Ohio State coach Ryan Day points to moment he knew Buckeyes would win CFP national title

In the ever-intense world of college football, where every play, every decision, and every moment can make or break a season, coaches and players alike search for signs—moments when the team, no matter the obstacles or challenges, feels destined for greatness. For Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, that moment came during the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP). As Day reflected on the path that led the Buckeyes to their national title, he pointed to a specific moment in the season when he knew that Ohio State had the potential to go all the way and claim the championship. The moment in question was a play—a turning point in a crucial game that set the stage for their eventual national title.

The Road to the 2024 CFP National Championship

Ohio State’s 2024 season was one of promise and potential, but also one of fierce competition and adversity. In an era when the College Football Playoff system had expanded to include 12 teams, the road to the national championship was even more grueling. The Buckeyes faced some of the best teams in the nation, including Michigan, Penn State, Alabama, and Georgia, each of whom would be a tough challenge.

In many ways, the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes were a reflection of their head coach, Ryan Day. Day had built a program that was known for its explosive offense, with a dynamic quarterback and an arsenal of skilled playmakers. However, one of the biggest questions heading into the season was whether the defense would be able to step up and perform at the level required for Ohio State to reach its ultimate goal—winning the national title.

As the season progressed, it became clear that the Buckeyes had the talent on both sides of the ball to compete with anyone. Led by quarterback Will Howard, who had emerged as one of the best in college football, and a defense that had improved significantly under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State had the pieces to make a deep run. The question was whether the Buckeyes could put it all together when it mattered most—during the brutal competition of the College Football Playoff.

The Defining Moment: Jack Sawyer’s Scoop-and-Score

While the Buckeyes’ offense was spectacular throughout the season, it was the defense that ultimately provided the spark Ohio State needed to clinch their 2024 national championship. One play, in particular, became the defining moment that turned the tide and gave Ryan Day the certainty that his team was destined for greatness.

The play occurred during Ohio State’s matchup with Texas in the Cotton Bowl, a crucial game that not only served as a playoff qualifier but also featured two high-powered teams with national title aspirations. The Buckeyes had battled hard, but the game was far from over, and Texas was in a position to potentially take control and swing the momentum in their favor. That was when Ohio State’s defense, led by linebacker Jack Sawyer, made a play that would ultimately solidify the Buckeyes’ path to the championship.

Late in the second quarter, Texas was attempting to drive the ball downfield when disaster struck for the Longhorns. A fumble deep in their own territory was quickly pounced upon by Sawyer, who scooped up the loose ball and dashed 40 yards into the end zone for a defensive touchdown. This sudden shift in momentum was electric. Not only did the scoop-and-score give Ohio State a lead, but it completely deflated Texas’ chances of regaining control of the game.

The significance of the play was not just about the points on the board, but about what it represented for Ryan Day and his team. The Buckeyes had struggled in years past to finish strong in big moments, often falling short in games where they were supposed to dominate. However, this play by Sawyer symbolized the growth and maturity of Ohio State as a championship-caliber team.

Day, reflecting on the moment in a podcast appearance, explained that this was the exact play where he knew Ohio State was destined for greatness. “In that moment, when Jack picked up the ball and ran it into the end zone, I knew—we were going to win the national title,” Day said. He went on to explain that it wasn’t just the play itself, but the timing of it. The way Sawyer responded to the fumble, the defense’s ability to capitalize on the opportunity, and the way the entire team rallied around the play told Day everything he needed to know.

The Importance of Defense in Ohio State’s 2024 Run

Throughout Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach, Ohio State had always been known for its high-powered offense. Players like quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and running back TreVeyon Henderson had made headlines, and the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme was one of the most potent in college football. However, as Ohio State prepared for the 2024 season, it was clear that the team needed to elevate its defensive play if it were to achieve its ultimate goal.

Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defense showed significant improvement in 2024. No longer was it simply about outscoring opponents; it was about getting stops when it mattered most, and in the CFP, those stops would be crucial. The defensive unit became more opportunistic, more aggressive, and more confident in its ability to make plays. Sawyer’s scoop-and-score in the Cotton Bowl was a direct result of that increased confidence and improved play.

This play, in many ways, embodied the culture shift that had taken place on the defensive side of the ball. Where Ohio State had once been vulnerable in big moments, in 2024, the defense stepped up when it mattered most. It was clear to Day that the Buckeyes had not just the offensive firepower to compete for a national title, but also the defensive resilience to back it up.

Ohio State’s National Championship Run

After the scoop-and-score, Ohio State’s momentum continued to build. The Buckeyes rolled through the remainder of their playoff games, showcasing a balanced attack on offense and defense. Their next opponent in the national championship game was Georgia, another powerhouse team that had dominated college football for years. However, despite Georgia’s impressive resume, the Buckeyes were not intimidated. The lessons they had learned throughout the season, especially the one that came from Sawyer’s pivotal play, gave them the confidence they needed to succeed.

In the national championship game, Ohio State was tested on both sides of the ball. Georgia brought its A-game, but the Buckeyes’ defense continued to step up, making key stops and forcing turnovers. Ohio State’s offense, led by Howard, executed with precision when it needed to, and the Buckeyes ultimately triumphed with a 31-27 victory.

When the final whistle blew, securing Ohio State’s first national title since 2014, Ryan Day’s belief in his team had been fully validated. That scoop-and-score by Jack Sawyer, a play that seemed so small at the time, turned out to be the catalyst for the Buckeyes’ championship run. Day’s faith in his team, bolstered by the defensive dominance and timely plays like that one, proved to be well-founded.

Ryan Day’s Leadership and Vision

Throughout the season, Ryan Day’s leadership was a key factor in Ohio State’s success. As a head coach, Day had the difficult task of balancing the offensive juggernaut that Ohio State had become with a defense that needed to prove itself on the big stage. Day’s ability to motivate his players, keep them focused, and maintain confidence in their abilities was crucial to the Buckeyes’ national championship run.

In his reflection on the 2024 season, Day emphasized that the key to Ohio State’s success was not just talent, but mentality. He spoke of the importance of creating a culture where players believe they can win in any situation, where they embrace challenges and find ways to capitalize on opportunities. That culture, Day believed, was encapsulated perfectly in Sawyer’s scoop-and-score in the Cotton Bowl.