Ex-Ohio State LB Explains Ryan Day’s Key Message That Led Buckeyes, Jack Sawyer to Championship
Former Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter knows what it takes to win a national championship. More than 20 years ago, he helped the Buckeyes defeat Miami in a legendary BCS title game. Fast forward to today, and Ohio State has reclaimed championship glory under Ryan Day in the first-ever expanded College Football Playoff era.
Ohio State’s Championship Journey
Despite entering the postseason as underdogs, the Buckeyes silenced critics by taking down Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas before securing a 34-23 victory in Atlanta for the national title.
Carpenter recently appeared on The Buckeye Revival podcast, where he broke down how Ryan Day’s leadership and a single, powerful word transformed Ohio State’s mindset during their playoff run.
Jack Sawyer’s Defining Moment
Carpenter reflected on a key play by Jack Sawyer against Michigan, emphasizing that great moments need a great ending to be remembered. While Ohio State initially struggled, belief and resilience turned the tide in their favor.
Faith, Focus, and Execution
According to Carpenter, faith played a crucial role in Ohio State’s championship push. He highlighted pivotal moments, such as:
- Jeremiah Smith’s clutch catch vs. Notre Dame
- TreVeyon Henderson’s game-changing touchdown
- The scoop-and-score on Quinn Ewers
- A dominant response against Tennessee and Oregon
These defining plays cemented the Buckeyes’ championship legacy, marking the end of a decade-long title drought and earning Ryan Day his first national title.
