Man, four straight losses to Michigan? That’s gotta sting for Ohio State. It’s one thing to drop a game here and there in the Big Ten, but to keep coming up short against your archrival, especially with that long home losing streak? Something’s gotta give.
Look, Michigan had a down year. Losing Jim Harbaugh and JJ McCarthy, plus other key players, definitely hurt. With Sherrone Moore struggling in his first year as head coach, and a 6-5 record, this was a Michigan team ripe for the taking. Ohio State, sitting at 10-1, should have rolled.
But that’s not what happened. Once again, Ryan Day’s Buckeyes seemed unprepared and lacked that fire you need against a team like Michigan. The offense sputtered, with Will Howard throwing two picks in a game for the first time all season. And while Caleb Downs and the defense balled out, the offense just couldn’t get it going.
It’s tough to say it, but it might be time for a change in Columbus. That spark just doesn’t seem to be there, and the Buckeyes can’t afford to let these big game struggles become the norm.
Ohio State needs a coach who can unlock the incredible offensive talent they have. And you know what? They might already have that guy on the sidelines. Brian Hartline, the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, could be the answer. Hartline has been at Ohio State since 2017 and has been lurking in the shadows looking to get an opportunity.
This guy knows how to develop receivers. Just look at the stars he’s helped produce: Jeremiah Smith, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss. With Hartline at the helm, the offense could be truly explosive.
Plus, he’s already steeped in the Ohio State culture. No adjustment period needed, just immediate impact. He’s a former Buckeye himself, so he understands what it takes to win at this level.
Maybe it’s time for Brian Hartline to take the reins and get Ohio State back on track.
