It’s been 2,087 days since Ohio State last beat Michigan, and that fact is never far from Ryan Day’s mind. The countdown clock has been ticking inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center since that inexcusable loss last November, a reminder that recent matchups have been defined more by frustration than anticipation.
Michigan was hit Friday with sweeping NCAA sanctions that validate the Buckeyes’ long-held suspicions of sign-stealing by their rival. Still, the losing streak remains, and the pressure on Day to end it only grows as the new season approaches.
At Big Ten Media Days in July, Day was asked a simple question: How do you beat Michigan? After a brief stumble over his words, the response was blunt.
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“Score more points than ’em.”
It sounded flippant, maybe even awkward. But Day understands the truth: at Ohio State, one loss to Michigan can overshadow everything else. Last season’s playoff run proved it. The Buckeyes won the national championship, yet the loss to the Wolverines shapes how the season is remembered.
Day still has a Michigan problem.
His record against all other opponents is nearly flawless: 69-6 (.920) across six seasons, including three wins as acting coach in 2018. Ending the decade-long national championship drought…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ryan-days-michigan-problem-why-national-title-only-adds-pressure-on-buckeyes-coach-to-snap-losing-skid/
Author : Cody Nagel
Publish date : 2025-08-17 14:28:00
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