Ryan Day had a message for a Fighting Irish legend just after Ohio State’s stunning 17-14 victory over Notre Dame.
When Lou Holtz was questioned about Kyle McCord’s performance on the game-winning drive, the Ohio State head coach launched a salvo at the former Notre Dame head coach during his walk-off interview with NBC.
“Toughness. Toughness, that’s it,” Day began. “Physicality across the board. Guts. I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now. What he said about our team … I cannot believe. This is a tough team right here.
“We’re proud to be from Ohio. It’s always been Ohio against the world, and it’ll continue to be Ohio against the world. But I’ll tell you what, I love those kids, and we’ve got a tough team.”
In response to a follow-up question on what his team had demonstrated in the victory on Saturday, Day continued to criticize some of Ohio State’s biggest detractors over the previous two years.
“Everybody’s questioning these kids all the time,” Day said. “We had one bad half the last couple of years. That’s it. Everybody wants to question these guys. These guys are warriors right here. This kid [McCord], to come back in the second half and win, I’m emotional about this, for a reason.
“A lot of people questioned these kids and say a lot of things about them. I love ’em. When someone attacks your family, to come in and win like this, it’s special. It’s a great win for our program and a great win for Ohio State.”
Prior to Saturday’s instant classic, Holtz stated that Ohio State “better bring their lunch because it’s going to be a full damn day’s work” and that Notre Dame would win due to the manner in which Ohio State has lost the past several seasons.
“You look at Coach Day,” Holtz said in an interview with ESPN. “He has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Michigan twice and everybody beats him because they’re more physical than Ohio State.”
Day didn’t let his walk-off interview put an end to his excitement. He also showed happiness as he left the field, energizing the Ohio State supporters who traveled to South Bend.
Day’s walk-off interview went viral on social media. Maurice Clarett, a former outstanding running back for Ohio State, spoke up right away.
Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, two more ex-Ohio State standouts, rejoiced in the victory.
