Ryan Day shuts down with sarcastic response to question about how Ohio State can break losing streak to Michigan during Big Ten Media Days
The Ohio State Buckeyes are living large after winning their first National Championship in a decade. After coming so close several times over that timeframe, the second-most successful program in terms of regular season wins since 2014 finally got over the hump. It was a legacy-defining and changing moment for head coach Ryan Day and […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are living large after winning their first National Championship in a decade. After coming so close several times over that timeframe, the second-most successful program in terms of regular season wins since 2014 finally got over the hump. It was a legacy-defining and changing moment for head coach Ryan Day and his staff.
However, despite the impressive College Football Playoff run, the Buckeyes have lost The Game against Michigan four straight years. Day and the Buckeyes were unable to play the Wolverines in 2020 as their rivals backed out ahead of time in order to avoid extending their own eight-game losing streak. The Covid-19 excuse saved Michigan.
Now, Day needs to save one critical part of his own legacy by beating the Wolverines in 2025. This is a heavy topic that led to many Buckeye fans wanting Day out of his position last fall before his miraculous turnaround after the stunning 13-10 defeat at home in late November.
In his response as to his strategy for being Michigan, Day kept it simple but sarcastic: “Score more points than them.”
While Day is right, he's deflecting a bit on this sore subject.
This streak marks a significant shift in a rivalry historically dominated by the Buckeyes, who won 15 of 16 games from 2004 to 2019. The inability to defeat Michigan has sparked frustration among fans and scrutiny of Ohio State's performance under head coach Ryan Day.
In 2021, Michigan ended an eight-game losing streak with a 42-27 victory, capitalizing on a dominant rushing attack led by Hassan Haskins, who ran for 169 yards and five touchdowns. Ohio State’s defense struggled to contain Michigan’s physicality, setting the tone for subsequent losses.
In 2022, Michigan’s 45-23 rout showcased their ability to exploit Ohio State’s secondary, with J.J. McCarthy throwing three touchdown passes.
The 2023 game saw Michigan win 30-24 in a tightly contested match, with their defense stifling Ohio State’s late comeback attempts. Even in 2024, despite high expectations, Ohio State fell 13-10 in a defensive battle, unable to overcome Michigan’s relentless ground game and timely plays.
Several factors contribute to Ohio State’s struggles. Michigan’s offensive line has consistently outmuscled Ohio State’s front, controlling the line of scrimmage and enabling a punishing run game.
Additionally, Michigan’s coaching staff, led by Jim Harbaugh and later Sherrone Moore, has outschemed Ohio State, exploiting defensive weaknesses and maintaining discipline in high-stakes moments. Ohio State’s inability to adapt to Michigan’s physical style and capitalize on offensive opportunities has fueled this drought.
The rivalry’s intensity amplifies the significance of these losses, with Ohio State facing mounting pressure to reclaim dominance in 2025. Fans and analysts alike await a strategic overhaul to end this unexpected skid.
