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Ohio State

Ryan Day reflects on growing pains during season, compares to learning how to ride a bike

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•about 11 hours•

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Ryan Day
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s no secret that Ohio State lost two of its most important games during the regular season, a road trip to Oregon and The Game against Michigan to end the regular season.

Both losses came by three points or less and as much as each lost stung, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day chooses to see them as speedbumps en route to an even greater goal for Ohio State.

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“That’s why they call them growing pains, because in life you only grow when you go through difficult times,” Day said ahead of Monday’s championship game. “I say all the time to our players, the first time you got on a bike you didn’t just ride the bike, you fell down, and how quickly did you learn from falling down to get back on the bike to learn to ride a bike? Well, it’s like that in life.

“You learn from going through difficult times like that.”

Ohio State has done that this season, Day said. But wants his Buckeyes to finish what they started. They have the opportunity to become the ninth team in Ohio State history to win a national championship and just the third team in over 50 years.

Day said his team has talked about that, and the importance of being a winner and having their story told.

“We have an opportunity to separate ourselves, so that’s it. That’s the only thing right now that matters, and how do we do that? By being in the moment, preparing ourselves great,” Day continued. “… We’ve got to be laser focused on that because that’s going to allow us to do our job. When you’re talking about the playoffs, everyone has to do their job, the players, the coaches, and executing at a high level will be at an all-time premium in this game.

“Our goal was to play our best game of the season. Everyone has to be at their best in order to win the game, and that’s what we’re focused on right now.”

The Buckeyes will look to put a bow on their season when they face Notre Dame on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN. The Buckeyes are 8.5-point betting favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.