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Dave Portnoy Sends 4-Word Message to Lou Holtz on Ryan Day Championship Game Comments

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jan 16, 2025 9:12 AM ET

College football's national championship game is a regional matchup between two Midwestern powerhouses, Ohio State and Notre Dame, but it is quickly gaining national appeal as coach Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman's teams prepare to take the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20.

On Wednesday, ex-Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz found himself in the news cycle yet again as the man who once questioned Ohio State's toughness made a statement on Day's job security heading into the title game.

"If Notre Dame doesn't win, it's because we want to preserve Ryan Day's job," Holtz said, throwing shade at the Buckeyes' current head coach.

Holtz's comments were greeted enthusiastically with a four-word message from University of Michigan superfan, alumnus and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who shouted out the former Irish coach ahead of the title game that Holtz pledged to attend.

"Talk to em coach!!!" Portnoy said on X in response to Holtz's comments on Day's job security.

Portnoy has remained adamant that the Buckeyes' November loss to the rival Michigan Wolverines has clouded their ongoing national championship run.

"It is cute to see Michigan and Notre Dame teaming up," a Buckeyes fan said in response to Portnoy's message.

Another fan threw their support behind Holtz and Portnoy.

"Irish all the way!!!" they said.

"Listen to the LEGEND," another fan said referencing Holtz, who led Notre Dame to their last national title in 1988.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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