Ryan Day Turns Rivalry Week Into a Mission
Let me walk you through the energy surrounding this year’s Ohio State–Michigan matchup, because the tone has been set in a way that leaves absolutely no room for doubt. When Ryan Day was asked whether Ohio State–Michigan week is “fun,” he didn’t even blink. His answer came out sharp, blunt, and very on-brand for rivalry week: “Fun is kicking ass, and that's what we want to do on Saturday.” And honestly, that one line captures everything happening around this game right now.
For context, this rivalry hasn’t exactly been kind to Ohio State lately. Despite Ryan Day’s incredible overall record — 81 wins and only 10 losses since taking over in 2018 — Michigan has been the one major stain on his résumé. Day is 1–4 against the Wolverines, and each of the last four losses in The Game has kept Ohio State out of the Big Ten Championship. The Wolverines have basically slammed the door on the Buckeyes’ December plans every single time.
Also Read:Last season stung even more. Ohio State was beaten at home by a Michigan team dealing with quarterback uncertainty and fresh off losing a program-record 13 NFL draftees. The Wolverines still marched into Columbus, planted a flag, and walked off with a win. That loss triggered a player-led meeting for the Buckeyes, a moment that ended up fueling their rebound and eventual national title run. But the frustration from losing to Michigan — that stayed.
Fast forward to now, and the Buckeyes look like a fully rebuilt machine. Despite losing star players and both coordinators after last season, Ohio State hasn’t slipped. Under new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes are allowing just 7.6 points per game, the best mark in the country. And on offense, first-year starting quarterback Julian Sayin is putting up Heisman-level numbers with nearly 80% passing accuracy.
Michigan, on the other hand, comes in with a 9–2 record behind their own young star, Bryce Underwood. Even though the Wolverines are ranked No. 15, they still have a chance at sneaking into the Big Ten title game — but only if they beat Ohio State and get some help elsewhere. New head coach Sherrone Moore has already beaten Day twice, and he made it clear that the past won’t help or hurt anyone this weekend: everything resets when rivalry week kicks in.
Day echoed that same sentiment. When asked about last year’s mistakes or the lessons learned, he boiled it down to a simple message he’s giving his quarterback this week: “Just win.”
Both sides know the stakes. Ohio State wants revenge, Michigan wants control, and the entire college football world is waiting to see whether Day finally gets to experience what he calls “fun” — celebrating a win in the locker room after beating Michigan.
Saturday in Ann Arbor is shaping up to be electric.
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