Ohio State entered Saturday’s showdown against Michigan with high hopes of ending a painful three-game losing streak in their historic rivalry.
With the Buckeyes hosting the Wolverines in Columbus and boasting one of the most talented rosters in the nation, it seemed the perfect opportunity to reassert their dominance.
Meanwhile, Michigan limped into the matchup at 6-5, plagued by offensive struggles and the absence of two of their best players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson.
All of these factors led to 99.99999% of the college football world think that Ohio State would not only win the game, but do so comfortably and convincingly.
Well, we all know how things turned out…
Despite all the advantages, the Buckeyes fell short in a shocking 13-10 defeat.
Costly interceptions, missed tackles, and uncharacteristic errors left Ohio State unable to capitalize on Michigan’s vulnerabilities.
The heartbreak for the Buckeyes was compounded by a postgame brawl at midfield, underscoring the intensity of the rivalry and the frustration on both sides.
The loss sent shockwaves through Columbus and beyond, with fans and pundits alike expressing their disappointment and outrage.
While quarterback Will Howard and kicker Jayden Fielding both took plenty of heat, the vast majority of the venom was aimed at one person and one person only: head coach Ryan Day.
Brett McMurphy of Action Network detailed just how ugly (and wild) the criticism of Day got in Columbus.
“On Columbus, Ohio, radio this morning, hosts said Chip Kelly was ‘on the take’ & Ryan Day should be fired before the playoffs for Michigan loss & because he’s been looking for another job for last month,” McMurphy posted on X.
The claims went further, alleging that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly may have intentionally sabotaged Ohio State for financial gain, a suggestion many found bizarre but reflective of the heated emotions surrounding the loss.
Day’s tenure has faced mounting criticism after four consecutive defeats to Michigan, a streak that has overshadowed other achievements during his time as head coach.
Earlier in the season, a narrow loss to Oregon had already stoked doubts about his leadership. Now, with a playoff berth looming, the pressure has intensified.
Saturday’s upset has reshaped the postseason landscape.
Instead of advancing to the Big Ten Championship, Ohio State ceded the spot to Penn State, leaving the Buckeyes waiting to learn their playoff seeding.
A first-round matchup now looms, but it remains unclear if it will take place at Ohio Stadium or on the road.
Either way, Day and the Buckeyes undoubtedly made things much harder on themselves by losing to Michigan.
The Buckeyes’ roster still boasts more than enough talent to win the national title, but Saturday’s performance highlighted troubling inconsistencies that have plagued the team all season.
Ohio State’s struggles extended beyond marquee games. Close calls against teams such as Nebraska earlier in the year raised concerns about the squad’s focus and preparation.
Ohio State now has three weeks to regroup before their playoff opener.
Saturday’s defeat serves as a stark reminder that talent alone only gets you so far.
For Day, the coming weeks are pivotal – not just for Ohio State’s playoff aspirations but also for his future with the program.
Many insiders believe that Day needs to win the national championship in order to keep his job.
What are your thoughts on the wild rumors in Columbus???
