The Ohio State Buckeyes have their sights set on the rest of the season following a disappointing loss in the Big Ten championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers, where they fell 13-10 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Despite this setback and not securing a Rose Bowl bid, the team remains hopeful as they qualified for the postseason with a single loss.
In the aftermath of the defeat, head coach Ryan Day is using this moment as a catalyst for future success. “We”re going to respond like men,” he stated on Sunday after the Buckeyes were ranked No. 2. “We lost. We were not at our best. Everybody, including myself, the coaches, everybody… You”ve got to address the problems and get them fixed.” Day maintains that the potential for the team is still limitless.
He expressed optimism regarding the committee”s recognition of their overall performance, saying, “We”re excited about where we are and going down to Dallas again and playing against a really good opponent, and going from there.” The Buckeyes are set to face either the Miami Hurricanes or the Texas A&M Aggies in the upcoming Cotton Bowl.
Day emphasized the need for improvements, particularly in third-down efficiency near the goal line. “I don”t think there was anything that we did that was unsound. Certainly that didn”t happen. There”s a lot that goes with that… Put it on the coaches to make sure our guys are better prepared to execute,” he remarked.
Despite the missed opportunity from kicker Jayden Fielding, who failed to convert a crucial field goal, Day continues to have faith in his team”s abilities. “There”s a reason why we put him in there,” he asserted. “We”re not putting guys in the game that we don”t believe in.” As the Buckeyes prepare for their postseason journey, the stakes are high, with every game now being a win-or-go-home scenario. The team”s determination to avoid an empty-handed season will be put to the test as they approach New Year”s Day.
