Watch: Ohio State's Ryan Day discusses Tennessee playoff game
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's finally game week for the Buckeyes as they prepare for Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. at Ohio Stadium in the Buckeyes' first game there in December.
Coach Ryan Day, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and select offensive players are meeting with the media Monday. You can watch their comments as they happen live in the player above.
Ohio State looks to bounce back after losing the regular season finale against Michigan on Nov. 30, marking the fourth straight loss to the Wolverines. While OSU missed out on a chance to play for the Big Ten title, the Buckeyes earned a No. 8 seed in the playoff and a first-round home game.
During his press conference, Day gave updates on the evolving offensive line and said Luke Montgomery will get some reps at guard, rotating the position with Austin Siereveld and Tegra Tshabola. The front five have dealt with injuries over the course of the season, most recently dealing with Seth McLaughlin's season-ending injury at center.
"When Seth went down, we went back to Austin because he gave us the most experience. Luke was still coming on," Day said. "He was getting better. We felt in time that was the right move. After assessing last game, we felt that Luke deserves an opportunity."
Montgomery's teammates are excited for him to step up as the College Football Playoff begins.
"I feel Luke is versatilie enough for him to play where we need him. He's shown a great ability to anchor," offensive lineman Donovan Jackson said. "We need everyone to step up at this point. Even the younger guys, we need them to be in the mindset that they can play at anytime."
Day knows what's at stake this Saturday.
"We're all invested in this thing in a big way. As the season goes on, you continue to build and grow and you're invested in each other. When you win a game, it's thrilling. When you lose a game, it's heartbreaking," Day said. "The focus is on Tennessee. I think this team is prepared to play in this playoff. They're resilient, tough and mature. We're going to play our tails off on Saturday night."
Day sat down Sunday with NBC4's Kyle Beachy and discussed what he learned from the 13-10 loss to Michigan.
"We have to make sure that we’re maximizing our strengths and that we’re minimizing our deficiencies," Day said. "We also have to make sure that we’re all coaches, players being accountable to each other of doing their job. And I know it sounds simple, but that’s really what it comes down to. And so, you know, all those things were learned coming out of the season.”
The winner will move on to a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, where it will play top-seeded Oregon.