Ryan Day caught a lot of slack for his loss to Michigan at the end of the regular season.

Day’s shortcomings against the Wolverines are well-documented. His Buckeyes have lost 4 straight to Michigan, even with Ohio State now set to play for a national title and Michigan finishing the year at 8-5. And for Ohio State, beating Michigan is non-negotiable.

But despite the criticism Day has received for this latest loss to Michigan, Ohio State is doing very well. The Buckeyes destroyed Tennessee and Oregon and handled Texas to advance to the national title game against Notre Dame.

And on Monday before kickoff, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban made sure to have Day’s back. He spoke out against the criticism against Day, insisting all that negativity just makes his job more difficult. Here’s a look at what the 7-time national champion had to say.

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN from Atlanta, Georgia. The Fighting Irish have been impressive this postseason, downing Indiana, Georgia and Penn State on their way to the title matchup.

Both teams can run the ball well – especially Notre Dame. The Irish feature 3 threats in the backfield – Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price and QB Riley Leonard. Ohio State’s defensive unit – led by Jack Sawyer, Cody Simon and JT Tuimoloau – will have to be disciplined.

It all comes down to this, folks.