As Ohio State gears up for their Rose Bowl appearance, the narrative surrounding head coach Ryan Day has shifted considerably. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum recently commented on the evolving pressure on Day, noting that the noise surrounding Ohio State has “quieted down” after their season-ending loss to Michigan. However, Finebaum emphasized that the upcoming Rose Bowl presents a pivotal moment for Day and the Buckeyes as they aim to regain momentum and silence lingering doubts.
Ohio State entered the 2023 season with lofty goals, aiming for a Big Ten championship and a return to the College Football Playoff (CFP). Yet, for the third consecutive year, the Buckeyes fell short against Michigan, their biggest rival. The 30-24 loss not only cost them a spot in the Big Ten Championship but also dashed their CFP hopes, leaving fans and analysts questioning Day’s ability to deliver in high-stakes matchups.
Finebaum acknowledged that the Michigan loss intensified scrutiny of Day, as Ohio State’s inability to win the rivalry game has become a recurring theme. “It’s hard to ignore three straight losses to Michigan,” Finebaum said during an appearance on ESPN Radio. “For Ohio State fans, that’s unacceptable, no matter how many other games you win.”
Despite missing out on the CFP, the Rose Bowl offers Ohio State an opportunity to end the season on a high note. They will face a formidable opponent in the Washington Huskies, who boast one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Finebaum believes the Rose Bowl is a chance for Day to reassert his leadership and showcase the team’s resilience.
“This game is about perception,” Finebaum said. “Ryan Day needs to show that he can rally his team after a tough loss and deliver a statement win. It’s not just about the Rose Bowl trophy; it’s about setting the tone for next season.”
According to Finebaum, the pressure on Day has subsided slightly in the weeks leading up to the Rose Bowl, thanks in part to the broader context of the college football landscape. With other programs facing their own controversies and challenges, Ohio State has avoided being the central focus of offseason criticism.
“Things have quieted down for Ohio State, and that’s probably a good thing for Ryan Day,” Finebaum noted. “It gives him and the team a chance to focus on preparation without the constant noise.”
However, Finebaum cautioned that the respite is temporary. A loss in the Rose Bowl could reignite criticism and raise further questions about Day’s tenure.
For Day and the Buckeyes, the Rose Bowl represents an opportunity to address some of the issues that plagued them against Michigan. One key area of focus will be quarterback play, with Kyle McCord facing pressure to perform at a high level. Finebaum highlighted McCord’s role as critical to Ohio State’s success in the Rose Bowl.
“The quarterback position is the lifeblood of any team, and Ohio State needs McCord to step up,” Finebaum said. “This game is a chance for him to prove he’s the guy moving forward.”
The Buckeyes will also need to rely on their strong defensive unit, led by coordinator Jim Knowles. Washington’s high-powered offense, led by Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr., presents a significant challenge. Ohio State’s ability to contain Washington’s passing attack will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the game.
Regardless of the Rose Bowl outcome, Finebaum believes Day’s long-term future at Ohio State depends on his ability to win against Michigan. While a victory in the Rose Bowl would provide a much-needed boost, it won’t erase the disappointment of another loss to the Wolverines.
“Ryan Day has done a lot of good things at Ohio State, but the Michigan game is the measuring stick,” Finebaum said. “Until he turns that rivalry around, the pressure will always be there.”
As the Buckeyes prepare to take the field in Pasadena, Day’s focus remains on finishing the season strong and positioning his team for success in 2024. The Rose Bowl may not be the ultimate prize Ohio State hoped for, but it’s a chance for Day to reaffirm his leadership and remind the college football world why the Buckeyes remain a powerhouse.
In the eyes of fans and analysts like Finebaum, how Ohio State performs in the Rose Bowl will speak volumes about the program’s trajectory and Day’s ability to handle the weight of expectations.