Brian Hartline claps back at Clay Travis over Ohio State crowd, Ryan Day job status

Brian Hartline has been going at it with Clay Travis ever since Ohio State claimed a 42-17 victory against Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday. Hartline, the co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach for the Buckeyes, has now responded to two posts on X from the radio host and Outkick founder.

The first came Saturday evening following the win as Hartline quoted a tweet where Travis posted a video of the Tennessee band playing “Rocky Top” and said that it “sounds like a home game” for the Vols.

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There were several comments on the presence of Vols fans in the crowd before the game, with ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit even stating that the Tennessee contingent present was “eerie.” But Hartline pushed back against those claims with his response to Travis’ tweet.

“No it didn’t,” he wrote. “It never sounded like that. I really do appreciate the effort tho. Buckeye Nation left no doubt.”

No it didn’t. It never sounded like that. I really do appreciate the effort tho.

Buckeye Nation left no doubt. 🌰 https://t.co/HzVmPAOgXO

— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) December 22, 2024

Travis later responded to that tweet on Sunday afternoon, seemingly doubling down on his claim about the number of Tennessee fans in attendance. He also took shot at Ohio State coach Ryan Day and his job status, citing fans losing faith in him as the reason for the perceived low number of Buckeyes fans in the crowd.

“Congrats on the win, but if I were you I’d be worried that tens of thousands of your season ticket holders sold their tickets to Vol fans because they don’t believe in your boss,” Travis retorted. “Hope the contract is guaranteed. And Merry Christmas.”

Day’s job status has been a hot topic of discussion ever since the Buckeyes ended the regular season with a 13-10 loss to rival Michigan. It marked Day’s fourth straight loss to the Wolverines and also kept the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten Championship game.

Hartline once again bit back with a response asserting his belief in both Day and Ohio State to prove the doubters wrong.

“Appreciate the congratulations,” he said. “I see No reason to worry. I do appreciate your advice tho. I was impressed with the Tenn fan base. Merry Christmas.”

With the win, Ohio State moves on to face Oregon in the quarterfinals of the CFP. The Buckeyes lost to the Ducks by a score of 32-31 in the regular season and will now get their chance to get the ultimate revenge.

Kickoff between Ohio State and Oregon is set for 5 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day.