Chris Holtmann credits Ryan Day for reaching College Football Playoff

The Ohio State basketball team opened Big Ten play with a 67-66 win over Rutgers on Thursday night. And with the rest of the Big Ten gauntlet looming, coach Chris Holtmann knows things are about to get a whole lot tougher. It’s one of the reasons he’s so impressed with football coach Ryan Day, who led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff on the gridiron.

Despite a large amount of attention and scrutiny, the Buckeyes managed to do just enough on the field this fall to reach the final four.

“I know they have a great challenge in front of them with Georgia, but they’ve earned the right to be in this position and it’s clear based on their body of work,” Holtmann said. “I’m excited about that for him.”

It’s not easy running a program like Ohio State’s, where being a perennial contender is the expectation.

Holtmann knows that being the men’s basketball coach, even if the intensity might not be to quite the same degree that Day faces on the football field. Regardless, simply staying even-keeled enough to be in contention on an annual basis is a feat unto itself.

“I think the reality is there is a point at which the pressure can feel overwhelming for any coach,” Holtmann explained. “I think you have to have certain specific strategies in place, we all do, to manage that in the best way and to give yourself the best chance to remain healthy for your team and for your program.”

Steady as ever, Ryan Day reaches College Football Playoff again

Despite the disappointment at Ohio State following a loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale, Ryan Day has now reached the College Football Playoff three times in his four-year tenure with the Buckeyes.

Whatever he’s doing to manage and handle the pressure seems to be working.

“From what I’ve observed — Ryan’s a friend — from what I’ve observed with him he does a terrific job of that,” Holtmann said. “The noise and the attention, coaches are focused on what’s most important, and that is coaching their teams and being there for their players and doing the absolute best job we can do. I know, I’m excited about this next opportunity for him and for that program.”

Ohio State will meet No. 1 Georgia in the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.