Ryan Day took quite a beating last year in the media and with certain fans after laying an egg against Michigan. Of course, he shut up many of his critics as the Buckeyes played angry and went on an epic run in the College Football Playoff to win Day’s first National Championship.
Still, four straight losses against Michigan hung over Day’s head. This year, Day and the Buckeyes entered the game as the better team, just like last year. But it was clear from the beginning that Day wasn’t going to play conservatively. Julian Sayin came out throwing, but he tossed an interception on his second pass of the game.
But the Buckeyes didn’t buckle under the pressure after falling behind 6-0. Sayin threw a touchdown to Jeremiah Smith and then later threw a TD bomb to Carnell Tate. The running game was also working with Bo Jackson and the other Ohio State backs. Ohio State outgained Michigan 419-163 as they controlled the game in a 27-9 victory.
Meanwhile, Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s $10 million freshman QB, finished the game going 8-18 with just 63 passing yards!
In the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes went to the ground game as their offensive lines just dominated the Michigan defense.
After the game, the Ohio State players celebrated of course, but they didn’t bother planting a flag. They know they expect to win this game, and Day was clear he wanted them to win with humility.
