In a somber postgame press conference, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day shared his frustration after the Buckeyes’ 13-10 loss to Michigan. The defeat marks his fourth straight loss to the Wolverines, a bitter pill for a team with championship aspirations.
“We struggled to run the ball, and it cost us,” Day said. Ohio State managed just 77 rushing yards and 252 total yards. Day pointed to missed opportunities, including turnovers and two missed field goals, as key factors in the loss.
Offensive Struggles Take Center Stage
Day highlighted the team’s inability to establish rhythm offensively. “We couldn’t control the game,” he admitted. Red zone failures, combined with a lack of execution, stalled drives and kept the Buckeyes from capitalizing. A promising two-minute drill before halftime showed potential, but inconsistency defined their performance.
Defensively, Day praised the effort but acknowledged the toll of sustained offensive struggles. “When you’re not getting momentum on offense, it can wear on your defense,” he explained. Three Michigan scoring drives ultimately sealed the game.
Day took responsibility for the loss. “Ultimately, it starts with me,” he said. He admitted decisions, such as not leaning on a faster tempo offense in the second half, might have contributed to the outcome. “We tried to mix things up, but it wasn’t enough,” he reflected.
Postgame Tensions Erupt
Following the game, emotions boiled over as Michigan players attempted to plant a flag at Ohio Stadium. Day described his players’ response as rooted in pride. “This is our field, and our guys weren’t going to let that happen,” he said.
The loss presents a significant challenge for Day and his team. “The season’s not lost, but this one stings,” he acknowledged. While a playoff berth remains possible, he admitted the emotional impact of the defeat. Seniors, who returned with hopes of beating Michigan, were particularly devastated.
This loss amplifies scrutiny of Day’s tenure, especially given his 1-4 record against Michigan. “Nobody wants to win this game more than we do,” he said. The challenge now is preparing his team for what lies ahead, despite the disappointment.
The Buckeyes must regroup quickly. Their resilience will determine how they finish a season that began with lofty expectations but now feels at a crossroads.
