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Ryan Day has experienced ups and downs during his time with Ohio State. While his teams have posted an incredible 56-8 under his leadership, he’s struggled in some of his biggest games.
Most notably, against rival Michigan.
The Buckeyes have lost three straight to the Wolverines, with Day falling to 1-3 in the rivalry. “The Team Up North” has owned Ohio State of late, a fact made worse for those in Columbus with Michigan’s national title win last year.
Paul Finebaum believes Day’s time on the sidelines should come to an end with a fourth consecutive defeat.
Paul Finebaum was not impressed with Ryan Day talking about the Michigan rivalry on Get Up today.
“I have no idea what he’s talking about, he’s lost that game three years in a row…. you stunk in all three games.” pic.twitter.com/wQfC9p1dPl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 23, 2024
“He’s lost that game three years in a row,” the host said on First Take. “He’s talking about how his players are motivated to come back and play, well, I heard that three years ago, two years ago, and last year. You stunk in all three games…
“You look at his record… It’s gaudy. Nobody has a record like him, except you can’t choke the biggest game of the year. To me, if he can’t beat Michigan this year, when he’s got probably the best team in the country… he oughta be gone.”
Day has led the Buckeyes to a trio of College Football Playoff appearances, including one national championship contest. Finebaum doesn’t think it’s enough.
It would certainly be a disappointment should Ohio State lose to the Wolverines this year at home following John Harbaugh’s departure for the NFL, alongside a number of Michigan stars.
Being fired might be a bit excessive, though.
Ryan Day made changes to his staff this offseason, and players are hungry to end the losing streak.
The most notable addition was offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who took a demotion to join Day’s staff. Kelly is viewed as one of the best offensive minds in the game, and he’ll surely add value to the Buckeyes’ staff.
He’ll also have a proven signal caller to work with in Kansas State transfer Will Howard, as well as an incredibly talented group of skill position players.
As Paul Finebaum noted, Ohio State has arguably the best roster in college football.
“I trust Chip Kelly with my life,” Day said of his new offensive coordinator at Big Ten media days. According to Finebaum, he’s trusting him with his job, too!
Ryan Day isn’t the only one in scarlet and gray eager for another shot at Michigan. Defensive end Jack Sawyer wants badly to take down the Wolverines this November, not only for his team, but for his head coach.
“I felt like I let not only Ryan Day down, but the city down.”
Jack Sawyer said he wasn’t leaving without having one more shot at Gold Pants, with every goal going through that game in November.
He finished with “they hate us, we hate them, that’s how we want it to be” pic.twitter.com/BfkqXI8iNp
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) July 23, 2024
While anything can happen in that rivalry matchup, there are some who believe there are no excuses for another Ohio State loss. If the Buckeyes do fall again, patience in Columbus could wear thin.