Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes Addresses Jim Harbaugh’s “America’s Team” Claim
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Ohio State Buckeyes coach Ryan Day has reacted to Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh’s claim that his squad is “America’s Team” this week.
Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, made some outrageous claims earlier this week about his team, most notably that they are ‘America’s Team.’
Aside from the fact that the Dallas Cowboys had held that championship for almost 50 years, Harbaugh’s lack of self-awareness is evident in light of the cheating scandal his program is currently mired in.
“Just the perseverance and the stalwartness of these guys, watching (Michigan vs. Penn State) I would have to say to everybody… that’s got to be America’s team,” Harbaugh stated. “People in America have a great affection for a team that triumphs against hardships and difficulty, regardless of the opinions of doubters, critics, and experts. My favorite kind of team is that one.”
An impressive assertion from a coach who is now on suspension from the most contentious college football team.
On one point, though, Harbaugh is correct: Americans enjoy a good underdog tale. The Wolverines aren’t a pushover, though. In every way, they are the best dog in the pack.
Conversely, the Ohio State Buckeyes are very aware of their identity. And in a customary tactful way, head coach Ryan Day answered a question regarding Harbaugh’s remarks on Tuesday.
“It’s been a long road to get to November, and each team has its own identity,” Day stated. Every team has unique dynamics and a unique journey. It is November now. Being at work every day with these guys—their dependability, maturity, competition, and the way they look at things—makes them an amazing team to be around. It has to do with these men on the squad. The guys who worked hard and risked everything on Saturday are the ones who matter. This week, we’ll repeat it and keep swinging.”
Day and the Buckeyes have faced their fair share of challenges, such as a quarterback lacking experience, running the football poorly, and a slew of injuries.
And yet, like the Wolverines, they have stayed pure.
This weekend, both teams will play conference games: the Wolverines will travel to Maryland to play Minnesota, while the Buckeyes will host Minnesota.
Following that, the two teams will play in Ann Arbor, where the Buckeyes may be playing as “America’s Team” for the day given the genuine, widely held opinions about Michigan in the nation.
“When you start to get ahead of yourself, you start to lose focus on right now,” Day stated. The trick is to stay present because there is nothing more you can do but make the most of the situation as it is. That is our plan of action. On Saturday, at precisely 7 o’clock, that time will arrive. From there, we proceed.”
