Rose Bowl Press Conference Updates: Ryan Day, Dan Lanning Preview Rematch Of The Year

LOS ANGELES — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Oregon head coach Dan Lanning met for a joint press conference on Tuesday, previewing Wednesday’s Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinal game. They had plenty to say about their own teams and the challenges presented by their opponents. The highlights of everything that was said can be found below.

Ryan Day

The team is excited to be here. This is Day’s third time. “It is a beautiful setting.” Lot of respect for the Oregon program and how Lanning runs his team. More special to have this game be Ohio State vs. Oregon. Also nice to have an Archie Griffin statue at the Rose Bowl. “Excited for our fans to get here.”
“We’ve had a great week of preparation.”
How is this preparation different when you still have games after this if you win: It’s like being in a routine of a game week. They have seen this coming, so they’ve been preparing for it. There are no classes right now, so the guys can focus on the game. It’s like being on the road for a game.
On what he respects most about Lanning and his program: Dan Lanning does a great job of recruiting, bringing in talented, quality people. They are well-prepared and play very hard.
On CFP format changing possibilities: Everybody is learning because this process is now. There is time to discuss it after the season. Not now.
Oregon played a great game the first time around and has continued to play well, but both teams are in a different place than they were back in October. “It’s about matchups.” Then all three phases have to work together. You see this a lot in the NFL. You’ll see it more and more in college football.
What is the future of NIL? “For all of us, we would like more structure in all of those areas to alleviate those issues.”
How do you keep Oregon from the big chunks: That was a big part of the last game. They schemed up plays to attack the OSU defense and then executed it. They ran good routes, blocked, and completed the passes. “We worked hard to make adjustments in those areas.” They need to get lined up and communicate and then run to the ball.
On being at the forefront of roster building: It starts with high school recruiting and developing those plays. It’s about finding fits for the culture and then filling needs via the portal who also fit. Having that culture allows you to get through the adversity. Ohio State has the resources to keep guys from leaving, but then also to bring in transfers when the need arises.
You’ve got to create your own momentum in this game. There will be more back and forths. You have to have poise throughout the game.
Any shoutouts to those who helped get you here: It’s about family. “It’s Nina and the kids.” He’s known his wife since he was 6 years old. The foundation of any coach is a supportive family. But then it also goes to the players. They pull for each other and support each other.
What’s the wear and tear like for this season: All things considered, they’re as healthy and strong as they’ve been all season. They’re battle tested. They knew they wanted to be strong and powerful at the end of the season. They are playing as fast and violent as they have all year right now.
How much different do you feel different now compared to the week leading up to Tennessee: “Very similar. Hungry. Focused.” They are excited to get back on the field. “Every week you have to learn.” You never know how you’re going to get to this point, “but here we are.”
Do you have a moment you’re looking forward to tomorrow? When you’re at the Rose Bowl, you’re on sensory overload until the game starts. The electricity in the stadium will be special.
On the benefits and challenges of bringing in a portal quarterback: Oregon has done a great job with that with Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel. That’s not something that just happens. It takes a while for QBs to get used to the new language. Oregon has done that will. OSU bringing in Will Howard, they saw a winner and a leader. As the season has gone on, you’ve seen him grow. Ultimately it will come down to his leadership in this game.

Dan Lanning

This is always one of his favorite parts of the year with a bunch of big games. The players have enjoyed their Rose Bowl experience, even though it’s different this year as part of the quarterfinals.
On still having more games after this one: You have to get past this game to worry about the next one.
On what he respects more about Day and his program: Ryan Day recruits at a high level. His team is always prepared. “It’s really hard to find weaknesses in Ohio State” when you turn on the film and look for areas to attack. “They play hard for each other and it shows up.”
They always talk about playing the game many times before you actually play it. That’s practice, walk-throughs, meetings, in your off-time.
On possible CFP seeing changes: Furthest thing from his mind but the game will continue to adapt. “That’s not my concern right now.”
Great teams have tendencies. It’s a double-edged sword on how much do you want to change? But every time you watch OSU, you see new wrinkles.
The team that creates the most explosives on offense is probably going to have the most success.
On being on the forefront of roster building: Always felt like Oregon has been about adapting. Glad to be in a place that’s in the forefront of that.
The game will be about execution over emotion. You have the ability to break momentum or sustain it.
Any shoutouts to those who helped get you here: “I’ll just start with my wife Sophia.” If you want to be great, you need a great support group.
They have been preparing for a long season since the first workout.
Do you have a moment you’re looking forward to tomorrow? Yeah, hopefully at the end of the game the Ducks will be leading. There aren’t a lot of opportunities to soak it in during the game.