Ohio State Ends Michigan Losing Streak, Eyes Big Ten Championship

The Ohio State Buckeyes put an end to a frustrating streak against their archrival, the Michigan Wolverines, with a comfortable victory in Ann Arbor on Saturday. The win not only secured bragging rights but also capped a perfect 12-0 regular season for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes will now shift focus to the Big Ten Championship Game this weekend, where they will face an undefeated Indiana squad. Both teams are expected to be contenders for a College Football Playoff berth when the field is announced on Sunday.

Despite the lopsided final score, Ohio State’s start was far from smooth. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw an early interception, raising concerns that history might repeat itself after last year’s shocking loss at home to Michigan.

Head coach Ryan Day reflected on that moment during a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, sharing how the team managed to stay calm and confident despite the early setback.

1. Staying Composed Amid Early Adversity

When asked about the interception, host Taylor Lewan questioned whether Day feared the Buckeyes might fall behind again. “Was there a piece of you… ‘Oh f—k, it’s happening again?’” Lewan asked. Day admitted the concern was there. “Of course there was, of course there was,” he said, acknowledging the natural tension in high-stakes rivalry games. Yet Day emphasized that neither he nor his coaching staff panicked. “Well the thing that never happened though is like I just never panicked and neither did anybody on the sideline because there was just a certain level of confidence we had going into this game,” he explained. This composure allowed Ohio State to settle in, execute effectively, and ultimately control the game despite the rocky start, demonstrating the resilience that has defined the Buckeyes all season.

2. A Perfect Regular Season

Ohio State’s 12-0 record reflects both talent and discipline, overcoming challenges throughout the season to maintain consistency. The victory over Michigan was particularly significant, ending a streak of struggles in the rivalry that had haunted the program in recent seasons. The Buckeyes’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense helped neutralize any momentum Michigan initially gained. Key plays and strategic adjustments allowed Ohio State to assert dominance and secure a convincing win on the road. With the regular season complete, Ohio State now turns its attention fully to the Big Ten Championship. Saturday’s matchup against Indiana will test the team’s ability to maintain focus against another undefeated squad. Both programs are expected to earn College Football Playoff consideration, meaning the outcome of the championship game could have significant implications for national seeding and matchups.

3. Looking Ahead to Indiana and the Playoff

Indiana arrives at the championship game undefeated, presenting Ohio State with a formidable challenge. Both teams will rely on disciplined execution, minimizing mistakes, and leveraging depth across key positions. Ohio State’s experience in high-pressure situations, including last year’s national championship run, provides a psychological edge. The team’s ability to stay calm under early adversity against Michigan demonstrates that mental toughness will be critical against Indiana. Preparation for the playoff begins in earnest after the Big Ten title game. As defending national champions, the Buckeyes will look to sustain their momentum and showcase the same resilience that carried them through the regular season. The coaching staff’s focus on execution, combined with a confident roster, positions Ohio State as a legitimate contender to repeat as national champions. Saturday’s game will provide another benchmark for the team’s readiness heading into postseason play.