CBS Sports sends Michigan 'bugaboo' warning to Ryan Day to prevent Ohio State football disaster
Context:
Ohio State's football team faces a crucial challenge against Michigan, having lost their last four encounters, including a significant defeat last November that thwarted their Big Ten Championship aspirations. Despite Ohio State's subsequent national title win relieving some pressure from Coach Ryan Day, the ongoing losing streak against Michigan remains a critical concern. CBS Sports' Will Backus highlights the upcoming matchup on November 29 as a season-defining game for Ohio State, emphasizing its high stakes. Michigan, under Coach Sherrone Moore, has bolstered its lineup with top recruit Bryce Underwood and maintains a strong defense, positioning itself as a potential playoff contender. For Michigan, a victory over Ohio State could secure an at-large College Football Playoff spot, making the game pivotal for both teams' postseason hopes.
Dive Deeper:
Ohio State's recent history against Michigan has been challenging, with four consecutive losses, including a tight 13-10 defeat last November that cost them a Big Ten Championship game appearance.
Despite winning a national title last season, Ohio State's coach Ryan Day continues to face pressure due to the team's inability to overcome Michigan, marking the rivalry as a significant hurdle.
The upcoming game on November 29 in Ann Arbor is highlighted by CBS Sports' Will Backus as a defining moment for Ohio State's season, given the high stakes involved.
Michigan, led by Coach Sherrone Moore, finished last season with an 8-5 record, yet managed to extend their winning streak against Ohio State to four games.
With the addition of top 2025 recruit Bryce Underwood as quarterback and a robust defense, Michigan is poised for a strong season, potentially securing a playoff spot.
A win against Ohio State could be crucial for Michigan's chances of reaching the College Football Playoff, emphasizing the high stakes for both teams.
Both teams need favorable outcomes in various aspects to realize their postseason ambitions, as highlighted by Backus, with little room for error in their upcoming strategies.
Perfection is next to impossible in the sports world. Ohio State is no exception.
A 13-10 loss to the Michigan Wolverines last November in the regular-season finale ruined a would-be trip to the Big Ten Championship game while handing the Buckeyes their fourth-straight head-to-head loss in "The Game" series.
Although the Buckeyes went on and won a national title to finally relieve their coach, Ryan Day, from the negative backlash surrounding him having yet to win a championship to that point, the Wolverines remain his sole hurdle he must win.
According to CBS Sports' Will Backus, this fall is the year things must turn in Day's favor regarding the rivalry. Backus marked the game as the Buckeyes' season-definer, and for good reason: high stakes.
This year's matchup occurs Saturday, November 29, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
"Could it be anyone else?" Backus asked. "Ohio State climbed to college football's mountaintop last season, but still stumbled against Michigan along the way. The Buckeyes have now lost straight against their most despised rival and that streak is really the only bugaboo left haunting Ohio State coach Ryan Day."
Backus shared a similar feat about Sherrone Moore's Wolverines, who finished 8-5 last season.
"Again, could it be anything else? Michigan lost five games last season and still beat Ohio State, extending its win streak to four in "The Game," Backus wrote. "Now, with a revamped quarterback room following the addition of 2025 top recruiting prospect Bryce Underwood, and a defense that remains loaded despite some significant NFL departures."
Backus said if the chips fall the Wolverines' way, a postseason berth and regular-season title could be up for grabs, as it likely should be for college football fans everywhere.
"Michigan is right back in the playoff mix," Backus wrote. "Regardless of the other immense stakes, a win against Ohio State could be what the Wolverines need to push for an at-large CFP spot, at the very least."
Of course, for Backus to be correct, a lot has to favor both teams with little room for error.
By August, many of those preconceived notions are going to become reality.