The national media loves a “hot seat” narrative. They love to talk about pressure. But as Ohio State prepares for “The Game” this Saturday, let’s inject a dose of reality into the hysteria: Ryan Day is the reigning National Champion, and the “streak” Michigan fans love to crow about is built on a foundation of asterisks, opt-outs, and espionage.
Yes, Ryan Day is officially 1-4 against the Wolverines. But context isn’t just king; it’s the whole kingdom.
The “Asterisk” Years: 2021-2023:
Let’s be honest about what happened during the three-year stretch that revived Michigan’s program. We now know that during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, the Wolverines were operating what the NCAA described as a “sprawling” sign-stealing scheme orchestrated by Connor Stalions.
It wasn’t just “gamesmanship.” It was a calculated, illegal operation that gave Michigan a distinct advantage in real-time play-calling. While they were “winning” those games, they knew exactly what was coming. For Ohio State fans, those three losses aren’t signs of inferiority; they are evidence of a rival who felt they couldn’t compete on a level playing field.
The “Dodge” of 2020:
And then there’s 2020. The year Michigan supposedly couldn’t field a team due to COVID-19 issues. Conveniently, this cancellation came right as the Buckeyes were steamrolling everyone in sight and Michigan was limping through a disastrous season. The Wolverines waved the white flag rather than face a certain 50-point beatdown in Columbus. They didn’t beat Ohio State that year; they hid from them.
The Ultimate Trump Card: The 2024 National Title:
The narrative that Day “can’t win the big one” died definitively last January. After losing to Michigan in 2024, Day did what Jim Harbaugh struggled to do for years: he regrouped, ran the table in the College Football Playoff, and brought the National Championship trophy back to Columbus.
That trophy is the ultimate silencer. It proved that you can lose “The Game” and still win the war. Michigan can have their regular-season bragging rights; Ryan Day has the ring.
The Playoff Safety Net This brings us to Saturday. The Buckeyes are 11-0, ranked No. 1, and look like the “Death Star” roster we were promised.
If Ohio State wins, they exorcise the demons and likely lock up the No. 1 overall seed. But if they lose?
In the 12-team playoff era, a loss to a top-15 Michigan team on the road is merely a speed bump. At 11-1, Ohio State is a lock for the playoffs.
The pressure is there because it’s The Game. But let’s stop pretending Ryan Day’s job—or legacy—is on the line. He’s the champ. Michigan is the team with the cloudy past. And the Buckeyes are making the playoffs, win or lose.
