In a disappointing turn of events, No. 2 Ohio State suffered a 30-24 defeat against No. 3 Michigan, marking their third consecutive loss in the rivalry series. The loss has intensified criticism surrounding Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day, whose overall record stands at an impressive 56-7. However, his struggles against their top rival and failure to secure a Big Ten Championship Game berth have raised questions about his future.

Day's predecessor, retired three-time national champion coach Urban Meyer, expressed confidence in Day's job security during a post-game interview on FOX. Meyer stated that while Day is not currently under fire, the reality is that coaching at Ohio State comes with immense pressure and scrutiny. Despite the support, several former Buckeyes players have taken to social media to call for a change in leadership, including star running back Maurice Clarett and former quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Day's tenure at Ohio State began in 2017 when he served as an assistant under Meyer. During that time, Meyer achieved perfection against Michigan, winning all seven matchups from 2012 to 2018, including critical Big Ten East showdowns. Meyer's success included three Big Ten titles and a national championship in 2014, the Buckeyes' most recent title to date.

While Day has successfully led the team to three consecutive seasons of 11 or more wins, the regular season has ended on a sour note each year with three consecutive losses to Michigan. This three-game skid against the Wolverines is the first for Ohio State since 1995-97.

Despite Meyer's reassurances and the achievements under Day's leadership, the criticism from former Buckeyes players highlights the pressure for change in Columbus. Their opinions, although not directly impacting coaching decisions, contribute to the challenging situation Day now finds himself in.

Looking ahead, the road doesn't get any easier for Ohio State. The Big Ten is set to expand to 18 teams in 2024, bringing in powerhouse programs like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington from the Pac-12. As the conference becomes more competitive, Day will need to find a way to overcome his struggles against Michigan and position Ohio State for continued success in the evolving landscape of college football.

In the meantime, the Buckeyes will aim to finish the season on a high note and secure another New Year's Six bowl berth. However, the disappointment of falling short against their top rival has left both fans and critics wondering about the future of Ohio State's football program under Ryan Day's leadership.

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