Greg McElroy sees a lot on the line on either side of the Ohio State-Notre Dame matchup this weekend. The game certainly has College Football Playoff implications as a top-10 matchup.

As for Ryan Day, McElroy believes the game could provide the head coach with a chance to make a statement. On the other hand, McElroy believes a loss could provide “a ton of heat” for the coach.

“For Ryan Day, he’s gonna take a ton of heat if he comes up short. Is it fair, is it warranted, is it justified? Probably not, but such is life when you’re the head coach of Ohio State, man,” said McElroy on Always College Football. “The expectation level is almost unheard of where it’s ‘Championship or bust.'”

While the loss to Notre Dame would be costly, McElroy did acknowledge Day still has a chance to get back in the good graces of his fanbase down the road. The games against Penn State and Michigan would allow Day to make everything right.

“But I think all can be made right in the world if he takes care of Penn State and Michigan. Now, will Ohio State fans be furious if he comes up short? Of course. But if he beats Michigan, all is right in the world,” McElroy explained. “If he goes to the Big Ten (title), goes to the Playoff, potentially wins a championship. All is fine. So I think it would for a moment but the big one Ryan Day absolutely has to have? That’s against Michigan.”

While the ultimate outlook for the season will not be decided on Saturday, it is an opportune moment for Day and the Buckeyes to leave a resounding statement in South Bend. We’ll see if the program is up to the task Saturday night.