Eric Boggs
The Ohio State football community has entered full “hate week” mode as they prepare for their highly anticipated showdown against Michigan this Saturday. Hosts Eric Boggs, Chris Wilds, and Cory Thompson of The OHIO Podcast captured the tension and passion surrounding the game in their recent episode, emphasizing its stakes for the program, fans, and head coach Ryan Day.
For Ohio State fans, this game is personal. After three consecutive losses to Michigan, the Buckeyes face what many are calling a “must-win” scenario. Boggs summed up the frustration, stating, “We’ve taken it on the chin for three years… It all has to end this Saturday.” The hosts agreed that a loss could spell disaster for Day’s tenure, with Wilds bluntly stating, “If he loses this one, he’s out.”
The podcast highlighted the emotional toll the rivalry has taken on the fan base. Wilds expressed a collective desire for a decisive victory, saying, “I don’t just want a win—I want blood. I want this to be a statement game.”
The stakes are especially high for Ryan Day, who has faced criticism for failing to deliver in this marquee matchup. The podcast’s hosts praised Day’s decision to relinquish play-calling duties, allowing him to focus on managing the team and game strategy—a shift they believe could prove critical.
The episode also emphasized Ohio State’s advantages heading into the game. With a “superstar team,” elite defense, and two top-five wins this season, the Buckeyes are seen as the superior team on paper. Yet the podcast cautioned against overconfidence, with Thompson noting, “This team has been playing on another level, but Saturday is about putting it all on the line like there’s no tomorrow.”
For fans, players, and coaches alike, this game isn’t just about rivalry bragging rights—it’s about reclaiming the program’s pride and proving that the last three years were an anomaly. As Boggs put it, “We have to win this game. It would be a failure of epic proportions to lose.”
The stakes have never been higher for Ryan Day and Ohio State. A victory could restore order in the rivalry and solidify Day’s legacy. A loss, however, could usher in seismic changes for the program.
Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. Buckeyes fans will undoubtedly bring their trademark intensity, hoping to witness a defining moment in the storied Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
