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Ryan Day: 2016 Fiesta Bowl, historical record vs Clemson ‘has nothing to do with this game’
By Paul Harvey
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Ryan Day is gearing up to lead Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl against a familiar opponent.
A lot has been made about the Buckeyes facing Dabo Swinney and Clemson, a team they have faced twice in the postseason this decade. Ohio State lost both of those games, starting with a defeat in the 2014 Orange Bowl. However, the game that people particularly point to is the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, a CFP Semifinal game that the Tigers dominated with a 31-0 shutout.
On Thursday, Day was asked by the BTN crew if he cites Ohio State’s lack of success vs Clemson as a source for motivation. While Day did admit it is something that has been referenced with the team, it is hardly a major talking point for the Buckeyes.
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At this point, his team has all the motivation it needs:
“I don’t think you need any more motivation playing in a game like this,” explained Day. “We do bring it up as a reference point, but we don’t talk about it a lot. That has nothing to do with this game. That has nothing to do with our team, their team, or this moment right here. But, we do bring it up as a reference point.”
Day also touched on the current state of his team, saying he has a really good feeling about the Buckeyes. So far, the team has put in some good practices and is getting ready to roll:
“I got a good feeling right now, just about our team. I think they’re going to play really really hard,” said Day. “I think we’ve done a good job preparing. We’re not there yet, still got a ways to go, just in preparation…we’re in a good place right now, we’ve got a good week of practice and ready to go.”
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Ohio State on BTN shared the entire interview with Day, including his thoughts on comparing Clemson to teams in the B1G:
How ready is this @OhioStateFB squad ahead of the #FiestaBowl? @RyanDaytime tells our @BTNDaveRevsine, @GerryDiNardo and @HowardGriffith. pic.twitter.com/fuRothPa6v
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) December 26, 2019
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.