Getty Image
The Ohio State Buckeyes will play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the chance to win a national championship on January 20th in Atlanta. An interesting off-field storyline has resurfaced ahead of the title bout.
The headline involves head coach Ryan Day and Notre Dame legend Lou Holtz. A previous beef has been reignited with the two schools set for battle.
The two program last met in the 2023 campaign, with the Buckeyes earning a 17-14 victory. Prior to that matchup, Holtz was heard questioning Ohio State’s toughness.
“You look at Coach Day — and I coached at Ohio State under Woody Hayes. We won the national championship when I was there. I’m proud of that. However, (Day) has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Michigan twice. And everybody that beats him does so because they are more physical than Ohio State. And I think Notre Dame will take that same approach.”
-Lou Holtz
That game went down to the wire with the Buckeyes taking a late lead on a one-yard rushing touchdown on their final offensive play. After the win, Ryan Day called Lou Holtz out.
Remember when Ryan Day reacted to Lou Holtz after that win against Notre Dame last year?
The two apparently haven’t patched things up. When asked if he’s spoken to Holtz since those comments, Day said: “No.”
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) January 12, 2025
A year later, the two schools find themselves competing in the national championship. Day was asked about his communication with Holtz ahead of kickoff. He says the two haven’t spoken since the spat.
#CFBPlayoff NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COACH RYAN DAY AVAILABILITY:
Reporter: “Coach have you and Lou Holtz ever talked since then? Patching things up for the comments between you?”:
Coach Day: “No…”
Standing on business 😂#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/6tPD7qvt1b
— Silver Bullet Saga (@OhioState_SBS) January 12, 2025
Ryan Day has not patched things up with Lou Holtz. He seemed irritated when asked about the status of their relationship. Day wants the focus to be on the field.
Holtz, meanwhile, continues to have faith in the Fighting Irish. He’s picking them to beat Ohio State in the rematch to land their first title since 1988.
“When you look at it, Ohio State is the best team. They have an explosive offense, and their defensive coordinator (Jim Knowles) has done a tremendous job. They’re something like a nine-point favorite. However, in a one-game, winner-take-all, anything can happen. I like Notre Dame’s culture. They’re very physical, but they have to keep it close by forcing Ohio State’s offense off the field.
“That puts pressure on Ohio State, which is used to winning and winning big. Ohio State is the better team, but I think Notre Dame finds a way to prevail. It’s going to take a big effort.”
-Lou Holtz
Time will tell whether Holtz’s prediction comes to fruition. The national championship matchup is set to kick off on January 20th at 7:30 PM ET.