Ryan Day laughs at reporter after Ohio State downs Michigan 27-9 in 'The Game' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For four years, Ryan Day faced the question: “Great recruiter, great offense, but can he beat Michigan when it matters?” On Saturday in Ann Arbor, he answered with a 27-9 win that felt personal.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDay’s Buckeyes rushed for 186 yards and passed for 233 yards with three touchdowns. They physically dominated a proud Michigan defense that had troubled them since 2021. They led 17-6 at halftime and 27-6 after three quarters. As Michigan players left to protect their midfield logo from an Ohio State flag planting, the Buckeyes cruised to victory.
After the game, a reporter asked Day to reflect on the past year of criticism. He smiled and said, “It’s OK, Ari. You can’t ruin today for me, brother.” He didn’t gloat or celebrate excessively. Instead, he enjoyed the locker-room joy while Drake’s “Nonstop” played loudly and players sang along to the Ohio State-themed lyrics: “I see all this money through my Ohio State Buckeyes!” This win was redemption without bitterness. Day said his team played for love of each other, not out of hatred for their opponent. Yet the blowout was so decisive that it felt like both.
The four-game losing streak is over. The “can’t win the big one” story is finished. The man who was one loss away from being ousted from Columbus a year ago is now the defending national champion who just reclaimed the rivalry in dominant style.
What will they say now? Nothing. There’s nothing left to say. Ryan Day is 1-0 against Michigan as the predator instead of the prey, 16-0 since last year’s loss, and holds the longest winning streak in college football. He has checked the last box. He is elite.
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