Oh! The things that Ryan Day did to beat Michigan! No. 2 Ohio State may be winning this season with a 10-1 record. But all the success has been leading toward this final game against their arch-rival. “It all leads to this,” Ryan Day said. “Everything you do and the decisions you make lead up to this game.” Despite their edge this season, the pressure of ‘The Game’ is still on Day and the Buckeyes, as per a Michigan alum. 

While Michigan is entering the game as a 21-point underdog, they have a better record than Ohio State in their previous series meetings. But for Ryan Day, it’s a must-win for more than one reason. Former Michigan CB Charles Woodson joined The Triple Option on their new YouTube episode on November 30 to show why the pressure is on the Buckeyes. He said, “The pressure shifts to Ohio State because of what they brought in to ensure that they win this game and try to get into the playoffs.”

Ryan Day admitted that losing to Michigan was one of the worst things that happened in his life, aside from losing his father, Raymond Day, when he was eight. It’s understandable. He’s 1-3 against the Wolverines. The last time Ohio State defeated Michigan was in 2019. Since then, it has been a consecutive 3-loss streak. That’s one reason why he has to win this game. 

Another reason is that he should win because it’s not the formidable Jim Harbaugh lineup anymore. He might not get a better chance than now to beat Michigan under their new HC, Sherrone Moore, who is leading the National Champions to a 6-5 record. The final reason is that everyone expects Ryan Day’s $20 million football roster to not just beat Michigan but win a Natty. Imagine having the most expensive CFB roster and losing to a team struggling under a new HC! He could lose his job! But that isn’t the only thing Ohio State did to beat Michigan. 

Ryan Day is fixated on beating Michigan

That’s the ultimate goal. Ryan Day did everything to not repeat last season’s outcome at The Game. After their last defeat, he fired QB Kyle McCord and a defensive coordinator. He hired Chip Kelly as Ohio State’s OC and QB coach to develop “toughness” and “attitude.” He also rounded up some of the most valuable players, like RB Quinshon Judkins and safety Caleb Downs. All these so he could beat Michigan and end their cursed 3-game losing streak.

For Ryan Day, their pristine 10-1 record means nothing if they fall to Michigan. He said, “There’s a lot of people counting on this game. This is our identity, it’s who we are. We don’t have anything else. It’s a big responsibility. The last couple years when it doesn’t get done, it just eats at your core. It motivates you every single day to come back, to get this done.” Day is on his way to finally get it done this season. “We’ve been ready for a while. So time to go play.” That’s it. Fingers are crossed for this major CFB rivalry game on Saturday.