The history has been well documented both in Columbus and nationally: Ryan Day’s lone bugaboo during his time at Ohio State has been against the team up north. The Michigan Wolverines have knocked off the Day-led Buckeyes in three straight seasons, but the stars have aligned for OSU in 2024.
Because of that, noted CFB Analyst Paul Finebaum indicated that it’s now or never for Day in Columbus.
Ryan Day: Win Or Get Off the Pot, Per Paul Finebaum
Sure, those weren’t his exact words, but Finebaum has a point. The stars have aligned, Jim Harbaugh and his khakis are gone from Ann Arbor, and the growing restless nature of the fans in Columbus nearly pushed him out of favor a year ago.
MORE LIKE THIS: Big Ten Has Gotten Stronger, Per Ryan Day
If this team doesn’t realize its full potential in 2024, those who grew restless last season will certainly become unruly come December. But is it really that black-and-white for Day?
“I think everyone agrees as we get into the new (12-team) playoff, that critical game for Ryan Day is that Michigan game,” Finebaum said. “You can’t survive as the Ohio State coach and lose four straight to Michigan.”
“Especially this year, when you clearly have the better team.”
The critical game indeed is that Michigan game, but that’s nothing new. In fact, fans would even say that an 1-11 season but a win over Michigan in the final game of the season would still be okay. Maybe not for Day’s job, but for how they feel about their season overall, sure.
But why is this year so much more important? Finebaum hit the nail on the head: This Ohio State team is clearly the better team.
Make no mistake, Michigan will not be an easy game for the Buckeyes. But it’s currently slated as only their third-toughest game on the schedule.
KEEP READING: College Football Strength of Schedule
All the factors that align for Ohio State this season indicate they should be able to right the three-plus years of “wrong” during the Day era in Columbus. As mentioned, Harbaugh is gone, there’s a new quarterback, the roster has completely turned over, the Big Ten is much more competitive, and Ohio State’s roster is simply stacked.
But we all know what’s next if Ohio State beats Michigan, right? It’s win the national championship or bust.
“I think it’s essential that they find a way to not only beat Michigan, but to go far,” Finebaum said. “This isn’t a team to just get to the playoff and be satisfied.”
Such is life when you live in Columbus.