Ryan Day, Ohio State and 6 Things That Mattered During the 2024 College Football Season: A Deep Dive into the Buckeyes’ Campaign”

“Ryan Day, Ohio State and 6 Things That Mattered During the 2024 College Football Season: A Deep Dive into the Buckeyes’ Campaign”

 

The 2024 college football season was a thrilling ride for Ohio State fans, with the Buckeyes making a deep run in the playoffs and ultimately falling just short of a national championship. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at six things that mattered during the 2024 season, including the impact of head coach Ryan Day and the emergence of several key players.

 

“1. Ryan Day’s Continued Success”

 

Ryan Day’s tenure as Ohio State’s head coach has been marked by consistent success, and the 2024 season was no exception. Despite losing several key players from the previous year’s team, Day led the Buckeyes to a 12-1 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

 

Day’s ability to adapt and evolve as a coach has been a key factor in his success. He made several savvy adjustments to the Buckeyes’ offense and defense during the 2024 season, and his team responded with several impressive victories.

 

“2. The Emergence of Kyle McCord”

 

One of the biggest stories of the 2024 season was the emergence of quarterback Kyle McCord. After serving as a backup to C.J. Stroud during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, McCord took the reins as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback and led the team to several impressive victories.

 

McCord’s playmaking ability and poise in the pocket were key factors in the Buckeyes’ success during the 2024 season. He threw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, and his leadership helped to inspire confidence in his teammates.

 

“3. The Dominance of the Buckeyes’ Defense”

 

Ohio State’s defense was one of the stingiest in the country during the 2024 season, allowing just 15.6 points per game. The unit was led by several key players, including defensive end Zach Harrison and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg.

 

The Buckeyes’ defense was particularly effective against the run, allowing just 2.9 yards per carry. This was due in part to the team’s strong defensive line, which featured several talented players, including Harrison and defensive tackle Taron Vincent.

 

“4. The Impact of the Transfer Portal”

 

The transfer portal had a significant impact on the Buckeyes during the 2024 season. Ohio State added several key players through the portal, including wide receiver Jameson Williams and defensive back Jordan Battle.

 

Williams, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, was a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ offense during the 2024 season. He caught 60 passes for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, and his playmaking ability helped to stretch defenses and create opportunities for his teammates.

 

“5. The Buckeyes’ Road to the Playoff”

 

Ohio State’s road to the College Football Playoff was a challenging one, but the team ultimately emerged as one of the top four teams in the country. The Buckeyes’ regular season schedule featured several tough games, including matchups against Penn State, Michigan, and Notre Dame.

 

Despite facing several tough opponents, the Buckeyes were able to navigate their schedule with relative ease, thanks in part to their strong defense and efficient offense. The team’s only loss of the regular season came against Michigan, but they were able to bounce back and win their final two games of the season.

 

“6. The Future of the Program”

 

As the Buckeyes look to the future, there is plenty of reason for optimism. The team returns several key players from the 2024 season, including McCord, Williams, and Eichenberg. Additionally, the Buckeyes have a strong recruiting class coming in, featuring several talented players, including quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and defensive end Will Smith.

 

With a strong core of returning players and a talented recruiting class on the way, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to make another deep run in the playoffs next season.