Eric Boggs
As the Ohio State Buckeyes approach their high-stakes clash against Michigan this Saturday, head coach Ryan Day is focusing on process, preparation, and poise to guide his team through one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. From emotional discipline to physical dominance, every detail has been scrutinized to ensure the Buckeyes are ready for the moment.
Day’s message to his players this week has been clear: trust the preparation. “This part of the week, you’re putting the plan together,” Day explained. “You really try to make sure you’re focusing on the process right now because you only can control what you can control.”
This philosophy extends beyond game week. Every decision—from offseason training to schematics—has been made with this matchup in mind. “Everything we do in the offseason is working toward this moment,” Day said. He emphasized the importance of trusting their training, reminding players that their preparation throughout the season has laid a strong foundation for success.
The Buckeyes’ senior class, many of whom returned with their eyes set on this game, will be pivotal on Saturday. Day highlighted their determination: “These seniors want to win this game—it’s one of the biggest understatements of all time. But they don’t need extra motivation. What they need to do is prepare their minds, bodies, and souls for the game and trust their training.”
Day also pointed to the leadership across the roster as a stabilizing force, ensuring the team remains focused and disciplined.
Physicality at the line of scrimmage will play a critical role in determining Saturday’s outcome. Day underscored this point, saying, “The team who runs the ball and the team who stops the run is going to win the game.”
Ohio State’s offensive line will face a significant challenge against Michigan’s formidable defensive front. “Our running backs have to get downhill and find all those hidden yards,” Day said. “Our offensive line has to get movement up front and handle their front.”
On defense, Ohio State must control the line of scrimmage to stifle Michigan’s rushing attack, a cornerstone of their game plan.
Efficiency on third and fourth downs has been another area of focus for the Buckeyes. While their third-down conversion rate has been lower than usual, the team has excelled on fourth down. “We want to be great on third down,” Day said. “Third and fourth down are very similar. We combine those numbers and focus on situations.”
The ability to extend drives and capitalize on opportunities will be vital in a game where every yard counts.
Adverse weather conditions are expected, but Day downplayed their significance. “This time of year, you’re expecting cold weather, wind, rain, snow—all of the above,” he said. “We’ll be ready to go. It’ll be the same for both teams.”
Day also spoke about players stepping up in big moments, recalling examples like Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson in past games. “You don’t know until they’re in it,” he said. “But you just go back to your training. Every play is amplified, every inch, every yard—but ultimately, it’s still football.”
Ohio State’s preparation has been comprehensive, from offensive adjustments to defensive strategies. The Buckeyes’ defense, which has gained confidence throughout the season, will need to maintain relentless pressure and discipline. “Nothing that you’ve done in the past has anything to do with what’s going on moving forward,” Day cautioned. “You’ve got to go do it this week.”
Special teams will also play a crucial role. Day praised recent improvements in this area, attributing it to persistence and personnel adjustments. “We just kept cracking the rock,” he said.
Day acknowledged the magnitude of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and the personal pressure he feels as head coach. “This game is a war,” Day said. “And anytime there’s a war, there’s consequences and casualties.”
Despite the pressure, Day expressed pride in his team, particularly the seniors seeking redemption. “They want to have a pair of gold pants. They want to have hardware. That’s what motivates me, and I’m excited for them.”
With the stakes at their highest, Day emphasized the importance of unity, focus, and effort. “We’ve talked about this game all year, and now we’re finally here,” he said. His advice to his players: execute the game plan, play for each other, and leave everything on the field.
“The only thing that needs to be extraordinary is their effort,” Day concluded. “Everything else, they just need to do their job.”
For Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, the path to victory is clear: trust the process, embrace the challenge, and seize the moment.
