After Ohio State fell 30‑18 to USC, coach Ryan Day said he would not reverse his decision to go for two points with just over two minutes left.
Key points
- Ryan Day will not change his approach to attempting a two‑point conversion in similar late‑game situations.
- The decision was driven by season‑long analytics discussions rather than a split‑second gut reaction.
- Ohio State’s inability to convert two‑point attempts has become a statistical liability, with eight consecutive failures.
- Improving two‑point conversion efficiency is likely to be a priority for the Buckeyes moving forward.
Ohio State suffered its second loss of the 2026 season when the Trojans held on for a 30‑18 victory, and the decision that drew the most scrutiny was head coach Ryan Day’s choice to attempt a two‑point conversion after the Buckeyes scored their only touchdown.
Speaking on the Buckeye Roundtable, Day explained that while his first instinct was to kick the extra point and keep the game within one score, the coaching staff had discussed the scenario all summer and concluded that an early two‑point try would clarify whether the contest would become a one‑score or two‑score game, allowing the team to adjust its strategy accordingly.
Day's rationale on the Buckeye Roundtable
Quarterback Luke Fahey’s pass to receiver Phillip Bell sailed over the back of the end zone, ending the Buckeyes’ chance to tie the game. Ohio State then tried an onside kick, which USC recovered, forcing the Buckeyes to burn all three timeouts before a field goal extended the lead to 12 points with 1:46 left.
Day also highlighted other factors that cost the Buckeyes the game: missed tackles on defense, a lack of red‑zone discipline and a poor punt that gave USC favorable field position.
The failed conversion and its immediate fallout
The failed two‑point attempt adds to a troubling trend for Ohio State. The program has not converted a two‑point try since its 2017 season‑opening win over Indiana and has lost eight straight attempts, including all four made under Day’s tenure.
Day said the analytics behind the decision remain sound, but he acknowledged that the Buckeyes must improve their execution on two‑point plays if they hope to rely on that option in future close games.
Reader questions
Why did Ryan Day choose to go for two points instead of an extra point?
Day said the coaching staff had discussed the scenario all summer and decided that an early two‑point attempt would tell the team sooner whether they were facing a one‑score or two‑score deficit, allowing them to plan the rest of the game accordingly.
What was the result of the two‑point conversion attempt against USC?
Quarterback Luke Fahey’s pass to Phillip Bell missed the end zone, ending Ohio State’s chance to narrow the gap to one score.
How have Ohio State’s two‑point conversions performed historically?
The Buckeyes have not successfully converted a two‑point attempt since the 2017 season opener and have lost eight straight tries, including all four attempts made under Ryan Day.
Source: elevenwarriors.com
