From Newsweek · Matthew Couden · · 1m 30s
Ryan Day's rule after the Texas collapse: no BCDE
Ohio State blew a 20-point fourth-quarter lead in Austin, and its coach banned blaming, complaining and defending.
In brief
Ohio State blew a 20-point fourth-quarter lead in Austin, and its coach banned blaming, complaining and defending. When a loss stings, the only useful response is to name the problem and fix it. Blame, complaint and self-defense just burn the week. Originally reported by Newsweek.
A 20-point lead, gone
Ohio State lost 24-23 to Texas after entering the fourth quarter up 20. The Buckeyes opened their season with a collapse nobody saw coming.
Arch Manning's fourth quarter
Texas quarterback Arch Manning drove his team to three touchdowns in the final quarter, ending with a one-point lead and barely any clock left for Ohio State.
Day picks the response
Rather than dwell on the result, Day told reporters he met with the captains and set the tone for the week: stay on what matters, ignore the noise.
“And had a great meeting with the captains. They're on board with that.”
No blame, complain, defend
Day gave the team a shorthand for what he will not tolerate. BCDE is the losing reflex, and solving the problem is the only alternative he offered.
“You don't BCDE, blame, complain, defend. That's what losers do.”
Third downs decided it
Ohio State outgained Texas by 36 yards and still lost. Texas converted 9 of 16 third downs and 2 of 3 fourth downs to keep the comeback alive.
From No. 1 to No. 6
The Buckeyes went into Austin ranked first in both major polls and fell to sixth, with Texas taking the top spot. Kent State visits Columbus on Saturday.
In short
When a loss stings, the only useful response is to name the problem and fix it. Blame, complaint and self-defense just burn the week.
