Ohio State head coach Ryan Day detailed a series of logistical and scheduling changes on Wednesday designed to treat the buildup to “The Game” more like a standard game week, including a break from tradition regarding the team’s travel to Ann Arbor.
Speaking to reporters just days before the top-ranked Buckeyes face No. 15 Michigan, Day confirmed the team will fly to Ann Arbor on Friday rather than taking the traditional bus caravan.
“We decided to fly rather than drive to keep the routine the routine,” Day said. “It’s one little thing we could do to make the week feel as normal as possible. We fly to every other road game, so we are going to fly to this one.”
The shift in travel plans is part of a broader strategy to minimize emotional distractions and maintain a “workmanlike” focus as Ohio State seeks to snap a four-game losing streak to the Wolverines.
Day also addressed changes to longstanding Michigan Week traditions, specifically “Band Day” and “Senior Tackle.”
Typically, the Ohio State Marching Band attends a football practice during the week of the Michigan game—a festive event known as “Band Day.” This year, however, Day moved that event to October during the team’s bye week.
Similarly, “Senior Tackle”—the tradition where seniors hit the blocking sled one final time—will not take place this week. Day noted that these changes were made to avoid the emotional highs and lows that can drain players before kickoff.
“We try to make it as normal of a week as possible,” Day said. “Some distractions naturally occur this week because of the importance of The Game, but we work hard to minimize them.”
The Buckeyes (11-0) held practice on Wednesday with no reported absences. When asked about the health of key players like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, Day offered a brief assessment.
“Everybody was out there,” Day said. “We’ll see how the next 48 hours go.”
Ohio State enters Saturday’s contest looking to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship game and solidify its standing as the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET at Michigan Stadium.
