Less than two months ago, the coach who had won almost every match was caught up in the storm of his football life. Today, he is an Ohio legend, his Buckeyes ignoring all the noise and working their way to the top of the country. Day is now one of five Ohio State coaches to win a national championship along with Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer and is ideally positioned to become the first since Woody to win many titles. Don’t look now, but the Buckeyes are already the betting favorites to win the whole thing next season.

Jed Clampett couldn’t believe the reversal in Day’s luck. “I hope that our team can be a story for other people,” Day said the morning after Ohio State’s 34-23 win over Notre Dame. “What makes Ohio State great is the fan base, and to all the fans going through tough times in life, persevere and fight the way the players Ours did this season. I hope that becomes a source of inspiration. There was a point in the season where a lot of people underestimated us, but we kept fighting and overcoming those difficulties because that’s life.” Ohio State fans should be proud of the man and coach leading their program. Those who don’t want credit will tell you that Ohio State based on its talent only accomplished what it should have done, and perhaps that’s true. You’ll remember Meyer saying before the season that the Buckeyes had “one of the most talented rosters in the last decade maybe ever.” From there, Ohio State hit the gas full throttle and never looked back, their worst moments giving way to their best efforts. Average margin of four wins in the playoffs: 17.5 points.