The path is set for Ohio State in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Eight days after a humiliating rivalry loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes landed as the No. 8 seed in the CFP and will face No. 9 seed Tennessee at home on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. Ryan Day met with Ohio State media following the selection show, addressing the matchup with the Volunteers and how his team is trying to respond off a fourth-straight loss in The Game.
Ohio State's offensive line is a major concern off a bad performance, especially as Day had high praise for Tennessee's defensive front. Day expressed confidence in his unit and said the Buckeyes will try to help them with scheme, but added that Luke Montgomery and Josh Padilla are in the mix for roles as they evaluate the best lineup.
The three or four days after the Michigan loss were spent processing, but Day said there is no direction to go but forward for Ohio State this season. His team is "fired up" for what he feels is a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to play a playoff game in the Shoe at night in December against an SEC team. If the Buckeyes are to rectify everything with an incredible playoff run, it starts by gaining momentum with a win at home over the Volunteers.
- On his message to the team after the news: "We're fired up. We're excited about playing the first-ever playoff game in Ohio Stadium. ... Night game, 8 o'clock, it's gonna be electric. ... Getting this first win will be critical and building momentum as you enter the playoffs."
- On the rest of the CFP field: "There's guys who have a lot of confidence looking at the draw. ... We feel confident in who we are. ... Now, we also have to make adjustments ... but each team in this playoff has their own issues."
- Day said there were three or four days taken to process and learn from the Michigan loss, but since then the focus has been on the future. "It's gonna do us any good looking back on that. ... We've gotta move on. ... They want to get back on the field and get a win."
- Day said he knows who will be in the mix to start on the offensive line, mentioning specifically Luke Montgomery and Josh Padilla.
- Day added that Zen Michalski isn't available along the OL.
- Decisions will be made on an individual basis when it comes to whether Ohio State's transfer portal entrants will play in the CFP, Day said.
- On what he sees in the offensive line that gives him confidence it can play better: "These guys have what it takes to go make this run. ... We've gotta help them, and I think there's ways to do that. ... We've gotta go put it on the field, but there's a lot of ways that we can do it and we will do it."
- Fixing the offense will be a matter of small adjustments, Day said, similar to the changes that were made on the opposite side of the ball after the Buckeyes' loss to Oregon. "It's similar to the Oregon game on defense. ... Up front and how we're running the ball and how we're operating."
- On how Will Howard has responded to a rough game against the Wolverines: "He knows what needs to get done. ... I know he's excited to get back on the field this week."
- The novelty of a night game in December in the Shoe vs. an SEC team isn't lost on Day. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity up until this point."
- Day says his team is motivated by the chance to go on an incredible four-game title run. "We're here, but now we've gotta go play. ... There's been twists and turns, there's been ups and downs. ... It's all on the table. ... As much as last week hurt, we're here. We're here now."
- Day said Ohio State is evaluating changes in its offensive game-planning operation "Definitely spent some time with this offense. ... Whatever it makes the most sense to do to win this game, we'll do. Whatever it takes."
- On Tennessee's defense: "Their front is very good. On the edge, inside. Both corners are tremendous. ... They've stopped the run very well this season. ... It's gonna be a great challenge for our guys. We've played against great defenses this year, but this is one of them."
- Day said that Donovan Jackson will "probably" stay at offensive tackle after consideration to move him inside following the offensive line's struggles.
- Day understood the boos during The Game and has heard them before in the Shoe, but he's excited to have the crowd behind him in the first round of the playoffs. "We're fired up to be at home, we can't wait to be at home."
- On Ohio State's wide receivers and their progression: "It starts with Emeka (Egbuka), he's a captain, he's a leader. ... Then it quickly goes to Carnell, who has really had a very good season for us. ... Maybe his numbers aren't as high, but he's a huge part of our offense. ... Then there's Jeremiah Smith ... exceeded expectations in year one, now we're gonna need him to play his best right here."
- Day isn't putting too much thought into the CFP committee's decision to keep Penn State ahead of Ohio State. "It was a one-score game, eight points. So they decided not to penalize them. ... Whatever. It is what it is. We've got a home game with Tennessee. ... Here's the situation that we have, now we've gotta go make the best of it."
- On Tennessee's offense: "Very innovative coach, I think the quarterback has a strong arm. Running back is excellent. ... Receivers, there's some big ones, some quick guys in there. ... They put stress on you, the tempo."
