Ohio State, Ryan Day silence critics with resounding win over Tennessee
COLUMBUS, Ohio — How different this postgame scene must have felt for Ryan Day, the embattled head coach of Ohio State, who stood in almost the exact same place three weeks ago, on Nov. 30, as everything about his team and his tenure seemed to crumble following a fourth consecutive loss to Michigan. Screaming players, their eyes reddened from pepper spray discharged by local police officers, careened past Day in search of medical attention. Belligerent fans, their patience eroded by Day's confounding game plan, hurled profane insults in his direction. Wounded seniors, their careers forever blemished by an inability to beat The Team Up North, brawled on the midfield logo when the Wolverines attempted to plant their flag. Chaos reigned as Day grew roots at the 24-yard line, his disbelief and disenchantment melding into temporary paralysis.
