Lou Holtz. Republican National Convention v

Lou Holtz claps back after Ohio State HC blasted him postgame

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/26/23

The feud no one wanted keeps going.

On Tuesday, former Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz doubled down on criticism of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, adding another layer to a back-and-forth that began when Holtz predicted the Fighting Irish would beat the Buckeyes due to his belief that Ohio State is soft.

After Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 17-16, Day ripped into Holtz in a fiery postgame interview.

And here’s Ryan Day fired up over Lou Holtz: pic.twitter.com/kYkGAn5BAt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2023

In response, Holtz said on Tuesday, "I can understand why he did. He doesn't want to talk about Michigan, 0-2."

Lou Holtz responds to Ryan Day:

"I can understand why he did. He doesn’t want to talk about Michigan, 0-2. He doesn’t want to talk about the big game coming up against Penn State and against Michigan again.

He’s a great coach. He’s done a tremendous job. He’s a great offensive… pic.twitter.com/owvJyiny9g
— On3 (@On3sports) September 26, 2023

What Michigan has to do with Notre Dame's loss is still being determined. Still, Holtz deescalated the situation, adding, "He's a great coach ... I think he's doing a tremendous job," before finishing his thought with another slight jab.

"Ohio State's a good football team. I don't think they're a great football team. He can go after me all he wants," said Holtz.

The Buckeyes are one of the most successful programs in college football history and haven't had a losing record since 2011. They've also — to Holtz's point — come up short against more physical opponents in recent years under Day, getting blown out 52-24 against Alabama in the 2020 College Football Playoff national championship game and then being held to 3.7 yards per carry (while allowing 5.2 yards per carry) in Georgia's come-from-behind 42-41 win in last year's semifinal in the Peach Bowl.

However, the funny thing about Holtz's original comment is that no one considers Notre Dame the poster child for gritty, tough football. How could it be when it gets curb-stomped every time it plays a legitimate championship contender, too?

Day and Holtz can go back and forth all they want. But all their arguing really amounts to is a pillow fight.

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