It’s been a long, cold off-season for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Not only did they lose their third-straight game to the hated Michigan Wolverines last season – but they had to watch Jim Harbaugh’s team go on to finish undefeated and be crowned national champions.
Harbaugh is now off to the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL and the tide has begun to seemingly change back in the rivalry.
Prior to the three-game winning streak for Michigan, it was the Buckeyes who were on quite a dominant streak in the historic series.
Entering the 2024 season, the scale seems to be tipping back in Ohio State’s favor.
As a matter of fact, the Buckeyes have been installed as an early 9.5-point favorite in this season’s matchup.
The 2024 edition of “The Game” will be played in Columbus on November 30th.
Needless to say, being a near-double digit favorite in a rivalry this tight is extremely significant.
For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Michigan last season, Day is acutely aware of the magnitude of this rivalry and the impact it has on the Buckeyes’ program and its passionate fanbase.
“We know what this game means to so many people, and so to come up short is certainly crushing,” Day said after the 2023 loss.
“Not only because you invest your whole year in it, at Ohio State, what this game means, and so there’s a locker room in there that’s devastated.
“It wasn’t a lack of effort, but again, we didn’t win the rushing yards, we didn’t win the turnover battle, so you’re not going to win this game.”
Day emphasized the importance of winning key battles, such as in the trenches – an area where Michigan routinely thrived under Harbaugh.
With his seat getting warmer and warmer, Day knows the 2024 season is absolutely crucial for his future in Columbus.
Even the most die-hard Wolverine fan would have to acknowledge that Ohio State has the upper-hand – at least on paper – entering the new season.
After all, the Buckeyes are undoubtedly one of the most talented teams in the country.
As a matter of fact, no matter what polls or predictions you look at, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t think Ohio State is a top-two team in the land (along with Georgia).
What are your thoughts on the early 9.5-point spread?
Of course, a whole lot can happen between now and late November, but is the line disrespectful to Michigan?
Or is Ohio State just that much better this year?
Who will end up covering?
More importantly, will Day and the Buckeyes finally win the national title this season???