"The job is twofold": Stephen A Smith gives harsh reality check to Ryan Day despite Ohio State's recent win over Tennessee

Ohio State coach Ryan Day is facing backlash from several quarters despite leading the No. 6 Buckeyes to the second round of the College Football Playoff following a 42-17 win over the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers.

Much of this scrutiny has been because of Ohio State's 13-10 loss against the Michigan Wolverines in Week 14. This was Day's fourth straight loss to Sherrone Moore's program, reducing his record to 1-4. The rivalry between the two teams is so fierce that even a seemingly good season seems like a failure due to a loss against the school from Ann Arbor.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith spoke about Day's criticism on Monday's episode of "First Take," saying the job at Ohio State comes with two objectives every year.

"They beat Tennessee like they stole something, OK? Major props to you," Smith said. "But in the end, what it comes down to is this: You're Ryan Day. The job is twofold, Shannon, D.O. Correct me if I'm wrong: Beat Michigan and make sure you're in the national championship picture."

Smith further added why Ryan Day's criticism is valid considering the resource pool he has in Columbus.

"You’ve got a $20 million payroll with NIL," Smith said. "You had 11 NFL-caliber dudes returning to the squad for this season. You didn’t even win the Big Ten. And then you get bounced out early in the College Football Playoff?

"Had that happened, you’re damn right, I would have been on national television, right before Christmas saying, 'Ryan Day’s got to go.' But he handled his business. Now whatchu going to do against Oregon? We are going to find out."

Stephen A. Smith gives an ultimatum to Ryan Day if he doesn't do well in playoffs

Though Stephen A. Smith didn't sound as critical since the Buckeyes dominated the first-round playoff game, he still feels Ryan Day's job is far from complete. The ESPN analyst at least wants the Columbus-based team to at least reach the CFP semifinals, or the program should look beyond Day.

"Ryan Day, if you don’t win the national or you’re not right there in that final four competing for the national championship," Smith said. "After that, and four straight losses to Michigan?

"Oh, we can get somebody at Ohio State to do that—lose four straight to Michigan and don't be in the national championship picture with a $20 million roster and 20 NFL-caliber players returning to the squad. We can get somebody to do that."

Ryan Day's Ohio State next faces the nation's No. 1 seed, the Oregon Ducks, for the Rose Bowl game scheduled for Jan. 1.