individuals brave enough to criticize his results? Nick Saban may label those critics as deluded, but what does he know about what it takes to win a championship?
