Here's what Ryan Day said about COVID-19, Justin Fields' resiliency at Ohio State's press conference

Ryan Day has led Ohio State to the College Football Playoff back-to-back campaigns and this year managed a break though to the national championship despite serious COVID-19 protocol issues throughout the season and a paltry six game regular-season resume, (including the Big Ten championship).

Whether or not the Buckeyes should have made the final field of four in the playoff is irrelevant at this point. They were selected and they scorched 11-1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl semi-final to reach the title game at 7-0. 

The final stretch for coach Day and the Buckeyes program is to stay COVID free at the top of the depth chart and get to Miami Gardens and Hard Rock Stadium with as many healthy players as possible to face the dynastic Alabama Crimson Tide and their machine-like head coach, Nick Saban. The national championship kicks off Monday, Jan. 11 at 8 pm ET and will be broadcast in various forms across the ESPN imprint of networks.

Day discussed his roster, some individual players, and general Buckeyes news and notes with the media Thursday afternoon. A selection of his comments can be found below. 

Ryan Day said he will never forget Justin Fields’ performance against Clemson. He also referenced Fields’ play against Michigan after coming back from an injury.

— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) January 7, 2021

Ryan Day on Justin Fields' toughness: “To see him come back after that hit and throw four touchdown passes … unbelievable.”

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) January 7, 2021

Ryan Day said Trey Sermon’s emergence was a “pleasant surprise.”

“When the opportunity came for him to be the guy, he took it and ran.”

— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) January 7, 2021

Ryan Day was asked today if Ohio State would have enough players available for the National Championship game on Monday.

His answer: “Yeah, we'll have plenty of players."

— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) January 7, 2021

Ryan Day said the Clemson win was emotional, but emphasized that “the guys have their eyes on the prize.”

Day noted that focusing on one play at a time is important.

— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) January 7, 2021

"The way the game is being played has. It's all about getting stops. It's not about how many yards you give up. At the end of the day, it's about getting stops, forcing field goals and getting turnovers."

Ryan Day on the impact of a defense.#GoBuckeyes #NationalChampionship

— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) January 7, 2021