‘They’re lying to you’: CFB analyst calls out Ohio State fans dismissive of Michigan loss

College football rivalries don’t get much more intense than the annual clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines. A matchup that has been embedded in college football history for decades, the “Game” represents the pinnacle of football in the Big Ten Conference and often has College Football Playoff implications. But for the past few years, it’s been Michigan that has had the upper hand, particularly in 2022 and 2023, as the Wolverines defeated Ohio State in consecutive seasons, sending shockwaves through Buckeye Nation.

As expected, the aftermath of these defeats sparked a wide range of reactions from Ohio State fans, analysts, and former players. While some Buckeye supporters were quick to dismiss Michigan’s success, others were willing to concede that the Wolverines had earned their victories. However, one college football analyst has had enough of what he sees as Ohio State fans’ tendency to downplay the severity of the losses. In a scathing critique, he called out those dismissive of Michigan’s victories, stating, “They’re lying to you.”

This bold statement has stirred the pot in the ongoing debate surrounding Ohio State’s struggles against Michigan. But the analyst’s reasoning goes deeper than just the losses themselves. It’s about the broader context of Ohio State’s position in college football, the team’s recent trajectory, and whether the Buckeyes are truly addressing their weaknesses or merely clinging to past successes.

The Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry: An Unrivaled Tradition

Before diving into the analyst’s critique, it’s important to understand the weight of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and the impact it has on college football. For more than a century, the two programs have battled it out, with the rivalry often determining the Big Ten champion and national playoff picture.

In the 21st century, Ohio State had dominated Michigan for much of the rivalry, winning 15 out of 16 matchups before Michigan snapped the streak in 2021. The dominance of players like quarterback Justin Fields, running back J.K. Dobbins, and wide receiver Chris Olave had propelled Ohio State to national prominence under former head coach Urban Meyer and later, Ryan Day. However, since 2021, Michigan has turned the tables. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have embraced a more physical, smash-mouth style of play, particularly with a ground-and-pound offense and stout defensive line.

The 2021 and 2022 games were crushing defeats for Ohio State, but it was the 2023 loss—played in Columbus—that really stung. Ohio State entered the game with high expectations, hoping to avenge their previous losses and finally reclaim dominance. Yet, once again, Michigan delivered a decisive blow, winning 31-24 in front of a shocked home crowd. For many, this was more than just another defeat; it was a symbol of Ohio State’s inability to get over the hump against its most bitter rival.

In Ohio State’s defense, the Buckeyes had several close calls, including a near-miss against Michigan in 2021. However, many fans felt that the Wolverines were simply the more physical team, and Ohio State’s struggles to match that intensity were evident. With two back-to-back years of falling short in such high-stakes games, the Buckeyes’ inability to take down Michigan raised serious questions.

The Analyst’s Critique: “They’re Lying to You”

The college football analyst, who has been following the rivalry for years, isn’t mincing words. He asserts that the dismissal of Michigan’s victories as “flukes” or simply Ohio State being “unlucky” is an attempt to avoid facing uncomfortable truths. In his eyes, Ohio State fans who continue to hold onto the idea that the rivalry will swing back in their favor simply by “flipping a switch” are ignoring key issues that need to be addressed if the Buckeyes are going to return to their previous level of dominance.

“They’re lying to you,” the analyst says emphatically. “Ohio State fans who downplay Michigan’s wins are lying to themselves. The truth is that Michigan has outplayed Ohio State in the trenches, and they’ve been the more physical team the last two years. When a team beats you two years in a row in your own house, it’s not just a fluke. It’s a trend.”

This harsh assessment resonates with many Ohio State fans who have been reluctant to admit that their team may not be as invincible as they once thought. While some might argue that Ohio State still holds the upper hand historically, the reality is that Michigan has flipped the script in recent seasons. The analyst’s words serve as a wake-up call, not just for the fanbase but for the entire program.

The Importance of Acknowledging the Truth

The heart of the analyst’s argument is that the Buckeyes need to acknowledge their shortcomings and use the losses to fuel improvement. Ohio State’s approach to the Michigan rivalry has largely been built around talent and skill, which have certainly been strengths for the program. However, the analyst contends that Ohio State’s lack of physicality and inability to match Michigan’s intensity in recent matchups is a glaring weakness that cannot be overlooked.

“If Ohio State fans and the coaching staff keep ignoring the reasons behind the losses, they’re never going to get better,” the analyst continues. “You can’t keep blaming a bad call or bad luck. Michigan has outmuscled you, out-hustled you, and out-physicaled you. It’s time to face the facts.”

This is a critical point. Ohio State has prided itself on its high-powered offense, and for many years, the team’s skill players have been the stars of the show. Quarterbacks like Fields and C.J. Stroud, along with dynamic wide receivers like Olave and Wilson, have been the driving forces behind Ohio State’s offense. However, as the Michigan games have shown, Ohio State’s offense has not been able to keep up with Michigan’s physical style of play, especially in crucial moments when the game is on the line.

The analyst is urging Ohio State fans to be honest with themselves and not delude themselves into thinking the program’s current trajectory is enough to guarantee future success. Michigan has proven to be the better team in recent years, and unless Ohio State makes adjustments to its approach—particularly in the areas of physicality and toughness—the Buckeyes could continue to fall short in the rivalry.

Ohio State’s Path Forward: What Needs to Change

If Ohio State is to reclaim its position as the dominant force in the Big Ten and defeat Michigan once again, there are several key areas that must be addressed.

1. Strengthen the Offensive and Defensive Lines: One of the major reasons Michigan has had success against Ohio State in recent years is the Wolverines’ superior play in the trenches. Michigan’s offensive line has been able to push Ohio State’s defensive line around, and their defensive line has consistently pressured Ohio State’s quarterbacks. If the Buckeyes want to turn the tide in the rivalry, they must rebuild their lines to be more physical and imposing.

2. Play with More Physicality: Ohio State’s fast-paced, finesse-style offense has worked well against many teams, but against Michigan’s physical brand of football, it has been ineffective. Ohio State must learn to match Michigan’s intensity, especially in the run game, and show that they can win the battle of attrition. This means developing a more balanced offensive attack that can both run and pass with effectiveness.

3. Adapt to Michigan’s Strengths: Michigan has been able to establish dominance with a power-run game and a punishing defense. Ohio State needs to learn from these tactics and incorporate elements of them into their own game plan. It’s not about abandoning the passing game or changing the identity of the team, but rather about becoming a more well-rounded squad that can compete with Michigan on all fronts.

4. Focus on Mental Toughness: Lastly, Ohio State needs to improve its mental toughness, particularly in high-pressure situations. Both the 2022 and 2023 games featured moments when the Buckeyes’ resolve seemed to waver, particularly as Michigan continued to impose its will. The Buckeyes need to cultivate a mindset that refuses to be broken, no matter the stakes or the challenge.