Ryan Day’s Challenges Against Michigan: Key Statistics Revealed

Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day is poised to confront a significant challenge this weekend against their arch-rival, Michigan. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 1, will face the No. 18 Wolverines, aiming to maintain their perfect season record. This marked the 50th time since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936 that both teams have been ranked during this high-stakes rivalry known as “The Game.”

Historic Rivalry Statistics

In the series, Michigan holds a narrow edge in ranked matchups with a record of 23 wins, 22 losses, and 4 ties. However, when it comes to games against No. 1 ranked teams, Michigan’s performance has been less impressive. They hold a record of just 3 wins, 18 losses, and 1 tie against AP No. 1 opponents, including a 1-3-1 record when facing Ohio State as the top-ranked team.

Ohio State’s Recent Performance Against Michigan

Ohio State fans are eager for a victory over Michigan, particularly after the team’s national championship win. Nonetheless, Day’s tenure has been marked by a struggle against the Wolverines, leading to some concerning statistics:

• 0: Ohio State recorded zero sacks in two of its last four games against Michigan (2021 and 2024), an alarming statistic compared to their previous years.
• 4: The Buckeyes have lost four consecutive matchups against Michigan, the longest stretch since the 1920s.
• 52: Ohio State’s offensive output has seen a drastic drop, averaging 52 fewer total yards when playing against Michigan, alongside 13 fewer points scored.
• 112: On defense, Ohio State allows 112 more yards per game against Michigan than against other teams.

Day’s Record and Impact

Ryan Day has an impressive overall record of 81 wins and 10 losses in his eight seasons as head coach. However, his performance against Michigan is a stark contrast, with a record of just 1 win and 4 losses. This statistic translates to a remarkable 93% success rate against all opponents except for the Wolverines, where his win percentage drops to 20%.

As Ohio State prepares for this critical matchup, the stakes are high. Victory would not only break the losing streak against Michigan but also solidify Day’s legacy within the program.