Ohio State coach Ryan Day speaks ahead of CFP semifinal versus Texas
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – After digesting a resounding victory over Oregon in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, Ohio State coach Ryan Day turns his attention to the fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns.
The eighth-seeded Buckeyes won their 10th Rose Bowl in program history by routing the top-ranked and No. 1 seed Ducks, 41-21, thanks to a dominant offensive performance. The Buckeyes (12-2) next play the Longhorns (12-2), just a few hours north of the University of Texas in Austin.
Coach Ryan Day meet with the media in a Friday press conference leading up to the Cotton Bowl and CFP semifinal in Arlington. After recovering from a regular-season finale loss to rival Michigan, Ohio State is just two wins away from earning its ninth national championship and first since 2014.
"I mentioned this to the team the other day, it's the same guys in the room as was there a month ago," Day said. "Nothing that has happened in the past or really the noise that's around the building has anything to do with our preparation, and our focus, and our process. We don't need any extra motivation to win this game."
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Watch the full press conference here:
The first four scoring drives against the Ducks were accomplished in no more than three plays and 1:05 of game clock each. Jeremiah Smith scored two first-half TDs to help open up a 34-0 OSU lead.
TreVeyon Henderson also scored twice as OSU amassed over 500 total yards, including 319 passing from quarterback Will Howard. Smith finished with seven catches for 187 yards while the defense remained relentless throughout the game, sacking Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel eight times.
The Longhorns advanced to the semifinal with victories over 12th-seeded Clemson and fourth-seeded Arizona State, the latter of which came in an electric double-overtime finish.
Texas has scored 77 points in two playoff games thus far.
"They're very, very talented. They're always looking for balance. Our defensive staff will be working around the clock to put a game plan together," Day said. "We know when we get to the playoffs we're going to be playing against great players and great scheme."