For four grueling years, Ohio State captain Jack Sawyer and head coach Ryan Day endured heartbreak after heartbreak at the hands of rival Michigan.
After years of dominance, the Wolverines flipped the script in the rivalry. The most shocking result of all happened this past November when Sawyer failed to beat Michigan in his last ever attempt.
Of course, Sawyer played great in that game and fingers shouldn’t be pointed at him. But as the captain of the team, he felt every ounce of pain that Day was feeling.
After securing a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff field, the Buckeyes proved their worth.
Two consecutive 40+ point performances propelled them to the Cotton Bowl, where they faced Texas.
In a pivotal fourth-quarter moment, Sawyer solidified his legacy in Columbus with one of the greatest plays in program history.
Day, who had endured intense criticism for the losses to Michigan, praised Sawyer’s heroic performance. For the Day-Sawyer duo, the journey from despair to triumph marked the culmination of years of perseverance.
Following Ohio State’s dramatic victory over Notre Dame to win the national title, Sawyer reflected on Day’s resilience and what the championship meant for the Buckeyes’ leader.
“To see him have the success makes me so happy,” Sawyer said after last night’s euphoric victory. “I saw the smile his wife had on her face and stuff that she had to go through.
“Being in Columbus after losing that game four years in a row, it’s terrible, and to come out tonight and win this game for them, it’s awesome.”
When Urban Meyer stepped down as Ohio State’s head coach, Day faced the monumental challenge of filling his predecessor’s shoes.
While Day’s regular season record speaks for itself, his struggles in bowl games had cast a shadow over his tenure. Before this season, he was just 2-4 in postseason matchups.
The narrative has finally changed, thanks to key strategic decisions, including hiring former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator.
Kelly revitalized the Buckeyes’ offense, creating a balanced and explosive attack. But it was Ohio State’s defense, led by playmakers like Sawyer, that delivered in crucial moments.
Sawyer’s scoop-and-score touchdown against Texas wasn’t just a highlight – it was a statement. It signified the grit and determination of a team that overcame adversity to reach college football’s biggest stage.
Day’s perseverance through years of criticism and doubt resonated with fans and former players alike.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit emotionally reflected on Day’s journey and praised the coach’s ability to overcome obstacles.
As the Buckeyes celebrated their championship, Sawyer looked back on their improbable journey, which began with a first-round CFP matchup against Tennessee.
“I remember going into that Tennessee (first-round) game, you know, a lot of doubters, maybe rightfully so,” Sawyer said. “But we persevered and trusted in God’s plan, and we were able to come out of it as national champs.”
For Sawyer and Day, the championship represented the highest of highs after years of trials and doubts.
The victory erased the sting of four straight losses to Michigan and brought glory back to Columbus.
This season will undoubtedly live forever in the memories of the Buckeyes’ faithful, with Sawyer and Day standing at the forefront of Ohio State’s unforgettable redemption story.
What are your thoughts on Ohio State’s championship season?
Do the four straight losses to Michigan only make winning the title even sweeter?
Or do you think Sawyer would gladly trade this national title for a 4-0 mark against the Wolverines instead???
