Ryan Day gets it: Every ‘M’ needs an ‘X’ on top — especially those that are maize and blue.
During an appearance on CBS Sports’ Cover 3 podcast at Big Ten Media Days, the Ohio State head coach played a game in which hosts Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli and Danny Kanell asked him to share the first thought that came to mind when he saw the logos of other Big Ten schools.
The logos Day saw belonged to Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan and Washington. He had plenty of praise for the Hoosiers, Boilermakers, Badgers and Huskies. But when it came to Ohio State’s archrival, his response was short, simple and not-so-sweet.
“The rival,” Day said. “We need an ‘X’ on that.”
Day praised Indiana for capping an undefeated season with a national championship, while also sharing his respect for Purdue head coach Barry Odom and Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell. He highlighted Camp Randall Stadium’s atmosphere and Washington’s unique “Sailgating” tradition as some of the best environments in college football.
Indiana
“Well, they were national champs last year, so you've got to give them credit, man. They had a great season. You got to give them credit.”
Purdue
“Respect. I think Barry (Odom) is as good a coach as there is in the country. I had a chance to spend some time with him when my son went through the recruiting process. He’s a very, very good coach and a really good man. What he did at UNLV — and I think Purdue is heading in the right direction. Really good hire.”
Wisconsin
“Man, Camp Randall. Jump Around. Luke (Fickell) is obviously a Buckeye, and he’s a great coach as well. So much respect for him. But Camp Randall… Camp Randall is a great place.”
Michigan
“The Rival. We need an ‘X’ on that.”
Washington
“I think of ‘Sailgating.’ What a great environment there. And to pull in and see all the sailboats and everybody tailgating in the water. (The stadium is) loud. It got loud. It kind of reverberates down.”
Day completed a 15-minute televised press conference at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday before participating in a 45-minute breakout session with reporters. Eleven Warriors has video of both appearances on the 11W YouTube channel and will continue providing coverage from Chicago in our Big Ten Media Days Central article on the front page.
