Ryan Day’s overall record at Ohio State is 56-8. He has a 39-3 record against Big Ten opponents and two conference championships. The Buckeyes have made the playoffs three times in five seasons under Day. However, Ohio State has lost its last three meetings with Michigan, dropping Day’s record against the Wolverines to 1-3. A trip to Indianapolis was on the line in all three games, with the last two games featuring 11-0 teams on both sides of the rivalry. In addition to the fan base, former Buckeyes have not been shy about voicing their opinions on the Buckeyes’ in-game struggles and the pressure Ryan Day faces.

Former OSU running back Beanie Wells recently offered some thoughts on Day and the rivalry. Wells criticized his alma mater for not being as physical and dominant as Michigan over the past three seasons. “It’s because of the way they lost those. Michigan was better physically than Ohio State,” Wells said. Football games are won and lost in the trenches, and Michigan’s physicality on offense on both sides of the ball has played a role in its continued success against Ohio State. The Wolverines’ running attack has shined over the past three meetings, racking up 795 yards on the ground. On the other hand, Michigan’s run defense has been underwhelming, allowing just 314 rushing yards during that stretch.

Wells believes Day’s job could be in jeopardy if he can’t get Ohio State its first win over Michigan since 2019. He said OSU has “done everything they can” after hiring Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and acquiring talent through the transfer portal. “They’re going to do their best and I think they have to do it, especially if Ryan Day still wants to be at Ohio State,” Wells said. Despite his excellent overall record, multiple Big Ten championships and a national championship appearance, Day will face the most pressure this season since replacing Urban Meyer.

It’s no secret that Buckeyes loyalists have grown restless over the team’s recent lack of success in college football’s biggest rivalry. With the new 12-team playoffs, the stakes likely won’t be as high as they were last year, but for Ryan Day, the stakes will be higher than ever when Michigan and Ohio State meet in Columbus on Nov. 30.

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