Ryan Day reacts to playing in Georgia's 'backyard' in CFP semifinal

Ryan Day’s team was on life support after their home loss to Michigan to end the regular season. Ohio State’s sole loss meant they no longer controlled their own destiny heading into College Football Playoff selections. The Buckeyes stayed alive as they made the field as the No. 4 team, but that accomplishment earned them a date with No. 1 Georgia in Atlanta in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Day spoke about playing the defending champions in what will be a de facto home game for the Bulldogs in an interview with both coaches on DawgsHQ. Day realizes the comfort level that Georgia feels inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium but, in the end, he’s just grateful for the opportunity he and his team have in front of them.

“What a great venue. Looking forward to playing in it,” said Day. “Certainly I know that it’s kind of in Georgia’s backyard. But what an unbelievable opportunity for us to go down there and play in an electric atmosphere.”

Georgia has already played two games in Atlanta this season against tough opponents and their home-field advantage has shined through. They opened their year with a 49-3 win over Oregon. The Bulldogs then capped their conference campaign off with a 50-30 win over LSU to secure the SEC Championship.

Now, Day and the Buckeyes have a mountain to climb in order to knock off the nation’s top dog in a venue that will almost entirely be against them. Still, considering the Buckeyes were up a creek without a paddle a week ago when it comes to the CFP, they’re just happy to have the chance to play in the game, regardless of the postseason venue, and are now only focused on how they’re going to win it.

“When you get to this point of the season, this is what you’re going to do. You’re going to be in these types of environments,” Day said. “If you said at the beginning of the year that you get a chance to be in the CFP? And play in Atlanta against Georgia down there? The defending national champs? Of course. You’d cut off your right arm for this opportunity. So we’ll do everything we can to prepare to play our best football.”