In a press conference held on Tuesday, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day opened up about the upcoming highly-anticipated matchup against the Michigan Wolverines. Amidst the allegations of sign-stealing, private investigation firms, and mutual respect concerns, Day opted to forgo an opening statement and kept his responses brief. With both teams vying for victory and tensions running high, Day emphasized the importance of focusing on the game and staying disciplined amidst the distractions.

Regarding his respect for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff, Day explained that the team had deliberately stayed away from the distractions and remained focused on their own preparation. He acknowledged the challenges this season has brought but highlighted how the players have maintained their focus on the game and the season ahead.

When questioned about the potential lessening of respect in the rivalry, Day emphasized that true respect for the rivalry lies in the daily dedication and hard work put into game planning, strength training, and player development. He reaffirmed Ohio State's respect for the rivalry and expressed excitement about the upcoming clash.

Day also stressed the importance of not letting emotions override the game plan. He acknowledged that while it may not be easy, the only thing that matters is the game itself and the team's preparation. Ohio State aims to remain disciplined and not let any distractions deter them from their ultimate goal.

Reflecting on the recent swing in favor of Michigan in the past two seasons, Day admitted that he was unsure of what had caused the shift. However, he emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences and using them as motivation to work harder and do everything possible to secure a victory.

In terms of quarterback recruitment, Day addressed the decision to select Kyle McCord over J.J. McCarthy. He praised McCarthy for his respectful and competitive nature, expressing his admiration for him as both a player and a person. Day explained that various factors contribute to the recruitment process, and all interactions with McCarthy and his family were characterized as classy.

Discussing the team's preparations for playing on the road, Day acknowledged the challenges faced during tough away games against Notre Dame and Wisconsin. He pointed out the importance of having reference points to draw from, as the team has previously been exposed to loud and hostile environments. Ohio State's preparation will take into account the unique conditions of playing at the Big House.

Moving on to the analysis of Michigan's red zone defense, Day acknowledged the limited sample size of their performance in that area. Nevertheless, he emphasized the significance of execution and efficiency in the red zone. With the field shrinking, both teams must be prepared to capitalize on scoring opportunities and make critical plays.

Addressing concerns about potential confrontations in Michigan's tunnel, Day assured that plans have been put in place to ensure focused preparation and avoid unnecessary distractions. The focus remains on the game of football.

Lastly, Day shared his thoughts on the potential impact of a 12-team playoff system on the rivalry. While acknowledging that the format will change next year, he emphasized that the intensity and stakes of the rivalry will remain unchanged. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry will continue to be an integral part of college football, regardless of the playoff structure.

As the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan continues to generate fervor and anticipation, both teams are fervently preparing for Saturday's game. With the allegations and distractions surrounding the matchup, Day and his team remain focused on their goal - winning the game and asserting their dominance in a historic rivalry.