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Ryan Day claims college football coaches get 'too much attention' instead of players

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•01/02/25•

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Ryan Day Ohio State
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day speaks in a press conference after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ryan Day never fails to put a spotlight on his players. After Ohio State defeated Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, a reporter asked Day about OSU offensive coordinator Chip Kelly‘s play-calling. While Day didn’t shy away from praising Kelly, he made sure to give his players their flowers.

“I thought Chip called a great game. I thought the whole offensive staff worked hard to put the plan together. But ultimately it comes down to the players putting it on the field,” Day said. “I’ve said that all along. I think sometimes in this game coaches get too much attention.

“This is about these guys right here. A lot of good plays out there, but they’ve got to make it work. And I thought they really put it on the field and we came out aggressive. But I thought Chip called an aggressive game and certainly had a big smile on his face after.”

Both Ohio State’s coaches and players were necessary for the team to dominate Oregon in a 20-point blowout after falling to the Ducks 32-31 earlier in the season. In the win, Ohio State’s offense was electrifying, racking up 500 total yards.

Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard completed 17-of-his-26 pass attempts for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the win, without throwing an interception. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was Howard’s main target.

The freshman standout concluded the day with seven catches for a jaw-dropping 187 yards and two TDs. Of course, Ohio State’s backfield did its part as well, notching a combined 181 rushing yards. Nobody outpaced TreVeyon Henderson, who erupted for 94 rushing yards and two scores.

In the end, Ryan Day couldn’t have been prouder of his players.

“But when you recruit great people, with high character who care about each other, when you go through difficult times, you stick together. You don’t splinter,” Day said. “That’s why whenever we’re in these situations I just fall back on these guys right here. I wish you guys were asking these guys questions because they’re the ones on the field. These guys are the ones playing, not me.

“I’m just there to direct them and make sure we’re all going in the right direction. These are the guys who are the warriors who are doing it on the field. And I just can’t say enough about these guys.”