COLUMBUS, Ohio – As Ohio State Stadium erupted in celebration, senior player Jack Sawyer leaned in to speak with head coach Ryan Day.

“All ‘Day’ long,” Sawyer said to Day, celebrating the Buckeyes coach’s impressive recovery, just two weeks after experiencing a crushing loss.

Sawyer attributed the phrase to Ohio State’s media relations manager Jerry Emig, who first used it prior to the Buckeyes’ impressive 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

“I thought it was great when I heard it,” Sawyer mentioned about Emig’s clever line.

Now, Sawyer hopes to make it a lasting motto, especially after Ohio State’s strong showing against Tennessee.

“I’d go to battle for him any day,” Sawyer said of Day. “I’d support him a hundred times over if I could. This win is significant for him.”

Many may have doubted Day following the intense loss to Michigan, which subjected him to some of the toughest scrutiny of his career.

Could Ohio State actually consider firing a coach who has won almost 90% of his games and would require a $37 million buyout? That speculation arose as Michigan fans celebrated their victory by planting their flag at midfield.

The empty seats on Saturday offered a glimpse into the discontent some Ohio State fans felt towards Day. Many sold their tickets, which eager Tennessee fans swiftly purchased. Consequently, Nashville’s orange-clad supporters filled the stadium, creating a striking visual.

Volunteers fans made their presence known, creating a ruckus at tailgates and bars, even affecting Ohio State’s initial drive with a false start penalty.

Given the backdrop, it seemed like Day might exit on a low note. However, he and his players responded decisively. They rallied around a coach boasting an .870 winning percentage.

Just two plays after that early penalty, Jeremiah Smith found the end zone following a spectacular pass from quarterback Will Howard.

The Buckeyes kept the momentum, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives. Many Tennessee fans left early, while Ohio State supporters who had previously booed the team now chanted “S-E-C! S-E-C!” in the closing moments of the game.

“They thought they could dominate this place,” Howard noted about the Tennessee fans, “but we quickly showed them that wasn’t going to happen.”

Could This Playoff Be the Turning Point for Ryan Day?

After the game, CFP executive director Rich Clark handed Day a commemorative ball. Day maintained a serious demeanor as he posed for a photo next to Clark, while his players were all smiles, filled with joy.

“I love that coach immensely. That’s my coach,” senior defensive end JT Tuimoloau remarked. “Best coach in the nation.”

While this might sound exaggerated, it’s true that Kirby Smart has two national titles to Day’s zero, and his Georgia Bulldogs stand on the opposite side of the playoff bracket. Smart had previously edged Day in the playoffs two years back, and Day is also 0-1 against Oregon’s Dan Lanning, whom he will face again in the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl.

However, Smart is the only coach in the playoff bracket with a national championship title as head coach, meaning a first-time champion is likely this season.

Why not the coach leading the country’s most talented roster?

“To me, he’s the best coach in the country, and wins like this prove that,” Sawyer asserted.

Ohio State’s Will Howard Thrives Against Tennessee’s Defense

In the matchup against Tennessee, Ohio State’s coaching staff executed one of its most bold game plans of the season. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who faced criticism after a lackluster performance against Michigan, devised a brilliant strategy against a Tennessee defense that had previously stifled many teams.

The Buckeyes’ receiving corps is highly regarded across college football, and Kelly set quarterback Howard up to take full advantage of the 25-degree weather.

Howard, a native of Pennsylvania accustomed to playing in the cold, impressed by throwing for 311 yards, his second-highest of the season.

“We executed strategies that highlighted our strengths while minimizing our weaknesses,” Day stated.

As Sawyer put it, the defeat to Michigan “sucked.” Despite the pain felt by the team and coach, it didn’t drain the spirit out of the Buckeyes.

“We are a resilient team that responds well to challenges,” linebacker Cody Simon said. “I’m incredibly proud of our guys since overcoming a loss like that is no easy feat.”

It makes it simpler when you have someone to unite behind.

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The Buckeyes came out strong and proved they belong at the forefront.

Great job, Buckeyes! Enjoy your moment.