Ryan Day Bowl record: 5 biggest postseason games in Ryan Day's coaching career
Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. But that's just a piece of Day's bowl history. Chosen as the head coach of Ohio State ahead of the 2019 season, Day has played a postseason game (or more) in every season. Here's his bowl story and his biggest games.
Day has posted a 3-4 mark in bowl games, a steep decline from his 67-10 mark overall. Of course, Ohio State hasn't won a national title in Day's era. A CFP spot this year made four appearances for Day and the Buckeyes in his six seasons. Here's a rundown of his biggest postseason bowl games to date.
Ryan Day's 5 biggest bowl games
5. 2021 Rose Bowl vs. Utah
This one wasn't a playoff game but an absolute shoot-out. Utah, led by veteran quarterback Cam Rising, had an explosive offense and jumped to an early two-score lead. Utah led 35–21 at halftime.
But, Ohio State drew closer and closer, finally taking the lead in the fourth quarter on a TD pass from CJ Stroud to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After Utah tied the game with 1:54 left, Stroud led a drive to a game-winning field goal in the final seconds for a 48–45 win.
4. 2019 Fiesta Bowl vs. Clemson
Unbeaten Ohio State faced undefeated Clemson in a CFP semifinal game in Day's first post-season game as OSU's coach. OSU jumped to a 16–0 lead, but Clemson and Trevor Lawrence fought back.
Clemson grabbed a 29–23 lead within two minutes of play. OSU drove the ball to the 23-yard line of Clemson, but a Justin Fields interception ended the game and OSU's season. It was an epic battle between two superb teams, but started Day on a bad trend to open his OSU postseason career.
3. 2022 Peach Bowl vs. Georgia
Another big semifinal battle saw Ohio State jump to a 21–7 lead over Georgia. Georgia made a comeback, with OSU leading 28–24 at halftime. While Ohio State opened up a lead, Georgia battled back to take a 42–41 edge with 54 seconds to play. Ohio State drove for a final field goal try, but the kick missed, sending Georgia back to the national title game.
2. 2020 Sugar Bowl vs. Clemson
Ohio State battled back to a second straight CFP matchup with Clemson. But this time, Ohio State held all the cards. The game was tied at 14 after a quarter, but Ohio State wiped out Clemson with a 21–0 edge in the second quarter.
Clemson pulled within 35–21 early in the second half, but Ohio State responded with a 56-yard Chris Olave TD. Ohio State rolled 49–28, making the national title game against Alabama.
1. 2024 CFP first-round game vs. Tennessee
Would a loss in this game have ended Day's OSU career? It's far from certain, but also equally far from impossible. OSU grabbed an early 21–0 lead. While Tennessee pulled within 21–10 at halftime, Ohio State opened the second half strong and cruised to a 42–17 victory.
Certainly, if Day and the Buckeyes go on to win a title, the victory over Tennessee will be only more important. It already stands tall and could loom even larger in Day's OSU career.
What do you think of Day's biggest bowl battles? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!