The Most Interesting Thing Ryan Day Said After Disappointing Loss to USC: Why It Matters for Ohio State

LOS ANGELES – Two weeks ago, Ohio State left the field at Memorial Stadium proud of a close and somewhat lucky victory over Indiana. The Buckeyes entered their bye week looking to get healthy and ready for the stretch run.

That streak began Saturday night at USC.

Despite the extra time, the Scarlet and Gray seemed unprepared for the Coliseum. Ohio State was hit early and never recovered, losing 30-18 to the Trojans.

This is the Buckeyes’ second loss of the season, and they now have no margin for error if they want to return to the Big Ten championship game and the College Football Playoff. The year-round national championship favorites now must navigate a tough final four games, including home games against OregonNo. 20 Northwest And Michiganand a game at Nebraska.

After the defeat, the head coach of Scarlet and Gray Ryan Day spoke to the traveling media. Bucknuts has full coverage of Day’s postgame press conference, but here we’re focusing on the most interesting thing he said and what it means for Ohio State.

Ohio State’s 2026 college football season is in its home stretch. The Buckeyes suffered their second loss of the season at USC, but still have a lot to play for this year. There is so much news and information regarding Scarlet and Gray as the season begins. Ohio State basketball is gearing up for a big 2026-27 season after making the NCAA Tournament last year. It’s the busiest time of year for Ohio State. Stay up to date with the latest Buckeye news by BECOME A BUCKNUTS SUBSCRIBER today!

“It’s extremely frustrating to go into a game like this with a young quarterback and not play cleaner than we did,” Day said. “Just too many penalties. I think we found ourselves in those red zone situations. We just weren’t able to execute very well and play cleanly. And then the penalties weren’t good. And then when we went on that drive, we fumbled on offense, turned that ball over.”