Head coach Ryan Day’s sudden play-calling switcheroo has cost the Ohio State Buckeyes a national championship.
Before the Buckeyes faced the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, Day assumed play-calling duties for the first time since the 2023 season. Offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has called plays this season, but he’s set to become the next HC for the South Florida Bulls in 2026. So, the coach wanted to lighten his assistant’s workload.
Ryan Day explains why he assumed play-calling duties
“We wanted to take [playcalling] off of Brian’s plate because he’s got so much going on with what he’s trying to do,” Day said Dec. 22, per ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “Ultimately, it will be my decision what calls go into the game.”
ESPN analyst/former Alabama Crimson Tide HC Nick Saban thought the sudden coaching change wouldn’t give the Buckeyes any problems against Miami. However, the seven-time national champion was proved wrong.
Ohio State offense imploded against Miami
Day’s rust as a play-caller showed in the first half against the Hurricanes. The Buckeyes were held to -3 rushing yards in the first half and committed a costly turnover early in the second quarter. Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin threw an interception to defensive back Keionte Scott, who returned it for a 72-yard touchdown. That gave the Hurricanes a 14-0 lead heading into halftime.