Ryan Day, the football coach at Ohio State, receives a grave warning from CBS Sports regarding the possible outcome of the Michigan game.
The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines share one of the most storied rivalries in all of sports, a rivalry that transcends mere athletic competition and delves into the heart of both fan bases. Every season, the stakes seem higher, and the intensity more palpable. For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, this year’s edition of “The Game” could have particularly significant consequences. As the Buckeyes gear up for the highly anticipated showdown with Michigan, a grave warning from CBS Sports has added even more pressure on Day’s shoulders. The network’s analysis offers a dire outlook, suggesting that the outcome of this game could have serious ramifications not only for Day’s future at Ohio State but also for the program’s long-term trajectory.
Day has already experienced significant success in Columbus, including leading Ohio State to numerous Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances. However, despite his accomplishments, the shadow of Michigan’s dominance in recent years has loomed large over his tenure. This year’s Michigan game is shaping up to be the most crucial one of Day’s career, and CBS Sports’ warning seems to suggest that the stakes have never been higher.
The Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry: The Stakes are Always High
Before diving into the warning itself, it’s important to recognize the significance of the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry in the context of college football. For more than a century, the rivalry has been defined by its heated nature, passionate fan bases, and high stakes. Every year, the two teams meet in a battle for conference supremacy, national rankings, and, in many cases, a spot in the College Football Playoff.
However, in recent years, the balance of power in the rivalry has tipped in Michigan’s favor. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan had struggled to overcome Ohio State, particularly in the face of Urban Meyer’s dominance in Columbus. But in the 2021 season, everything changed. Michigan defeated Ohio State 42-27 at Michigan Stadium, claiming its first win over the Buckeyes in nearly a decade. This victory helped Michigan secure a Big Ten title and a berth in the College Football Playoff. The momentum from that victory carried over into 2022, when Michigan again defeated Ohio State, this time by a 45-23 scoreline in Columbus.
For Ryan Day, these back-to-back losses to Michigan have been nothing short of devastating. Day’s primary job at Ohio State, since taking over for Meyer in 2019, has been to maintain the program’s elite status, and that means winning the Michigan game. The Buckeyes have excelled in almost every other area — they have remained one of the most successful programs in the country, year in and year out. However, Day’s inability to defeat Michigan in the past two seasons has left fans and analysts questioning his future at Ohio State.
CBS Sports’ Dire Warning: The Consequences of Another Loss
As the 2023 season progresses and the Michigan game approaches, the pressure on Ryan Day has never been more intense. CBS Sports, a network known for its in-depth college football coverage, issued a stark warning that has caught the attention of Ohio State fans and analysts alike. According to CBS, if Ohio State loses to Michigan for a third consecutive year, it could spell the end of Day’s tenure in Columbus.
This is not merely a case of disappointing fans — a loss to Michigan would be viewed as a sign that Day’s program is no longer performing at the elite level that Ohio State fans have come to expect. In a sport as results-driven as college football, programs like Ohio State do not tolerate prolonged periods of mediocrity, especially in a rivalry of such magnitude. For Day, the warning issued by CBS Sports underscores the fact that his job security could be directly tied to this game.
What Would Another Loss Mean for Ryan Day?
Another loss to Michigan would have significant ramifications, both for Day personally and for the Ohio State program as a whole. Let’s break down what a third straight loss to Michigan could mean for Day’s career.
1. Increased Pressure and Criticism
Losing to Michigan for a third consecutive year would place Day under an enormous amount of pressure. He has already faced intense scrutiny following the Buckeyes’ losses in 2021 and 2022, and another defeat would only amplify the criticism. Fans, alumni, and media outlets would begin to question whether Day is capable of leading the program to sustained success in a rivalry that has historically defined Ohio State’s season.
Day’s tenure has thus far been marked by many high points: his impressive offensive schemes, his recruiting success, and his ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. However, the inability to defeat Michigan has placed a shadow over those accomplishments. Ohio State is a program that prides itself on its legacy of dominance, and failing to win “The Game” — especially three times in a row — would likely be seen as a failure to meet the program’s lofty standards.
2. Recruiting Setbacks
Another significant consequence of a loss to Michigan would be the impact on recruiting. Ohio State has long been a recruiting powerhouse, but the rivalry with Michigan plays a huge role in attracting top talent. High school recruits — particularly those in Ohio and Michigan — are keenly aware of the significance of the Ohio State-Michigan game, and for many players, choosing a school that consistently wins this rivalry is a critical factor.
If Ohio State continues to lose to Michigan, it could have a detrimental effect on their ability to recruit elite talent. Rivals like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson would capitalize on Ohio State’s inability to win against Michigan, further weakening the program’s chances of landing top-tier recruits. Recruiting battles often hinge on momentum, and if Michigan can position itself as the dominant program in the Big Ten, it would become even more difficult for Ohio State to regain its place as a recruiting juggernaut.
3. Fan Discontent and Potential Program Changes
Ohio State’s fan base is among the most passionate in college football, and their expectations are sky-high. The program has long been accustomed to national championships and Big Ten titles, and losing to Michigan three times in a row would likely cause fan discontent to reach a boiling point. Fans would be furious not only with the outcome of the game but also with the perceived lack of progress in winning “The Game.”
In the world of college football, fan dissatisfaction can lead to significant changes. If Ohio State’s fan base grows disillusioned with Ryan Day, it could lead to increased pressure from boosters and alumni to make a change. The program’s immense financial backing and status as one of the top programs in the nation mean that Ohio State’s administration would not hesitate to make a coaching change if it believes the program is headed in the wrong direction.
4. Reputation and Legacy
For Ryan Day, the long-term implications of another loss to Michigan go beyond just the immediate pressure he faces. Losing the rivalry for a third consecutive year would have significant consequences for his coaching legacy. Day’s reputation has largely been built on his ability to win games and develop talent, but if he is unable to deliver the program’s biggest win — the victory over Michigan — his place in Ohio State lore will be questioned. Day will always be remembered for his offensive prowess, but how he handles the Michigan rivalry will ultimately define his legacy.
Ryan Day’s Path Forward: How He Can Turn Things Around
Ryan Day is well aware of the stakes involved in the 2023 Michigan game. The Buckeyes have a talented roster, led by one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. For Ohio State to regain its place atop the Big Ten and restore order to the rivalry, Day will need to do what his predecessors did: win the game.
There are a few key areas in which Day can improve to ensure that Ohio State comes out victorious against Michigan:
- Developing a Game Plan to Counter Michigan’s Strengths: Michigan has a well-balanced team with strong defense and an efficient offense. Day will need to develop a game plan that exploits Michigan’s weaknesses while minimizing Ohio State’s vulnerabilities.
- Quarterback Play: Ohio State’s quarterbacks have the talent to lead the team to victory, but Day must make sure that the quarterback plays with poise and confidence in the most important game of the year. A turnover-free performance could be crucial.
- Motivating His Players: The emotional aspect of the rivalry cannot be understated. Day must ensure that his players are properly motivated to win, especially after the disappointments of the previous seasons.
- Improving the Defense: Ohio State’s defense has often been the Achilles’ heel in recent years, especially in high-stakes games. Day’s defensive staff must come up with a plan to slow down Michigan’s offense and prevent big plays.
