Ohio State and Michigan have one of the most storied rivalries in college football, and “The Game” holds a special place in the hearts of fans on both sides. For decades, this annual matchup has been the ultimate test of a successful season for both programs. But in the era of the College Football Playoff (CFP), it’s time to reevaluate this dynamic and adjust our perspective. One bold move to signal this shift would be to schedule the Michigan game earlier in the season. Here’s why.
The Evolving Landscape of College Football
The introduction of the CFP has fundamentally changed what defines success for elite programs like Ohio State. In the past, beating Michigan and winning the Big Ten title were often enough to crown a season a success. Today, however, teams are judged by their ability to win national championships—period. As much as I respect and love the rivalry, Michigan can no longer be the sole barometer of a coach’s success at Ohio State.
With the expanded playoff format on the horizon, Ohio State must prioritize broader goals. The reality is that with the increased parity brought about by NIL deals and the transfer portal, coupled with longer seasons, perfection in the regular season will become increasingly rare. Even the best programs will likely face losses along the way. As fans, we must recognize this new reality and adjust our expectations accordingly.
The Ryan Day Factor: A Winning Record and a Growing Legacy
Critics of Ryan Day need to take a hard look at the numbers. He currently holds the highest winning percentage among active head coaches in college football—an impressive 87.5%. That puts him ahead of even Georgia’s Kirby Smart, and Tulane’s rising star, Jon Sumrall. Day’s record speaks for itself, but it also highlights something often overlooked: he’s still growing into his role as one of the sport’s most dominant head coaches.
Day’s tenure has not been without challenges. Leading a program like Ohio State comes with immense pressure, particularly when every game is treated as a referendum on a coach’s legacy. But let’s be clear—Day has consistently kept Ohio State among the nation’s elite, and firing him would be not only shortsighted but also detrimental to the program’s long-term success. There are plenty of programs that would jump at the chance to have someone of Day’s caliber leading their team. Let’s not be the school that lets a great coach flourish elsewhere because of unrealistic expectations.
Why Moving “The Game” Makes Sense
Changing the timing of the Michigan game would help shift the narrative around Ohio State’s season. Too much emphasis is placed on a single matchup, particularly when the outcome doesn’t necessarily determine playoff eligibility. Scheduling the game earlier would allow Ohio State to focus on the bigger picture: preparing for a potential playoff run. It would also prevent the team from entering the postseason emotionally drained, a real risk when “The Game” is positioned as the ultimate test right before championship season.
This change wouldn’t diminish the rivalry—it would simply reframe it within the context of modern college football. “The Game” would still matter deeply, but it wouldn’t overshadow the ultimate goal of winning national championships.
A Call for Perspective
The calls to fire Ryan Day are, frankly, ridiculous. In an era where the margin for error is razor-thin, Day has kept Ohio State consistently competitive at the highest level. He’s a proven winner who has guided the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances and kept them in the national conversation year after year. Ohio State fans should be rallying behind Day, not undermining him.
As the game evolves, so must our expectations. It’s time to move past outdated measures of success and embrace the realities of the playoff era. By doing so, we not only strengthen our program but also position Ohio State for sustained excellence in the years to come. Let’s support Ryan Day and focus on the bigger picture: winning championships and building a legacy that reflects the greatness of Ohio State football.
