Just how high are expectations for Ohio State on a yearly basis? One loss can ruin a season, especially if that loss comes to Michigan. Head coach Ryan Day is feeling the heat after two straight losses to the Wolverines. While many were hoping that Day could channel the energy Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer had against That Team Up North, lately Day is coaching more like John Cooper against Ohio State’s biggest rival.
Day recovered from the most recent loss against Michigan to push Georgia to the limit in the Peach Bowl before a puzzling decision at the end of the game allowed the Bulldogs to survive and move on to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Under Day, Ohio State has made the College Football Playoff three times, but have failed to win the title in those appearances, only making the championship game once.
There’s no question Ohio State has the talent to make another CFP appearance this season, especially with some of the skill position players that are returning on offense. What is unknown is can the defense make strides in Jim Knowles’ second season, and can Day handle giving up some of the play calling on offense? If Day and the rest of the coaching staff can’t fix those issues and halt a two-game losing streak against Michigan and don’t make the College Football Playoff, then it’s going to be an even longer offseason in 2024.
