Connect with us

BASKETBALL

From The Athletic: Ryan Day’s Michigan problem is so much worse than Ohio State and its fans could have ever feared. For the fourth straight year, the Buckeyes folded under pressure against their rival.

Published

on

From The Athletic: Ryan Day’s Michigan problem is so much worse than Ohio State and its fans could have ever feared. For the fourth straight year, the Buckeyes folded under pressure against their rival.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s become an annual cliche from Ryan Day when he says the keys to beating Michigan are running the ball and winning the turnover battle.

He said it last year after Ohio State lost in Ann Arbor. He said it again after Saturday’s 13-10 loss to Michigan, his fourth in a row in the rivalry and one of the biggest upsets in series history.

“We have to run the ball, especially in this game,” said Day, who’s now 1-4 against the Wolverines. “We weren’t able to do that. We tried a couple different schemes, couldn’t quite get into a rhythm on that, and that ultimately, along with turnovers and missed field goals, was the difference in the game.”

Day has known that’s the case for four years. Yet each year, Ohio State gets into The Game against Michigan and folds under the pressure of the moment and the physicality of the Wolverines.

In 2021, Ohio State lost 42-27. In 2022, it was outscored 28-3 in the second half and gave up 252 rushing yards in a 45-23 loss. In 2023, Michigan was still the better team and ran for 156 yards on an improved Ohio State defense in a 30-24 Buckeyes loss.

The 2024 season was supposed to be different. It was indeed different for Ohio State on defense, but the offense, which is the brainchild of Day, faltered yet again.

Yes, the offensive line had a mountain of injuries to overcome, but Ohio State spent the entire year trying to become more unpredictable and versatile under new coordinator Chip Kelly, only for it to score 10 points and have 77 rushing yards against a middling Michigan team. It was the fewest points Ohio State has scored against an unranked team since 2011, when it lost 10-7 to Michigan State.

It’s Day’s first loss to an unranked opponent. It’s Michigan’s only ranked win in a seven-win season. It was an unacceptable and inexcusable performance by Day, one that ended Ohio State’s chances of a Big Ten championship and first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State didn’t look prepared on offense and was outcoached by Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. And if the result wasn’t enough evidence that Ohio State has a mental block against Michigan, the brawl afterward put an exclamation point on it.

Ohio State’s loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl last year didn’t really matter in the grand scheme of the program. The loss to Michigan that knocked the Buckeyes out of Playoff contention was the biggest game of the season, and Day left the game knowing things needed to change.

There were discussions behind the scenes by players about returning for one more year to beat Michigan. Ohio State went all in on that, bringing back 11 key seniors — including Jack Sawyer, who took the Michigan flag during the postgame brawl. It also added standout safety Caleb Downs (Alabama) in the transfer portal, along with quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State), center Seth McLaughlin (Alabama) and running back Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss).

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BASKETBALL2 hours ago

Jennifer Lopez’s New Relationship Is Breaking the Internet – Here’s Who She’s With!” Jennifer Lopez, 54, just unveiled her new boyfriend… and trust me, you might want to sit down for this one—you just might recognize him! See more of the 10 beautiful private moment photos and full 👇

BASKETBALL2 hours ago

Shock: Katie Holmes spoke out for the first time about Tom Cruise and the shocking secrets related to the Scientology sect that made him…see more

BASKETBALL2 hours ago

Breaking news: Alyssa Milano accuses Elon Musk of causing the downfall of her career and financial crisis. Full story below

BASKETBALL1 day ago

Another tragedy : Boxing Legend Laila Ali Passes Away at 47, Hours After George Foreman’s Death at 76……

BASKETBALL2 days ago

Patrick Mahomes’ mom gushes over son after revealing ‘incredible blessing’ from Chiefs star and wife Brittany

BASKETBALL4 days ago

BREAKING!!! Ivanka Trump issues 5-word response after Tiger Woods officially confirms relationship with Donald Jr’s ex…SEE MORE 👇 👇 👇

BASKETBALL6 days ago

Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Responds to Critics: “I Am Not a Man” see more👇👇👇

BASKETBALL6 days ago

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany take a ‘break’ and take separate chances for some downtime

BASKETBALL1 week ago

Ellen DeGeneres takes major step in cutting ties with US after UK move Ellen DeGeneres has sold one of her final United States properties after famously starting a new life in the English countryside … (1/2)

BASKETBALL1 week ago

NEWS FLASH: Rebecca Loos Responds to Critics of the David Beckham Affair Allegation

NFL2 weeks ago

BREAKING NEWS: Football Legend Travis Kelce Shot! Taylor Swift’s World SHATTERS as Love Turns to Chaos! This morning, the unthinkable rocked the world of sports and pop culture as football superstar Travis Kelce, a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs and beau of pop sensation Taylor Swift, was shot in an unexpected and violent turn of events. As the news broke, fans and loved ones alike were left in disbelief, struggling to process the shocking incident that sent shockwaves through the media…CONTINUE READING 👇

CELEBRITY2 weeks ago

Urgent: Andy Reid Fighting for His Life in ICU After ‘Critical Unforeseen Medical Crisis,’according to the Hospital Reports, the cause and type of his illness is…..👇

Copyright © 2024 USAgets