Ryan Day Praises Ohio State’s Dominant CFP Victory Over Tennessee: ‘A Complete Performance and a Testament to Our Heart’

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was beaming with pride as he addressed the media following his team’s dominant 42-14 victory over Tennessee in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Buckeyes’ impressive performance was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and heart, and Day was quick to praise his team’s efforts.

“I’m so proud of our guys,” Day said. “That was a complete performance, and it’s a testament to our heart and our toughness. We played with a lot of energy and passion, and we executed at a high level. It was a great team win, and I’m thrilled for our players and our coaching staff.”

The Buckeyes’ victory was a statement win, as they dominated the Volunteers in all phases of the game. Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with quarterback C.J. Stroud throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ running game was equally impressive, with TreVeyon Henderson rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown.

But it was the Buckeyes’ defense that truly stole the show, holding Tennessee’s high-powered offense to just 14 points. The Volunteers’ quarterback, Hendon Hooker, was sacked four times and intercepted twice, and the Buckeyes’ secondary was virtually impenetrable.

“Our defense was outstanding,” Day said. “They played with a lot of confidence and swagger, and they made plays when it mattered most. We knew Tennessee had a great offense, but our guys were up to the challenge. They were physical, they were fast, and they were relentless.”

The Buckeyes’ victory was a culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Ohio State faced numerous challenges and adversity, but they persevered and stayed focused on their goal of winning a national championship.

“I’m so proud of our guys for staying the course and believing in themselves,” Day said. “We’ve been through a lot this season, but we’ve always found a way to overcome obstacles and come out on top. That’s a testament to our team’s character and our leadership.”

The Buckeyes’ dominant performance has set them up for a showdown with Georgia in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Ohio State is seeking its first national title since 2014, and Day is confident that his team has what it takes to bring home the championship.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to play for a national championship,” Day said. “We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re ready for the challenge. We’ve worked all season for this moment, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

As the Buckeyes prepare for the national championship game, they’ll do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment. They’ve proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the country, and they’re eager to take on the best of the best.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we’re not satisfied,” Day said. “We want to win a national championship, and we’re going to do everything in our power to make that happen. We’re excited for the challenge, and we’re ready to put in the work.”

Game Statistics

– Ohio State: 42 points, 465 total yards, 348 passing yards, 117 rushing yards

– Tennessee: 14 points, 269 total yards, 161 passing yards, 108 rushing yards

– C.J. Stroud: 23-34, 348 passing yards, 4 touchdowns

– TreVeyon Henderson: 15 carries, 123 rushing yards, 1 touchdown

What’s Next

– Ohio State will face Georgia in the College Football Playoff national championship game on January 9

– The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

– The Buckeyes are seeking their first national title since 2014

Quotes from the Locker Room

– “We’re thrilled to be going to the national championship game. We’ve worked all season for this moment, and we’re ready to take on the best of the best.” – C.J. Stroud

– “Our defense was outstanding tonight. We played with a lot of confidence and swagger, and we made plays when it mattered most.” – Tommy Eichenberg

– “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we’re not satisfied. We want to win a national championship, and we’re going to do everything in our power to make that happen.” – Ryan Day