ATLANTA — It seems like Ryan Day might get to show one among his largest critics fallacious in individual.
Lou Holtz, the final coach to guide Notre Dame to a nationwide championship, is predicted to be in attendance Monday night time when Ohio State takes on the Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
There are, nevertheless, no plans for him to handle Notre Dame forward of kickoff, a supply mentioned.
Holtz, 88, reignited their feud final week on X when he responded to a tweet questioning if he would attend the showdown.
“If Notre Dame doesn’t win, it’s as a result of we need to protect Ryan Day’s job. I used to be initially going to be on the sport in spirit, however now I’ll be dragging my physique alongside as properly,” Holtz wrote.
Holtz additionally picked Notre Dame, an 8.5-point underdog, to win the sport outright.
“Ohio State has the expertise, however Notre Dame has the guts, the tradition, and the protection to win this sport,” he wrote on the social media web site. “Keep affected person, run the soccer, and belief the method. Notre Dame wins a detailed one — by 3. Bear in mind, we’re Notre Dame they usually ain’t!”
Holtz and Day’s rivalry goes again to final season, previous to an Ohio State victory over Notre Dame on Sept. 23, 2023. Holtz was essential of Day’s physique of labor and the dearth of physicality of the Buckeyes.
“You have a look at Coach Day — and I coached at Ohio State below Woody Hayes,” Holtz mentioned throughout an look on ESPN. “We received the nationwide championship after I was there. I’m pleased with that. Nevertheless, he has misplaced to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan twice. And all people [that] beats him, does so as a result of they’re extra bodily than Ohio State. I believe Notre Dame will take that very same strategy.”
After Ohio State’s win, Day went off on Holtz.
“I’d wish to know the place Lou Holtz is true now,” Day mentioned in an on-field interview with NBC. “What he mentioned about our staff, I can not imagine. This can be a robust staff proper right here. We’re proud to be from Ohio. It’s at all times been Ohio in opposition to the world, and it’ll proceed to be Ohio in opposition to the world. However I’’ll inform you what: I really like these youngsters. We’ve received a tricky staff.”
On media day for the nationwide championship sport, Day was requested if the 2 had patched issues up, however mentioned the 2 haven’t talked since they exchanged verbal barbs. Possibly they may meet up Monday night time.
Holtz lately celebrated his 88th birthday with a giant social gathering down at Lake Nona Lodge in Orlando, Fla.
Among the many 150 visitors had been many former gamers from Holtz’s 11 years teaching at Notre Dame. A number of of them had been a part of his Heroes Basis, which assists former student-athletes dealing with monetary, bodily, or psychological hardships. It additionally offers scholarship help to deserving youth.
Holtz is happy with the route of his old fashioned below coach Marcus Freeman, who led the Irish to the nationwide championship sport by successful 13 straight contests after a surprising upset in opposition to Northern Illinois in Week 2.
“When [Freeman] received the job, throughout the first week, he flew down right here and spent the entire day with me,” Holtz advised 247Sports.com in Might of 2023. “We talked all about Notre Dame. I’m prepared to assist him in any means potential.
“He doesn’t want any assist. He’s entering into the suitable route. However I would like Notre Dame to at all times achieve success, notably with someone who understands what Notre Dame is all about.”