Greg McElroy Defends Major College Football Head Coach From 'Overrated' Label

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has faced plenty of criticism this offseason after three consecutive losses to Michigan. The Buckeyes also ended last season with a disappointing loss against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, which only amplified the negative opinions.

Despite the underwhelming season in 2023, Ohio State was one of the biggest winners of the offseason. The Buckeyes signed one of the most impressive transfer classes in the nation, headlined by former Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs and Kansas State quarterback Will Howard.

On the latest episode of " Always College Football ," ESPN's Greg McElroy was asked if Ryan Day was in danger of being labeled as overrated next season if the Buckeyes failed to compete for a national championship.

"He's already being labeled that by some, and I think it's a little backwards," McElroy said. "Don't get me wrong, we all know that every game's weighted differently. No one's going to try to sit here and tell you that the Michigan game is the same level of importance to Ohio State fans as a game against Maryland.

"But I don't know how you can ever call a coach overrated when he has eight losses and, we can name them off the top of our head, in five or six years," McElroy continued. "He's lost to Michigan three times. I get it... That's tough. He's also lost in the national championship game to Alabama. He lost in a semifinal game to Clemson. He lost in another semifinal game to Georgia. He lost to Oregon in the game in Columbus, which was a while back, and I'm blanking on the one other game."

Over his five seasons as Ohio State's head coach, Day is 56-8 and 39-3 against Big Ten opponents. He has led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff twice, including a national championship appearance in 2020.

McElroy noted that the frustration of losing to the program's biggest rival has created a false narrative surrounding one of the best coaches in the sport. Ohio State The Buckeyes had an eight-game win streak over Michigan from 2012-19, which only added to the frustration of Ohio State fans.

"The guy has not lost very many games," McElroy said. "I think he's lost eight in his career as a head coach. So no, he's not overrated. People are frustrated because he did not beat Michigan the last three times out."

Ohio State will open the 2024 season against Akron on Aug. 31 in Columbus.

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