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Paul Finebaum says Ryan Day is ‘winning January’ after rocky end to 2023
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Paul Finebaum understands Ryan Day is currently on a hot streak for Ohio State, and that hot streak has come at the expense of the SEC this offseason.
In recent weeks, the Buckeyes have landed former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins and a pair of ex-Alabama players in safety Caleb Downs and 5-star quarterback signee Julian Sayin.
“When you talk about Judkins, the best running back in the SEC a year ago… Then you get Caleb Downs and Sayin. Those are all-world players, and that’s in addition to everything else he’s already done,” said Finebaum during a conversation with Tim May of Lettermen Row.
In particular, Ohio State landing Downs over Georgia is a big-time addition for the Buckeyes and a stunning loss for the Bulldogs. Finebaum pointed to Kirby Smart’s program missing out on Downs despite recently adding ex-Alabama assistant Travaris Robinson to the staff in Athens.
“I said all those things about Ryan Day a week ago and then my jaw dropped about 4 times in the last week, just to see what he has done. It’s one thing to get these players but Caleb Downs — to get him over Georgia — is significant,” admitted Finebaum. “…Everyone assumed Downs was going there, and there are some people in Georgia who are genuinely shocked over losing that particular player.”
As a result of Ohio State’s recent pickups and the addition of Bill O’Brien to serve as the offensive coordinator, Finebaum admitted Ryan Day is the individual “winning January.” He also elevated the Buckeyes to his preseason No. 1 spot entering 2024.
“It’s hard to imagine anyone having a worse November or December than Ryan Day, but he’s winning January. It’s really remarkable,” Finebaum praised. “I’ve always liked Ryan Day, but his losses to Michigan have got him in trouble. I think that’s fair to say, I don’t want to hear about his record anymore. It’s gaudy but he’s finally gone to double digits with losses.
“…I don’t think it takes any imagination to say Ohio State should be the preseason No. 1. I know everyone looks for someone, and that’s mine.”
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.