Ohio State coach Ryan Day is facing heavy criticism after the Ohio State Buckeyes suffered a stunning 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl.
Despite entering the College Football Playoff quarterfinal as a favorite, Ohio State never fully recovered from a disastrous first half. Miami took control early, building a 14-0 halftime lead by a momentum-shifting moment when defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted Julian Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown.
The Buckeyes showed brief signs of life after the break, but Miami’s defense repeatedly stalled any sustained comeback. CharMar Brown sealed the result with a five-yard touchdown run in the final two minutes.
Much of the postgame focus shifted to Day’s decisions. Fans and analysts questioned his late-game clock management. But, more notably, his decision to assume offensive play-calling duties just before the CFP.
Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who was recently named South Florida’s next head coach, remained on the sideline but was no longer calling plays. Day said the move was intended to lighten Hartline’s workload during a “brutal” postseason calendar.
However, the result was an offense that managed just 14 points in the biggest game of the season, fueling arguments that the decision backfired at the worst possible time. This was also the first time Ohio State allowed more than 17 point all season.
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