BREAKING: “The Big Ten has literally done nothing. They’ve won two national championships. And they act like they invented football.” With those biting words, ESPN personality Paul Finebaum once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time drawing the ire of the Ohio State fan base and sparking a heated college football debate that cut across conference lines. Finebaum, long known for his sharp tongue and outspoken takes on the SEC and its dominance in college football, turned his attention toward the Big Ten, and more specifically, the Buckeyes, questioning both their recent accomplishments and their perceived superiority. Ohio State fans, who pride themselves on being one of the most storied programs in the sport’s history, didn’t take long to fire back. However, it wasn’t the fans alone who delivered the knockout blow—it was Ryan Day, the head coach of the Buckeyes, who silenced Finebaum with a three-word message that had the Ohio State community buzzing with excitement and left Finebaum without a response.
The entire exchange perfectly captures the clash between the SEC and Big Ten, two power conferences who both believe they are the true standard-bearers of college football. Finebaum, who has long been viewed as the voice of SEC supremacy, has made a career out of defending the dominance of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other conference giants. For him, the Big Ten has always been more talk than substance. His criticism that “they’ve won two national championships” was a not-so-subtle jab at both Ohio State and Michigan, the two schools who historically carry the flag for the conference. Ohio State, of course, last won a national championship in 2014 under Urban Meyer, while Michigan has recently reemerged as a powerhouse but has not yet sealed the deal in the modern playoff era. To Finebaum, this proves the Big Ten doesn’t have the right to claim it sits on equal footing with the SEC, which has captured the lion’s share of national titles in the past two decades.
But for Ohio State fans, the comments cut much deeper. The Buckeyes see themselves as not only a national brand but also as a consistent playoff contender who, unlike many SEC schools, has managed to maintain elite status despite coaching changes, injuries, and constant scrutiny. To hear Finebaum dismiss their accomplishments as if they meant nothing was seen as both disrespectful and inaccurate. After all, Ohio State has been a staple of the College Football Playoff since its inception, has produced some of the game’s biggest NFL stars, and continues to recruit at an elite level. They argue that while the SEC may be top-heavy, the Big Ten, led by Ohio State, is a model of consistency and success.
The war of words would have likely ended with the usual back-and-forth between Finebaum and angry Buckeye fans, but then Ryan Day stepped into the conversation. Known for his fiery personality and passionate defense of his program, Day has never shied away from confrontation. In fact, his famous line “We’re going to hang 100 on them” directed at Michigan’s defense coordinator several years ago still lives in Ohio State lore as an example of his competitive fire. This time, Day didn’t need a long speech. He didn’t have to break down statistics or point to his team’s playoff appearances. Instead, he delivered three simple words that spoke volumes and rallied the entire Ohio State community: “Watch us work.”
Those three words hit like a thunderbolt across social media. Fans erupted in support, plastering the message across message boards, Twitter, and Instagram. To them, Day’s message wasn’t just a response to Finebaum’s insult—it was a declaration of intent. It was a promise that Ohio State didn’t need to argue about history, tradition, or hypothetical comparisons with the SEC. Instead, they would prove it on the field. “Watch us work” became a rallying cry, an unshakable sign of confidence that the Buckeyes would silence their critics not through words, but through wins.
For Finebaum, who thrives on having the last word in debates, Day’s response was the perfect checkmate. Unlike fans or pundits, Day had the credibility of being the leader of one of college football’s most powerful programs. He didn’t have to waste time engaging in a war of words. Instead, he essentially told Finebaum to sit back and wait to see what happens. And in that moment, Finebaum had nothing to say. The man who built his career on quick comebacks and sharp criticisms found himself, for once, speechless.
The broader significance of this exchange is that it once again highlights the ongoing rivalry between the SEC and the Big Ten for supremacy in college football. While the SEC has undeniably had the upper hand with national championships, the Big Ten has been fighting to close the gap, with Ohio State and Michigan leading the charge. Ryan Day’s Buckeyes have consistently been on the doorstep of greatness, often reaching the College Football Playoff and competing toe-to-toe with SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia. Many Ohio State fans believe it’s only a matter of time before Day delivers another national championship to Columbus, further legitimizing their place alongside the SEC elite.
But Finebaum’s comments reflect a deeper narrative. His words weren’t just about championships—they were about perception. To him, the Big Ten’s constant hype and media coverage don’t match the hardware they’ve brought home in the past two decades. It’s the same criticism he’s leveled against Notre Dame in the past: plenty of talk, but not enough results. By singling out Ohio State, Finebaum took aim at the one program that has consistently stood tall against the SEC narrative, and in doing so, he ensured that his comments would sting the most.
Yet, this is where Day’s response carries even more weight. Rather than get defensive or angry, he leaned into the pressure. “Watch us work” is not only a rebuttal to Finebaum but also a challenge to his own team. It sets the tone for the season, putting the responsibility on the Buckeyes to prove themselves on the field. For players like quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and running back Quinshon Judkins, it becomes a call to arms, a reminder that every game is a chance to prove Finebaum wrong and solidify Ohio State’s place among the greats.
From a fan perspective, the timing of this exchange couldn’t be better. The College Football Playoff is expanding, meaning Ohio State will have more opportunities to prove itself against elite opponents. The Big Ten is also expanding, adding marquee programs like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, which only increases the level of competition. For Day and his Buckeyes, every Saturday will now be a chance to validate their place in the national conversation. And with Finebaum’s comments lingering in the background, the motivation is even greater.
It’s also worth noting that Finebaum’s jab, while pointed, isn’t entirely without truth. The SEC’s dominance cannot be denied, and until Ohio State or another Big Ten team strings together multiple championships, the debate will continue to lean in the SEC’s favor. But that’s precisely what makes Day’s response so powerful. He didn’t deny the criticism. He didn’t argue about the past. Instead, he focused on the future. “Watch us work” acknowledges the challenge while embracing the opportunity to rise above it. It is both humble and confident, and it perfectly captures the mindset of a coach and program determined to make history.
In the end, this back-and-forth between Finebaum and Ohio State is more than just media noise—it’s a microcosm of college football’s greatest debate. Is the SEC the unquestioned king of the sport, or can the Big Ten, led by Ohio State, finally wrestle away the crown? For Finebaum, the answer is clear: until the Buckeyes win more titles, they don’t belong in the same conversation. But for Ryan Day, the answer is just as clear: championships are won on the field, not in the studio. His three-word message encapsulates that philosophy, turning what could have been a distraction into a source of strength for his team.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Buckeyes to see if they can back up their coach’s words. Fans will pack Ohio Stadium, players will take the field with added intensity, and the national media will circle back to Finebaum’s comments every time Ohio State faces a big test. And should the Buckeyes run the table, secure a Big Ten title, and finally bring another national championship back to Columbus, the story will write itself. Finebaum’s criticism will be remembered as the spark that reignited Ohio State’s fire, and Day’s three words will be etched into Buckeye history.
Until then, the debate rages on. Finebaum will continue to defend the SEC’s dominance, Ohio State fans will continue to remind him of their program’s tradition and consistency, and Ryan Day will let his team do the talking. In the end, perhaps that is the beauty of college football—that passion, rivalry, and words can fuel a season as much as playbooks and strategy. For now, though, the last word belongs to Ryan Day. And those three words echo louder than any criticism: Watch us work.
