No. 2 Ohio State is gearing up to face off against No. 5 Indiana this Saturday in what promises to be an electrifying top-five matchup in the Big Ten. This clash not only showcases two powerhouse teams but also offers Ohio State another opportunity to solidify its status under the leadership of coach Ryan Day.
Setting the Stage for a Big Ten Showdown
The Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) are looking to bounce back after a rollercoaster season that has already seen them face two other top-five opponents. After a narrow loss to No. 3 Oregon on October 12, Ohio State managed to regroup and secure a hard-fought victory against No. 3 Penn State on November 2. Now, with Indiana (10-0, 7-0) visiting Ohio Stadium, the stakes are higher than ever. Can the Buckeyes deliver another big-game performance and keep their championship hopes alive?
Ryan Day’s Record Against Top Teams
Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State has seen its fair share of ups and downs, particularly when it comes to facing top-ranked teams. Currently, Day holds a record of 3-6 against top-five opponents. The recent win against Penn State broke a four-game losing streak in such high-pressure situations. In the regular season, his record stands at 2-3, with notable losses to Michigan over the past two years and the earlier defeat to Oregon this season. The only bright spot was a 21-10 victory against No. 5 Notre Dame to kick off the 2022 season.
In the College Football Playoff arena, Day’s record is 1-3. The Buckeyes faced heartbreak against No. 3 Clemson in 2019 and No. 1 Alabama in the 2021 championship game. However, they did manage a stunning victory against No. 2 Clemson in 2020, showcasing their potential on the biggest stage. Yet, the recent loss to No. 1 Georgia in the 2022 playoffs still lingers in the minds of fans and players alike.
Day’s Performance Against Indiana and Michigan
When it comes to Indiana, Day has been flawless, boasting a 5-0 record against the Hoosiers. Their most memorable encounter was the top-10 showdown in 2020, where Ohio State triumphed 42-35. However, the same cannot be said for his record against Michigan. Day is currently 1-3 against the Wolverines, a statistic that has become a significant point of contention among Buckeyes supporters. Michigan has not only won the last three meetings but has also claimed the last three Big Ten championships, culminating in their national championship victory in 2023. The pressure is mounting as Ohio State prepares for its annual clash with Michigan on November 30.
Ryan Day’s Coaching Record and Legacy
Since taking the helm in 2019, Ryan Day has compiled an impressive overall record of 65-9, giving him a winning percentage of .878. This figure stands as the best among active FBS coaches, surpassing even Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who holds a .850 winning percentage. Day has led Ohio State to three College Football Playoff appearances, two Big Ten championships, and a CFP championship game in 2020. His dominance against unranked teams is remarkable, with a perfect 46-0 record. However, the 19-9 mark against top-25 teams and 44-4 in Big Ten play raises questions about his ability to consistently deliver in high-stakes situations.
Comparing Day to Previous Coaches
When evaluating Day’s performance, comparisons to former Ohio State coaches become inevitable. His record against top-10 teams stands at 11-8, which is slightly better than Jim Tressel’s 10-8 from 2001 to 2010. However, Day’s performance pales in comparison to Urban Meyer, who boasted a 13-4 record in top-10 games and a stellar 6-2 mark in top-five contests during his tenure from 2012 to 2018. Meyer’s legacy still looms large in Columbus, and the expectations for Day continue to reflect that standard.
Year-by-Year Breakdown of Day’s Coaching Tenure
Day’s journey as the head coach of Ohio State began in 2019, following a successful stint as the acting coach during Urban Meyer’s suspension in 2018. Below is a year-by-year breakdown of his coaching record:
| YEAR | W | L | W | L |
| 2018 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 2020 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| 2022 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| 2023 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| TOTALS | 65 | 9 | 44 | 4 |
As the Buckeyes prepare for their showdown against Indiana, the spotlight shines brightly on Ryan Day. Will he rise to the occasion and secure another pivotal victory? The anticipation is building, and fans are eager to see how this top-five clash unfolds.
