The Buckeyes have arrived.
It's been an interesting season, but the 2020 college football champions will be crowned Monday night. The Buckeyes have officially arrived in Miami ahead of the championship showdown with top-ranked Alabama.
Miami, FL pic.twitter.com/BxYwPKytMv
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 9, 2021
Hotel hospitality > pic.twitter.com/GK1ZYAsGZ4
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 10, 2021
In a brief interview with ESPN's Maria Taylor following Ohio State's arrival at Miami International Airport, Day said his team is feeling “a lot of excitement.”
“This has been something that's been circled on the calendar for a long time,” Day said. “At different points, and using different motivation along the whole season. So to see our guys land here, there's a lot of excitement in the air, and looking forward to continuing the preparation.
“They have to enjoy it. They've worked so hard to get here. But really, the goal was always to win this. It wasn't just to get here. And it's just all about preparation. It's all about being in competitive excellence when playing the game. So it's just all about preparation. Physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Day also said quarterback Justin Fields has “had a great week of preparation.”
“He's excited to play,” Day said. “Good week of practice. So we'll continue that tonight and the next couple of days.”
Nick Saban and the Tide are sitting at 12-0 on the season and are fresh off a 31-14 semifinal win over Notre Dame. The 7-0 Buckeyes are searching for their first championship since 2014 when Urban Meyer bested Saban in the semis before taking down Oregon. Alabama arrived on Friday and is listed as an eight-point favorite for Monday's matchup.
At least one key player who was held out of the Sugar Bowl has made the trip, as Zach Harrison tweeted from the team's arrival in Miami:
— Zachary Uchiha (@zacharrison_) January 9, 2021
One player who did not make the trip, however, is freshman running back Miyan Williams, who served as the No. 2 running back behind Trey Sermon when Master Teague was unavailable for the Sugar Bowl.
Im supposed to be in Miami ..
— Bowling Ball (@Miyann28) January 10, 2021
Ohio State will release its status report Monday evening. The two teams are set to kick off shortly after 8 p.m. from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
