Ryan Day Calls for Improvement Before Championship

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day expressed concern over his team's 'self-inflicted wounds' in their 28-14 College Football Playoff semifinal victory against Texas, emphasizing the need for improved efficiency and discipline ahead of the national championship against Notre Dame on January 20. The Buckeyes committed nine penalties, which Day noted significantly hampered their offensive drives. He criticized the team's lack of execution, particularly mentioning star freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was held to just one catch, a stark contrast to his previous playoff performances. Day stated that the offensive mistakes must be addressed to compete effectively against Notre Dame, highlighting the importance of preparation and execution. He conveyed a sense of urgency, insisting that the Buckeyes must 'wipe the slate clean' for the championship game. As they prepare for a challenging matchup, Day's focus remains on overcoming these obstacles to secure a victory.