Watch: Ohio State coach Ryan Day speaks ahead of Michigan game
Nov 26, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- We've reached the final week of the regular season, which means it's Rivalry Week and the Buckeyes are set to face Michigan.
Coach Ryan Day said he doesn't need to put any extra emphasis on how important this weekend's game is.
"We've been training all year for this moment. Now we just need to do it again," Day said. "They know what's at stake. Focus on the process, focus on what we've done up to this point, the foundation that's been built. And then go play with our hair on fire."
Although No. 2 Ohio State enters the matchup on a five-game win streak and is favored against the unranked Wolverines, the game remains the most important one on the calendar. OSU looks to end a three-game losing streak against Michigan and will also try to beat the Wolverines at Ohio Stadium for the first time since 2018.
The Buckeyes are coming off their second top-five victory of the season, defeating then-No. 5 Indiana 38-15. The offense scored 31 straight points, including the first punt return for a touchdown in a decade, and the defense came up with five sacks.
The Wolverines are coming off a 50-6 win over Northwestern to become bowl eligible.
An OSU victory would also clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 7 against Oregon in Indianapolis.
The game kicks off at noon Saturday, marking Ohio State's sixth straight noon start.