The Ryen Russillo Podcast
Episode: Ohio State Is the Champ: The Buckeyes' Unprecedented Run and Ryan Day’s Redemption. Plus, Ben Johnson to the Bears With David Pollack
Release Date: January 21, 2025

1. Ohio State's Historic Championship Victory

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic celebration of Ohio State University (OSU) clinching the national championship for the 24th season, culminating in a remarkable victory in 2025. The hosts delve into the significance of this achievement, highlighting the Buckeyes' dominance and the factors contributing to their success.

Notable Quote:
David Pollock [00:10]: "Ohio State fans, you are national champions. It's got to be fun."

2. Detailed Game Breakdown

The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame. They dissect key plays, player performances, and strategic decisions that led to OSU's overwhelming 31-23 victory.

• First Drive Struggles: OSU's initial drive was hampered by multiple conversions (third and fourth downs) and extensive commercial breaks, setting a sluggish tone for the game. The hosts express skepticism about the game’s outcome due to these early challenges.

  Notable Quote:
  Ryan Rosillo [05:00]: "Could tonight be one of those special nights? Nope."

• Momentum Shift: After the first drive, OSU surged ahead with a dominant performance, outgaining Notre Dame 321 to 38 yards over the next nine possessions. The increased pressure from OSU’s defense was a pivotal factor.

  Notable Quote:
  David Pollock [07:38]: "Ohio State was getting pressure with four..."

• Quarterback Performance: Riley Leonard's struggles in extending plays and throwing deep pass attempts are critiqued. The hosts discuss how Leonard's limitations were exploited by OSU’s defense, particularly in the pocket.

  Notable Quote:
  Kyle [10:15]: "Riley Leonard does not throw deep shots. He's a terrific story, but he's not that guy."

3. Ryan Day’s Coaching Mastery and Redemption

A significant portion of the discussion centers around OSU's head coach, Ryan Day. The hosts applaud his strategic adjustments and leadership, which have elevated his legacy despite past challenges.

• Win Percentage and Legacy: Ryan Day boasts an impressive 87.5% winning percentage, placing him second only to Walter Camp in the history of the sport. His ability to consistently lead his teams to top ranks is highlighted as a testament to his coaching prowess.

  Notable Quote:
  Kyle [16:43]: "He's got his national championship. His teams have been ranked at number two in the country at some point."

• Redemption Arc: The hosts describe Day's career as a Hollywood-worthy redemption arc, celebrating his achievements and the respect he's garnered within the college football community.

  Notable Quote:
  Kyle [24:22]: "He hired Chip Kelly and completed a redemption arc that Hollywood wouldn't believe."

4. Strategic Play Calling and Defensive Exploitation

The analysis extends to tactical aspects of the game, focusing on OSU's defensive strategies and their ability to capitalize on Notre Dame's weaknesses.

• Cornerback Vulnerability: OSU identified a significant weakness in Notre Dame's cornerback performance, leveraging Jeremiah Smith's exceptional skills to secure crucial touchdowns.

  Notable Quote:
  Kyle [34:02]: "Jeremiah Smith’s off the ball, he runs a subtle, perfect route..."

• Fourth Down Decisions: The hosts critique Notre Dame's offensive choices, particularly their field goal attempt on fourth and nine, questioning the rationale behind the decision given the defensive pressure from OSU.

  Notable Quote:
  Kyle [26:28]: "Why would you kick it and then be down two scores?"

5. Ohio State's Offensive Evolution

Ryan Day's tenure is also credited with transforming OSU's offense. The shift from a zone scheme to a more simplified, counter-based approach allowed players like Jeremiah Smith to thrive, showcasing the adaptability and innovation of the coaching staff.

Notable Quote:
Kyle [31:01]: "Ohio State lost their center, their tackle, their best two linemen. They ran counter... it completely unlocked him."

6. Ben Johnson Joins the Chicago Bears

In addition to the championship discussion, the episode covers the significant move of Ben Johnson joining the Chicago Bears. This transition is explored in the context of NFL team strategies and the potential impact on the Bears' defensive lineup.

Notable Quote:
David Pollock [38:00]: "Ben Johnson gets brought in, right? And he's going to be the head coach of the Bears."

7. Guest Conversation with David Pollock

Former Notre Dame player David Pollock joins the podcast to provide expert insights into the championship game and broader college football dynamics. Their conversation touches on:

• Talent Discrepancy: Pollock emphasizes the vast talent gap between OSU and Notre Dame, attributing OSU's success to their superior physical and strategic capabilities.

  Notable Quote:
  David Pollock [19:28]: "The talent discrepancy is so great on one side compared to the other."

• Coaching Decisions: They discuss Ryan Day's play-calling, particularly his aggressive strategies during critical game moments, and how these decisions ultimately led to OSU's triumph.

  Notable Quote:
  Kyle [29:23]: "I love Freeman all year long. I love his physicality, I love his mentality."

8. Life Advice and Audience Emails

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in a life advice segment, addressing listener emails that range from relationship struggles to personal challenges.

• Handling Relationship Breakups: One prominent email from a listener details a tumultuous breakup with a high school sweetheart, seeking advice on moving forward after being ghosted and dealing with unresolved feelings.

  Notable Quote:
  David Pollock [67:55]: "It's not up to you to decide what he should or shouldn't be doing based on the help that he needs."

• Financial Planning Tips: Another listener seeks guidance on managing college funds versus paying down credit card debt, with the hosts providing balanced financial advice.

  Notable Quote:
  David Pollock [62:50]: "If you're paying 20 plus percent to carry credit card debt, you're basically paying a fee to carry debt on that number."

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Features

The episode concludes with the hosts teasing upcoming special editions of the podcast, including a children-only edition, and encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with their content across platforms.

Notable Quote:
Saruti [60:48]: "It's the best picture of Kyle I've ever seen."

Key Takeaways:

• Ohio State’s Dominance: OSU's unprecedented run to the national championship underscores their strategic excellence and athlete performance under Ryan Day's leadership.

• Ryan Day’s Legacy: Day's coaching acumen and ability to adapt his offensive schemes have solidified his status as one of the top coaches in college football history.

• Game Strategy Insights: The detailed breakdown of the championship game highlights the critical decisions and moments that defined the outcome, emphasizing the importance of defensive pressure and offensive adaptability.

• Ben Johnson’s NFL Move: The addition of Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears represents a significant shift in NFL defensive strategies, potentially altering team dynamics.

• Personal Development: The life advice segment provides valuable guidance on navigating complex personal relationships and financial decisions, reflecting the podcast's commitment to addressing diverse listener concerns.

Resources and Further Listening:

• Follow the Podcast: Subscribe to "The Ryen Russillo Podcast" on YouTube and other streaming platforms to stay updated with the latest episodes.

• Life Advice Submissions: For personalized advice, visit lifeadvice@rrmail.com.

• Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned for the special children-only edition airing on Wednesday and another special edition on Tuesday.

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