Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day expressed his belief that his team should have beaten Michigan in their 2023 matchup, despite it being their third consecutive loss to the Wolverines. Speaking at the 2024 Big Ten Media Days, Day stated, “That was a very good team, but we still should have won the game and we didn’t.”
Day’s confidence isn’t just wishful thinking; the 2023 game was extremely close. Despite Michigan holding the lead, Ohio State kept the game within reach, narrowing the deficit to just three points in the fourth quarter. Day’s assertion that “we still should have won” indicates a belief that Ohio State’s talent and performance were superior.
However, Day’s comments highlight the reality that actual outcomes, not hypotheticals, determine the record books and playoff standings. Michigan’s victory was crucial, propelling them towards a National Championship, while Ohio State’s loss ended their playoff hopes. Day’s confidence in his team may reflect a belief in their tangible talent, but Michigan’s performance on the day secured the win.
Day’s reflection on the game shows his ongoing commitment to addressing the gaps in performance that have led to recent losses to Michigan. As he mentioned, “You look at all these different things and you make the decisions and figure out how far off are we, are there major changes that have to be made or not?”
One undeniable fact remains: Michigan has beaten Ohio State three years in a row. If the Wolverines extend this streak to four, Ryan Day might find himself searching for a new job.
