Ohio State announced Monday that the team is focused on redemption following their shocking loss to Indiana, according to statements from head coach Ryan Day.
The Buckeyes face Miami in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve. It’s their first step toward potentially reaching the national championship game.
“Everyone is pissed off,” Day said of the Buckeyes no longer being unbeaten. “Everybody wants to get it right and wants to win. Nobody likes to lose. Nobody. It’s a game that we felt like we shouldn’t have lost.”
Ohio State’s 13-10 defeat to Indiana marked their first loss in over a year.
The loss cost the Buckeyes more than just their perfect record. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the school’s first Heisman Trophy instead of Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, who many expected to finally claim the award.
Day said the team has moved past that disappointment. He’s using it as motivation to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
“You have to put a plan together and know what you’re dealing with. We played in the Big Ten Championship Game, other teams didn’t…It’s everybody involved,” Day said.
The coach dismissed concerns about Ohio State’s preparation time compared to Miami’s. Day said it “doesn’t matter” whether teams had bye weeks.
That perspective contrasts with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s outlook, according to recent reports.
Day emphasized his singular focus on winning the Cotton Bowl.
“This is a really talented team,” Day said of Miami. “They got guys all over the field.”
The Buckeyes remain the favorite despite their recent stumble. A win would set up a potential rematch against Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
