Ryan Day, the football coach at Ohio State, receives a grave warning from CBS Sports regarding the possible outcome of the Michigan game.

Ryan Day, the head football coach at Ohio State University, has faced intense scrutiny throughout his tenure, particularly when it comes to the annual rivalry game against Michigan. Known as “The Game,” the showdown between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most storied and fiercely contested matchups in college football history. For Day, a coach with a championship pedigree, the significance of this game is even more pronounced due to the immense pressure to win. In recent seasons, Day’s leadership has been questioned, especially after the Buckeyes suffered losses to their bitter rivals.

In this analysis, we will dive into a grave warning from CBS Sports regarding the possible outcome of the Michigan game under Day’s leadership. We will break down the stakes for Ohio State, examine the challenges Day faces heading into this crucial game, and explore how the outcome could impact both his career and the future of the Ohio State football program. Furthermore, we’ll analyze how Day’s tenure at Ohio State has unfolded, the growing expectations surrounding him, and what the stakes are for this critical rivalry game.

The Legacy of the Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry

Before we delve into the implications of CBS Sports’ warning to Ryan Day, it’s essential to understand the gravity of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. The rivalry between these two schools has been a cornerstone of college football for over a century, with both programs regularly ranking among the best in the country. The stakes of the rivalry go beyond just a single game; the outcome often determines not only the Big Ten champion but also the teams that will have a shot at the College Football Playoff and national championships.

Ohio State and Michigan have each had their periods of dominance in the rivalry. Ohio State, under legendary coaches like Woody Hayes and Jim Tressel, built a reputation for consistent dominance, especially in the 21st century. Michigan, on the other hand, has long been one of the most storied programs in college football, even if it has struggled to match Ohio State’s success in recent decades. The intensity of this rivalry cannot be overstated, and for a coach like Ryan Day, the Michigan game represents the pinnacle of his career—both in terms of personal success and in his role as the leader of Ohio State football.

Ryan Day’s Journey to Ohio State

Ryan Day was hired as Ohio State’s head coach in 2018 after the resignation of Urban Meyer. Day was seen as a natural successor, given his success as the offensive coordinator under Meyer, as well as his reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. In his first season as head coach, Day led the Buckeyes to an impressive 13-1 record, including a trip to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. His offense was high-powered, and he quickly gained a reputation as an innovator on the offensive side of the ball.

Day’s early success at Ohio State made him a fan favorite, and many believed that he would be the coach to carry the Buckeyes to continued dominance in the Big Ten and national landscape. However, the shadow of Michigan and its rivalry with Ohio State loomed large. Despite Day’s success in his first two seasons, the one blemish on his record was a stunning loss to Michigan in 2021.

That loss, a 42-27 defeat in the regular season finale, marked Ohio State’s first loss to Michigan in a decade. It was a crushing blow to Day’s reputation, as it ended Ohio State’s dominance over the Wolverines and handed Michigan its first Big Ten Championship appearance since 2004. The loss to Michigan in 2021 was not just about a game—it was a symbolic turning point for the rivalry and for Day’s tenure as Ohio State’s head coach.

The Pressure on Ryan Day

Following the loss to Michigan in 2021, the pressure on Ryan Day to win the next edition of “The Game” grew exponentially. While his overall record at Ohio State remained impressive, with regular-season victories piling up year after year, the failure to defeat Michigan cast a shadow over his accomplishments. Fans, alumni, and media members alike began to question whether Day had the fortitude to lead Ohio State past its biggest rival.

In 2022, Day’s Buckeyes came into the Michigan game with a sense of urgency and a determination to not let the previous year’s loss define their season. Despite being heavily favored, Ohio State faltered again, losing to Michigan 45-23. This defeat sent shockwaves through the program and raised further doubts about Day’s ability to lead the Buckeyes in the rivalry. The loss to Michigan in 2022 was particularly damaging because it occurred on Ohio State’s home turf at the Horseshoe, and it marked the second consecutive year that the Wolverines had defeated the Buckeyes.

At this point, Ryan Day was under immense pressure to not only rebound from these back-to-back defeats to Michigan but also to prove that he was capable of maintaining Ohio State’s status as one of the elite programs in college football. The looming specter of his inability to win “The Game” raised the stakes for his third showdown with Michigan.

CBS Sports’ Grave Warning to Ryan Day

Given the mounting pressure on Ryan Day heading into the 2023 season, CBS Sports issued a warning that underscored the consequences of another loss to Michigan. The network emphasized that a third consecutive defeat to Michigan would not only have significant ramifications for Day’s career but could also irreparably damage his standing with Ohio State fans and the university’s administration.

CBS Sports cautioned that if Day were to lose to Michigan once again, it could be seen as a signal that he was unable to win the games that matter most—the games that define the success and failure of a college football program. The warning highlighted that such a defeat would leave Day with a fragile grip on his position as head coach, regardless of his other accomplishments. While Ohio State has maintained its status as one of the top programs in the country, the team’s inability to defeat Michigan would undermine Day’s legacy and future prospects.

The network also pointed out that a loss to Michigan in 2023 could be a turning point not just for Day, but for the entire direction of Ohio State football. If Day were to falter again, it could lead to a reevaluation of his leadership, and perhaps even calls for a change at the helm. College football programs, especially those as prestigious as Ohio State, tend to be unforgiving when it comes to major rivalry games, and losing to Michigan for a third consecutive year would have long-term consequences for Day’s future at the university.

Analyzing the Consequences of Another Loss to Michigan

If Ryan Day were to lose to Michigan for a third consecutive year, the consequences would be far-reaching. For one, the national perception of Day’s ability as a head coach would be significantly impacted. Ohio State is a program with lofty expectations, and its fans are accustomed to winning. The rivalry with Michigan is the measuring stick by which Day’s success or failure will be judged. In college football, a coach’s legacy is often defined by their performance in their biggest games, and Day’s inability to win “The Game” would cast a long shadow over his tenure.

Additionally, another loss to Michigan could have a domino effect on the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts. Ohio State has traditionally been a powerhouse in recruiting, attracting top talent from across the country. However, the lure of winning “The Game” and dominating the Big Ten is often a major factor in recruits’ decisions. If Day were to lose to Michigan again, it could cause potential recruits to question whether Ohio State is the right program for them, especially if they are from Michigan or have a deep-rooted rivalry with the Wolverines.

Financially, the consequences could also be significant. Ohio State football is one of the most lucrative programs in college sports, generating millions of dollars in revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise. However, a prolonged period of mediocrity in the rivalry with Michigan could negatively impact those revenue streams, as fan interest and excitement wane.

Moreover, a third straight loss to Michigan would add even more pressure to Day’s coaching staff. The Buckeyes have already made changes to their staff in an effort to improve their performance, but continued struggles against Michigan could lead to more upheaval. Staff changes, coupled with the mounting pressure from fans and boosters, could make it more difficult for Day to maintain his authority and implement his vision for the team.

What Ryan Day Must Do to Avoid the Warning’s Outcome

In order to avoid the dire consequences laid out by CBS Sports, Ryan Day must make several key adjustments heading into the 2023 Michigan game. First, he must focus on ensuring that his team is mentally prepared for the magnitude of the rivalry. Michigan has developed a strong, physical football team under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and Ohio State needs to match that intensity in order to secure a victory. This means embracing a more balanced approach on offense and defense, utilizing the strengths of their personnel to control the line of scrimmage and execute at a high level.

Second, Day must continue to adapt and evolve his offensive strategy. Ohio State’s offense has been one of the best in the country under Day, but Michigan’s defense has proven to be a formidable challenge. Day needs to find ways to attack Michigan’s defense while maintaining a level of balance and consistency that can wear down their opponent over the course of four quarters.

Finally, Day must find a way to motivate his players to buy into the importance of the rivalry. For many players, the Ohio State-Michigan game is the most significant contest of their careers. Day needs to foster a sense of urgency and accountability, ensuring that his players understand the long-term consequences of losing to Michigan for a third straight year.