It’s time for The Game. After dominating Indiana, Ryan  Day and his quarterback, Will Howard, are set to defeat their biggest rival, the Michigan Wolverines. Although Michigan leads the series record 61-51-6, this season, the Buckeyes have defeated all their opponents except the No. 1 Oregon Ducks. With the only vision to win, Day’s leader is geared up for the matchup.

Just two days before the game, Will Howard has revealed his intensity to dominate. YouTube channel Bucknuts 247Sports shared his interview before his first Michigan rivalry game. “And what I do know is that I love my brothers. And they came back and they wanted this. They felt the hurt the last couple of years. Coach Day has felt it. Coach Day took a chance on me. When he didn’t have to. And a lot of people probably, there was some kickback. I bet when I first committed here.” 

Will played four seasons with the Kansas State Wildcats before his move to Columbus, Ohio. Of course, the Big 12 conference has a charm of its own, but you rarely get the chance to go against the defending champions. Moreover, a chance to do it for the man who brought him to Ohio State. Ryan Day has lost his last three matchups against the Wolverines. All three times, the Buckeyes were ranked higher than the Wolverines.

Talking about his love for Day, he said, “He believed in me, man. And I owe that guy a lot. And I want to get this done for him.” Moving ahead, he mentions the significance of the game for Buckeyes, expresses his love for his teammates and adds that he wants to win the game for the boys who believe in him.

“I come off passionate, and I’m a passionate guy. And I’m emotional because I love those guys. And I love this university as much as the next guy, but. I love my brothers, man. And I love Coach Day, and I would do anything for those guys. And I want to get this done so badly for them and for Buckeye Nation. I don’t want to be half in on this thing if’ I’m going. Be a Buckeye, man. This is a big part of being a Buckeye. This game means everything.”

Well, defensive ends Jack Sawyer, running back TreVeyon Henderson and WR Emeka Egbuka would hope that Howard can live up to the things he is promising his guys.

Ryan Day’s drive to win “The Game”

The defending champions have struggled this season. How have they struggled? It started with the quarterback problem and lost key player Davis Warren, but when Sherrone Moore could not find his perfect fit, Davis had to step in again. Will he be a challenge for Ohio State’s defense? Not exactly, because throughout the season, they have displayed their A-game and helped Will and the offense.

However, the game is different, and the environment is not going to be friendly. The head coach knows it very well, and now he has added fuel to the fire with his words.

On3 reported Day’s statement, “We’ve felt what it’s like to not win this game, and it’s bad. It’s one of the worst things that’s happened to me in my life, quite honestly. Other than losing my father and a few other things.” Ouch, now that is a big comment. He added, “So, we can never have that happen.”

Just a few more days, and we’ll be there. A loss against an unranked Wolverines may hurt their CFP rankings. However, it is not going to drop them out of the post-season. On the other hand, the Wolverines have nothing to play for. But that’s the thing with rivalry games. You can be playing your absolute worst, and you may still pick yourself up for the game. Let’s hope the Wolverines can put a better fight than the Hoosiers.

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