Big Ten Daily (Nov. 28): Dan Mullen Backs Ryan Day After Ohio State's Loss to Michigan
Dan Mullen is taking a stand against stupidity. The former Mississippi State and Florida coach and current ESPN analyst took to X to defend Ohio State's Ryan Day following a third straight loss to Michigan.
Overreactions flooded social media after the Buckeyes' 30-24 loss to the Wolverines on Saturday. Too many were calling for Day's job, citing his 1-3 record against Michigan as grounds for termination.
Mullen attempted to fight off the angry mob.
"The Ryan Day must go argument is ridiculous," Mullen wrote on X. "Jim Harbaugh was 0-5 vs. Ohio State at one point. ADs jump the gun so fast today."
Folks in Columbus won't like the comparison to Harbaugh, but Mullen's point stands. It's borderline idiotic to believe Ohio State should be looking to replace Day.
Yes, "The Game" is more important than any other contest on the schedule. It's imperative for the Buckeyes to win that game regularly to compete for Big Ten titles and national championships.
The frustration is understandable. Nobody enjoys losing to their biggest rival in three consecutive seasons. But Ohio State needs to consider Day's entire resumé, not just his record against Michigan.
The Buckeyes are 56-7 under Day. They've earned three trips to the College Football Playoff and have won a pair of Big Ten titles. Ohio State has never lost more than two games in a season.
If Ohio State moved on, there's no guarantee the next guy would have that same level of success. Is it worth the risk? Absolutely not.
So, to recycle Mullen's word, the thought of moving on from Day is "ridiculous."
Nebraska DC Interviews for San Diego State Job
San Diego State has expressed interest in Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White for its head coaching vacancy, according to a report from The San Diego Union-Tribune. The Aztecs are looking to replace Brady Hoke.
Per the report, San Diego State interviewed White over the weekend. Other candidates include former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
Nebraska's defense thrived under White in 2023. The Huskers ranked in the top-20 nationally in run defense (92.9 yards per game allowed), total defense (303.5 yards per game allowed) and scoring defense (18.3 points per game allowed).
Because of that success, White's name has surfaced as an individual ready to make the leap from coordinator to head coach.
Plus, White has ties to San Diego State. He joined Hoke's staff in 2009 as the cornerbacks coach. In 2011, when Rocky Long took over, White was promoted to defensive coordinator, a position he held through the 2017 season.
Two Michigan State QBs to Enter Transfer Portal
It's officially transfer portal season in college football. Michigan State's offense took a hit this week, with quarterback Katin Houser revealing that he intends to look at his options outside of East Lansing.
Houser started in the final seven games of the 2023 season for the Spartans. He finished the year throwing for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns with five interceptions. He completed less than 59% of his passes.
Houser wasn't the only quarterback to enter the portal. Freshman Sam Leavitt is also exploring his options. He was a former four-star prospect.
Leavitt saw limited action as a true freshman for the Spartans. He completed 15-of-23 passes for 139 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Because of the coaching change in East Lansing, it won't be surprising if several Spartans decide to explore other opportunities.
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