**Ohio State Faces Uncertain Future After Another Setback Against Michigan**

Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, finds himself haunted by a devastating 2021 loss to Michigan. Four years have passed, but the sting remains, and the specter of it could now be threatening his tenure.

Despite the Buckeyes securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, the loss to Michigan on November 30, 2024, casts a long shadow. To ensure Day's position isn't jeopardized, Ohio State may need to clinch the championship, a task now seemingly more daunting given the likelihood of starting their playoff run in a challenging away game.

The crux of Ohio State's struggle lies within their approach to the rivalry. Instead of addressing the weaknesses exposed by their rivals and swiftly moving on, the team opted to dwell on past traumas. Determined to prove they could outdo Michigan at their own game, they shifted their strategy toward toughness and a ground-heavy offense—diverting from the high-octane attack that initially led to Day's hiring.

In 2018 and 2019, Day's offensive powerhouse posted 62 and 56 points against Michigan, results that dramatically shifted when the showdown in 2020 was canceled. This break unwittingly provided Michigan a chance to recalibrate under Jim Harbaugh, setting them on a trajectory that has since upended the previously one-sided rivalry.

The Wolverines' resurgence has left Ohio State scrambling to reclaim their dominance, a battle they have repeatedly fallen short in. The quest to outmatch Michigan at their own game has been a costly distraction, one that may now define Ryan Day’s legacy at Ohio State.