The Ohio State Buckeyes haven’t participated in a Big Ten championship game since the 2020 campaign. The Michigan Wolverines are the primary reason for this.
It might seem as if a symbolic Block M barrier has prevented the Buckeyes from reaching Lucas Oil Stadium in each of the previous four seasons, as a loss in The Game has consistently denied Ohio State a chance to compete in Indianapolis during December.
Ryan Day has achieved an 81-10 record as Ohio State’s head coach, commencing when he temporarily replaced a suspended Urban Meyer at the start of the 2018 season. However, his record against the Wolverines stands at just 1-4.
In the previous season, the Buckeyes stumbled at home against a determined Michigan team, despite the Wolverines’ quarterback changes and the departure of a program-record 13 draftees from their 2023 national championship squad. This defeat led to a pivotal, player-driven meeting that ultimately propelled Ohio State towards its own championship aspirations.
Michigan has undeniably caused Day significant distress.
He was questioned on Tuesday, just four days prior to this year’s game in Ann Arbor, regarding the enjoyment of being the head coach of Ohio State during the final week of November.
“The real enjoyment comes from dominating, and that’s precisely what we intend to do on Saturday. Therefore, our preparations are focused on achieving that,” Day stated. “There’s absolutely nothing amusing about this situation.”
“The true satisfaction lies in securing victory. We’ll reserve the celebrations for the locker room after the game. However, the preparation process is what you truly cherish. You embrace the competitive aspect and all that it entails.”
Day emphasized the necessity of confidence during this crucial time of year in his weekly news conference. He displayed no shortage of it as he addressed reporters.
This year’s Buckeyes hold the top ranking in the nation. Following their first national championship since the 2014 season, Ohio State experienced a significant exodus of talent to the NFL during the past offseason. Furthermore, both their offensive and defensive coordinators accepted new positions. Nevertheless, the Buckeyes have maintained their competitive edge.
Under the guidance of new DC Matt Patricia, the undefeated Ohio State is conceding an average of 7.6 points per game, which is the lowest among all FBS teams this season. On the offensive side, quarterback Julian Sayin boasts a nation-leading 79.4% completion rate and is a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy.
Sayin will face another first-year starter in the Big House on Saturday. Bryce Underwood, Rivals’ No. 1 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, has led Michigan to a 9-2 start, including a 7-1 record in conference play. The Wolverines, currently ranked No. 15 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, still have a chance to reach the Big Ten title game, but they require a victory over the Buckeyes and a loss by either No. 2 Indiana or No. 6 Oregon.
Michigan, which secured three consecutive Big Ten championships from 2021 to 2023, is now guided by Sherrone Moore, who has already defeated Day twice: once as an interim head coach filling in for a suspended Jim Harbaugh and then as the permanent head coach last season.
“I firmly believe that in rivalries, the previous games hold no significance,” Moore stated on Monday, via On3.
“Regardless of past outcomes, the only focus should be on the present. This is a completely new team, with new staff, new players, and new coaches. … Our sole responsibility is to concentrate on today, and that’s all that matters.”
Day provided a similar response on Tuesday when questioned about the lessons he gleaned from last season’s defeat to Michigan, as well as from the subsequent player-led meeting.
While he acknowledged the importance of drawing from past experiences, he refrained from dwelling on them. Instead, his message to his quarterback stood out: “Just win.”
Ohio State has encountered difficulties against Michigan when attempting to outmuscle the Wolverines in recent years. Michigan particularly dominated the line of scrimmage during last season’s 13-10 victory at Ohio Stadium.
Day is acutely aware of the talent he will be confronting this week. He specifically mentioned Michigan running back Jordan Marshall, along with the Wolverines’ offensive line, and characterized edge Derrick Moore and linebacker Jaishawn Barham as “two of the premier pass rushers in the country.”
“They possess talent in all three phases of the game and are exceptionally well coached,” Day remarked about Michigan. “Therefore, we must ensure that our preparations are thorough this week and that we perform at our absolute best.”
Ohio State’s performance in The Game over the past four years has been insufficient. The college football community will be observing Saturday’s game to see if Day can finally experience some enjoyment during rivalry week.
