Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing for the biggest rivalry game in college football. A series Michigan leads with an all time record of 62-52-6.
While Michigan has had the upper hand in recent memory, the Buckeyes have won 17 of the last 20 meetings between these two dating back to 2001.
Rivalry games create an intriguing dynamic with fans. For both of these teams, National Championship is the goal. However, in the eyes of the respective fans, win this game and everything else is comparatively alright.
As we sit currently, Ohio State has been the No. 1 team in the country for most of the season. Michigan on the other hand, has been flirting with being within range of the college football playoff for much of the last month.
Rivalry games are fun, but according to Sports Illustrated, Day wants to be clear on what ‘fun’ means within the context of the Ohio State vs Michigan game.
"Fun is kicking ass and that's what we want to do on Saturday."
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2025
Ryan Day on Ohio State vs Michigan matchup this weekend 👀 pic.twitter.com/zZoBMH8xce
"Like I say, fun is kicking a--," Day said. "And that's what we wanna do on Saturday. So, we're preparing to do that and that's it. Like, there's nothing funny about this at all. There's not, but the fun part is winning. So, we'll save the fun for being in the locker room and celebrating after the game..."
The Buckeyes are taking a business approach to this game for two reasons. Recent history and the impending college football playoffs seeding. Day has a rather impressive overall record since taking over in Columbus. 81-10 in eight seasons is nothing to sneeze at.
However, Day is only 1-4 against Michigan. A factor that does not sit well with many Buckeyes fans. In 2024 there was a significant media push that Day’s job might be in jeopardy after losing to Michigan last season. As it turned out, the Michigan loss galvanized the Buckeyes team who went on a playoff run ending in an Ohio State National Championship.
Currently, Ohio State has an undefeated record at 11-0 with a perfect season and preferrable playoff seeding on the line. Michigan is the No. 15 team in the AP top 25 and still might have some playoff life left if they get some help in the final week. Both teams have something to play for.
Saturday Ohio State travels to the big house to take on Michigan. The game will kick off at Noon ET and broadcast on Fox.
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