The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is synonymous with college football, and former Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel knows about it far too well.
Tressel rang the "Victory Bell" before the Buckeyes' eventual 42-9 win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Columbus this past Saturday. Before the home finale, he spoke to Ohio-based sports reporter Hanna Williford about what the moment meant for him before diving into the Wolverines.
"It's such a neat, new tradition," Tressel said. "And that's what's cool about Ohio State is all the traditions. Now you add another one. Absolutely honored to be part of it."
Tressel was honest about what the Wolverines' matchup represents. Even though this year's game has major ramifications, Tressel told Sports Illustrated that the game should be treated as a one-game ordeal each year.
“That game — whether it’s here or there — throw out the records,” Tressel said. Sometimes, weather’s the great equalizer. Handle things play by play and then get ready for the playoffs. But there’s nothing like that last regular season game.”
The objective, though, remains in sync: ending the losing skid against the Wolverines is top priority.
“We’ll figure that out once we know what the status is, but the ultimate goal is to win the game, that’s it,” Day said of his team's health “We’re gonna do everything we can to win the game based on what we have and we’ll just go from there.”
Day's Buckeyes are just days away from attempting to tip things in their favor. Whether they do is the big unknown.